, endurance, wisdom and righteousness to achieve success in every walk of life. These characteristics, in fact, help them to solve any kind of problems in hardships and difficulties. The person who doesn't possess these qualities suffers in life. In this story, Yudhisthira with these qualities became able to save all his four brothers. The philosophical queries of Yama and tactful answers of Yudhisthira also interest the reader’s much. Ydhisthira's answers like mother, giving up pride, anger and desire are all wisdom-based and philosophically correct. Critical Thinking:

As we read the story thoroughly with concentration, we find that from the moral and religious point of view the story is appreciable. It sounds a charming tale. But when, we as a critical thinker, make attempts to separate wheat from the chaff, it undergoes several drawbacks and shortcomings. If we try to relate this story to the one in (he present context, we come to notice that people don't have much respect on or regard for morality and religion. Modern people are chiefly concerned with material happiness. Similarly, on the other hand, we can raise doubts over the existence of god in this world. Patience, right conduct, wisdom, as well as endurance are not rewarded on this earth. We have a great concern over the answers given by Yudhisthira, which sound quite simple but such philosophical answers are not expected from the direct questions of Yama. From our perspectives, man without desires can never be rich, nor we can lose our anger. Similarly, a man can't abandon pride and ambitio;i, for ,on their absence, success will be a mere a dream. As such in all these aspects, we disagree with the writer along with one event in which all the Pandava brothers are restored to life even after the death -,','liich is absolutely impossible in reality.

Assimilation:

As I went through the story carefully, I came to realize the reality of life. The concept that real happiness of life stands on the platform of right conduct ,wisdom, patience and endurance has now changed my mode of thinking about several aspects of life. 1 was never convinced earlier that all these qualities would one day be rewarded. But now Yudhisthira's brothers' restoration of life has wiped out all my illusions and on my part, reverence to god has increased a lot. Even I was able to grab some philosophical concepts which have always appeared as my subject of interest. In totality, the secrecy of being a great person in life on moral and religious grounds is vivid to me so far.

The Brave Little Parrot

Literal Comprehension:

Once upon a time, Lord Buddha was born as a parrot in the forest. Abruptly, the forest caught fire. All the animals started running away to save their life. The parrot also flew towards the safe place but as he was flying over the forest, he saw his fellow animals (rapped in the fiery forest. So, he decided to do something to save them. As such, he flew to the river, dipped into it, flew back over the forest and sprinkled the drops of water over the forest from its body and feathers. He repeated this activity time and again. In the meantime, the gods above were watching the foolish act of the parrot and laughed at him. One of the gods felt pity on him and disguised himself in to a golden eagle, came to the parrot and told him to stop this activity and save his life. But, the parrot didn't take heed of his absurd advice and rather expected his help in his mission. Being impressed by the parrot, he shed the flow of tears over the forest which could extinguish the fire and thus he gave new life- to the parrot and all other animals of the forest.

Interpretation;

The story is quite impressive in terms of giving moral lesson to the readers. Its main gist is: 'Courage and patience are the best means to solve any kind of problem'. If the parrot hadn't been so courageous, if he hadn't been so determined and dedicated lo his moral duly, he wouldn't have been able to put out the fire. Similarly, the story teaches us that service lo the fellow in need is the actual service to the God.' If the parrot hadn't helped his friends, all of them would have died. Later, god was quite happy and gave him the new and brighter life.

Critical Thinking:

The story from the religious point of view is well appreciating. It gives a moral lesson which is globally acceptable. But, in the modern world the people have been so busy and selfish that it is almost impossible to get a man like the parrot helping to others selflessly. Courage and patience are not always rewarded and valued on this earth. God's influence is beautifully slated in the story but we have utmost doubt over the god's existence in this modern world. Some evenly are somewhat incredible because extinguishing the fire by means of the eagle's tears is almost unbelievable. The presentation of god as the spectator to its creature's agony is exactly paradox to the meaning of god's existence. In fact, gods are saviors; they are not supposed to be indifferent to human suffering.

Assimilation:

As I read this story, it reminded me of one incident that had once taken place in my village. When I was in my village, a hut caught fire. Many people gathered there and they heard a small baby crying inside the burning hut. But nobody was ready to help him. Ultimately, I ventured lo gel in lo the hut and saved the fife of the baby. This story has encouraged and inspired me to get involved in selfless service.

Ahab and Naboth Source: The Holy Bible

Literal Comprehension:

Once Ahab, the king of Israel, desired to own the vineyard of Naboth, a resident of Jezreel, for the king wanted to have it for a garden of herbs and it was also nearby his palace. He became ready to give either a better vineyard or the cost of it depending upon the wish of Naboth. But, contrary to the king's will, Naboth refused to sell or exchange the vineyard extending the reason that the Lord had forbidden him to give the inheritance of his father to others. Being displeased, he, going to his house, lay on his bed and didn't have his meal. His wife, coming to know about the event that took place with the king, consoled him and reminded him of his power as a king.

As such, the queen herself using the power and authority of the king .treacherously conspired and plotted against the innocent Naboth. He was charged of blaspheming the god and the king and was stoned to death. Soon after this event, the king went down to the vineyard lo posses it as he was inspired by his wife to do so. But in the meantime, one angel of the Lord ‘Elijah’ appeared before the king with the warning from the Lord that the dogs might lick his blood where they licked the blood of Naboth. He was also warned that his evil work was evidenced by the Lord and so evil might befall him on his position and life.

Interpretation:

'Ahab and Naboth' sketches a vivid picture of kingship with a king entertaining near- absolute power. An absolute monarch, by using any means, has his desires fulfilled. Wishes and necessities of the people don't value much for him before his luxury and comfort. He always thinks about the well-being of himself, not of the welfare of the people. And, similarly conspiracies and treacherous plans are almost common in an absolute rule. All these characteristics of an authoritarian rule and its ruler are clearly visualized in (lie story. Dictatorship always gives rise to misuse of power. And in this concern, people become the victim of it and they happen to lose their life which is exemplified by the murder of Naboth in the story. This story has presented us the fact undeclared regents of an absolute ruler are found to be ahead in misusing the power bringing the ruler's life in risk and danger. King Ahab's wife has played a vital role in this connection. Exposition of one important fact 'Truth can never be hidden, it is disclosed ultimately 'is another appreciable aspect of this story. Though the king and his wife were fully assured and confident about their secrecy, but the god's all-pervasive existence shattered all their dreams into pieces. It helped to increase the value of truth. The story conveys the message that 'immoral and evil minded persons ultimately have lo bow themselves down before truth, since truth is extremely powerful and can't be hidden.

Critical Thinking:

The strong aspect of this story is that realistic events have been presented here coherently and in an interesting manner. The message about the victory of truth over falsity is worth-appreciating. But, plenty of loopholes have somehow weakened the strength of the story so far. Some doubts prevalent in our mind about the credulity of some events displayed have overpowered its powerful aspects.

As such, some questions arise in our mind as lo how the king' wile could get the authority to use the king's power which led lo Naboth's death. Why did an absolute ruler become so upset on Naboth's ignoring his request that he lay down on his bed and didn't have his meal? Why didn't he use his power to encroach Naboth's vineyard forcefully? Similarly, people in absolute rule follow the order of the king without any question. But how Naboth dared to defy the request of the king being aware about the outcome of his refusal? People can't give blind support to falsity. In this democratic world, they even raise voice against the king or other authority for their mistreatment to the people. The King like Ahab and his mischievous wife's autocratic ruling is not possible in this democratic world,. Similarly existence of god and god's protection of truth are fully unbelievable aspects of the story. The story has focused on the assumption that fact can never be hidden but if that is so, then immoral people as well as evil-doers could be easily detected and they wouldn't get chance to roam committing treacheries .People would fear god and wouldn't dare to think about these plots.

Assimilation:

As I read the story, I came to understand that in absolute rule immoral plots and conspiracies are common. Person holding supreme power uses his power for his benefit only. He /she never think about the welfare of the people. He/she doesn't have any fear from any power. This understanding sometimes reminds me the time in Nepal when Rana ruled over the country. During that time, conspiracies, immoral plots, killings, murders were frequent to grab the power and fulfill their desires and wishes. In Nepal's history, Junga Bahdur Rana also came to power by using the same means. Another significant aspect that was imprinted in me is the message that we should always adhere to truth since it can't be hidden from anybody because god always appears as the witness to it. So evil deeds and illicit acts of ours are always liable to penalty ultimately which are always in the sight of the god. I also came to understand that god always makes his presence to show the path of truth lo human beings.

If Not Higher

Literal Comprehension:

Rabbi of Nemirov used to disappear from every penitential prayer. People used to think that he had ascended the heaven. He was supposed to save them from Satan. But Litvak, one of the Jews, didn't believe this remark of the people and laughed at it. Once, he decided to find the fact about him. So entered the Rabbi's house secretly, watched him throughout the night .When it was nearly the morning, Rabbi changed his dress as a farmer and set out to the forest with an axe and a rope. In the forest, lie collected the firewood and returned back. On his way to his house, he stopped at an old woman's hut. He lent the wood and helped her to kindle the fire. In the meantime, he recited all three portions of penitential prayers. Litvak followed him all the way and was so impressed by him that he became Rabbi's disciple at the end.

Interpretation:

'If Not Higher' teaches us that true worship of god is the true service to the mankind. It strongly rejects the way of praying to the god by reciting the words of prayers but it advises us to help the poor and the needy people instead. The story proves the fact the god and its blessings are received not by means llu: words of the prayers but by means of extending the hands of service.

Critical Thinking:

Though, the story from moral and religious point of view seems quite impressive and memorable but if it is looked in the present context, it seems unbelievable, since in this modern lime, people have become too much selfish and mean. As a result, it is too difficult to impart its moral lesson to them. It doesn’t mean anything to them. Rabbi's ascending to heaven alive can't be accepted in this modern world. Existence of God and heaven is in fact out of question. People like Rabbi who have lived the life for the sake of others can't be found in the world.

Assimilation:

As I go through the story, it reminds me of a man who is respectable in my society. He is fifty years old. He never goes to the church and temple and prays to god. But, in the village, he is well known for his kind and selfless help to the people. He donates his properly every year little by little for the homeless children and people,

Phaedo

Literal Comprehension:

Phaedo is a story written by Plato in dialogue form. Phaedo and Echecrates are talking to each other. Echecrates is asking about last moments of Socrates with Phaedo. Phaedo is talking to him about his feeling he had when Socrates was given death penalty.

According to Phaedo, when Socrates was given death penalty, almost all his followers went sad with this event. They cried with extreme sorrow sitting around Socrates. But he looked so happy that he didn't show any sign of unhappiness in his journey to the next world. Rather he advised all his followers not to be sad and not to weep for his death. He told his followers that everyone has to face the death fearlessly. Ultimately, he came to bid good bye to his people. Though his children and wife wept bitterly, it didn't have any effect on him. He convinced others about his pleasant life in the next world. Phaedo was impressed so much that he felt quite pleased to tell about it to others.

Interpretation:

The story 'Phaedo' by Plato presents us the fact that death is unavoidable and it is to be faced fearlessly. In other words, the man who is afraid of death dies many times but he who doesn't die once. By presenting the story of Socrates' life story, it inspires the people to die for the sake of truth. Truth is so powerful that we are to be ready to sacrifice everything for its sake. That's why, the story is successful enough to teach the people that death for the noble purpose is better than the life of cowardice.

Critical Thinking:

This story seems to be impressive in terms of encouraging the people to follow the path of truth and having its moral theme. But in many respects, the story doesn't seem to be believable, since now day’s people are living in the world of falsity. They are enjoying their time in it. So this kind of truth as stated in the story is not very pleasant to them. In such situation, it is too difficult to find the people who are ready to die for the sake of truth. In other words, life is so much valuable to them that they can't accept anything at the cost of their life. We may find some people only like Socrates and Gandhi.

Assimilation:

As I went through the story, it reminded me of an old man of my village. He used to live with his two sons. Because of his faith on truth and his power to judge the things, he had made an image throughout the village that everyone used to respect him a lot. But finally he ended his life due to the family quarrel. But still people remember him for his conviction to truth and justice as Socrates had.

The Cricket

"I firmly wish that my face reflecting the intimate pains of my soul, the suffering and love of my heart, be more honored! Whoever gazes upon me already consoles me." (Our Lord Jesus Christ to Sister Pierina)
DAILY PREPARATORY PRAYER
O Most Holy and Blessed Trinity, through the intercession of Holy Mary, whose soul was pierced through by a sword of sorrow at the sight of the passion of her Divine Son, we ask your help in making a perfect Novena of reparation with Jesus, united with all His sorrows, love and total abandonment.
We now implore all the Angels and Saints to intercede for us as we pray this Holy Novena to the Most Holy Face of Jesus and for the glory of the most Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen. (Start novena)
"All those who, attracted by my love, and venerating my countenance, shall receive, by virtue of my humanity, a brilliant and vivid impression of my divinity. This splendor shall enlighten the depths of their souls, so that in eternal glory the celestial court shall marvel at the marked likeness of their features with my divine countenance." (Our Lord Jesus Christ to St. Gertrude)

First Day
(Console Holy Face and recite Daily Preparatory Prayer)
Psalm 51, 3-4. Have mercy on me, O God in your goodness, in your great tenderness wipe away my faults; wash me clean of my guilt, purify me from my sin.
O most Holy Face of Jesus, look with tenderness on us who are sinners. You are a merciful God, full of love and compassion. Keep us pure of heart, so that we may see Thee always. Mary, our Mother, intercede for us; Saint Joseph, pray for us.
Through the merits of your precious blood and your Holy Face, O Jesus, grant us our petition, , Pardon and Mercy.
Prayer to Our Almighty Father
Almighty Father, come into our hearts, and so fill us with your love that forsaking all evil desires, we may embrace you, our only good. Show us, O Lord our God, what you are to us. Say to our souls, I am your salvation, speak so that we may hear. Our hearts are before you; open our ears; let us hasten after your voice. Hide not your Face from us, we beseech you, O Lord. Open our hearts so that you may enter in. Repair the ruined mansions, that you may dwell therein. Hear us, O Heavenly Father, for the sake of your only Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever Amen.(St. Augustine)
Pray one (1) Our Father, (3) Hail Mary’s, (1) Glory Be, O Bleeding Face, O Face Divine, be every adoration Thine. (Three times)

Second Day
(Console Holy Face and recite Daily Preparatory Prayer)
Psalm 51, 5-6a. My offenses truly I know them; My sin is always before me. Against you, you alone, have I sinned; What is evil in your sight I have done.
Most Holy Face of Jesus, we are truly sorry that we have hurt you so much by constantly doing what is wrong; and for all the good works we have failed to do. Immaculate Heart of Mary, Saint Joseph, intercede for us, help us to console the Most Holy Face of Jesus. Pray that we may share in the tremendous love Thou hast for one another, and for the most Holy and Blessed Trinity. Amen.
Through the merits of your precious blood and your Holy Face, O Jesus, grant us our petition, , Pardon and Mercy.
Prayer to the Holy Spirit
Come, Holy Spirit, Sanctifier, all powerful God of love, Thou who didst fill the Virgin Mary with grace, Thou who didst wonderfully transform the hearts of the apostles, Thou who didst endow all Thy martyrs with a miraculous heroism, come and sanctify us, illumine our minds, strengthen our wills, purify our consciences, rectify our judgments, set our hearts on fire and preserve us from the misfortune of resisting Thine inspirations. We consecrate to Thee our understanding, our heart and our will, our whole being for time and for eternity. May our understanding be always submissive to Thy heavenly inspirations and to the teachings of Thy Holy Catholic Church, of which Thou art the infallible guide; may our heart be ever inflamed with love of God and neighbor; may our will be ever conformed to the divine will, and may our whole life be a faithful imitation of the life and virtues of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, to whom with the Father and Thee be honor and glory forever. Amen
Pray one (1) Our Father, (3) Hail Mary’s, (1) Glory Be. O Bleeding Face, O Face Divine, be every adoration Thine. (Three times)

Third Day
(Console Holy Face and recite Daily Preparatory Prayer)
Psalm 51, 6b-7. You are just when you pass sentence on me, blameless when you give judgment. You know I was born guilty, a sinner from the moment of conception.
Prayer of Pope Pius IX
O Jesus! Cast upon us a look of mercy; turn your Face towards each of us as you did to Veronica; not that we may see it with our bodily eyes, for this we do not deserve, but turn it towards our hearts, so that, remembering you, we may ever draw from this fountain of strength the vigor necessary to sustain the combats of life. Amen. Mary, Our Mother, and Saint Joseph, pray for us.
Through the merits of your precious blood and your Holy Face, O Jesus, grant us our petition, , Pardon and Mercy.
Prayer of Saint Francis
All highest, glorious God, cast your light into the darkness of our hearts, give us true faith, firm hope, perfect charity and profound humility, so that with wisdom, courage and perception, O Lord, we may do what is truly your holy will. Amen.
To the Angels and Saints
We salute you, through the Holy Face and Sacred Heart of Jesus, O all you Holy Angels and Saints of God. We rejoice in your glory, and we give thanks to our Lord for all the benefits which He has showered upon you; we praise Him and glorify Him, and offer you for an increase of your joy and honor, the most Holy Face and gentle Heart of Jesus. Pray that we may become formed according to the heart of God. Amen.
Pray (1) Our Father, three (3) Hail Mary’s, one (1) Glory Be. O Bleeding Face, O Face Divine, be every adoration Thine. (Three times)

Fourth Day
(Console Holy Face and recite Daily Preparatory Prayer)
Psalm 51, 8-9. Indeed you love truth in the heart; then in the secret of my heart teach me Wisdom. O purify me, then I shall be clean; O wash me, I shall be whiter than snow.
O Lord Jesus, who has said, learn of me for I am meek and gentle of heart, and who did manifest upon Thy Holy Face the sentiments of Thy divine heart, grant that we may love to come frequently and meditate upon Thy divine features. We may read there Thy gentleness and Thy humility, and learn how to form our hearts in the practice of these two virtues which Thou desires to see shine in Thy servants. Mary our Mother and Saint Joseph help us.
Through the merits of Thy precious blood and your Holy Face, O Jesus, grant us our petition, , Pardon and Mercy.
Prayer in Honor of the Dolors of the Blessed Virgin
O Most Holy and afflicted Virgin, Queen of Martyrs! Who stood beneath the cross, witnessing the agony of your dying Son, look down with a mother’s tenderness and pity on us as we kneel before you to venerate your Dolors, and place our requests, with filial confidence, in the sanctuary of your wounded heart. Present them on our behalf to Jesus, through the merits of His most sacred Passion and Death, together with your sufferings at the foot of the cross, and through the united efficacy of both, obtain the favor which we humbly ask. To whom shall we go in our wants and miseries if not to you. O Mother of Mercy, who having so deeply drunk of the chalice of your Son, graciously alleviate the sufferings of those who still sigh in this land of exile. Amen.
Prayer to the Souls in Purgatory
My Jesus, by the sorrows you suffered in your agony in the garden, in your scourging and crowning with thorns, in the way to Calvary, in your crucifixion and death, have mercy on the souls in Purgatory, and especially on those that are most forsaken. Deliver them from the dire torments they endure. Call them and admit them to your most sweet embrace in Paradise. Amen.
Pray one (1) Our Father, (3) Hail Mary’s, (1) Glory Be. O Bleeding Face, O Face Divine, be every adoration Thine. (Three times)

Fifth Day
(Console Holy Face and recite Daily Preparatory Prayer)
Psalm 5 1, 10-11. Make me hear rejoicing and gladness, that the bones you have crushed may revive. From my sins turn away your Face, and blot out all my guilt.
Holy Face of Jesus, Sacred Countenance of’ God, how great is your patience with humankind, how infinite your forgiveness. We are sinners, yet you love us. This gives us courage. For the glory of your Holy Face and of the Blessed Trinity, hear and answer us. Mary our Mother, intercede for us, Saint Joseph, pray for us.
Through the merits of your precious blood and your Holy Face, O Jesus, grant us our petition, , Pardon and Mercy. Prayer to Saint Joseph
Dear Saint Joseph! Adopt us as thy children, take charge of our salvation; watch over us day and night; preserve us from occasions of sin; obtain for us purity of body and soul, and the spirit of prayer, through thy intercession with Jesus, grant us a spirit of sacrifice, of humility and self-denial; obtain for us a burning love for Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, and a sweet, tender love for Mary, our Mother.
Saint Joseph, be with us in life, be with us in death and obtain for us a favorable judgment from Jesus, our merciful Savior. Amen.
Pray one (1) Our Father, (3) Hail Mary’s, (1) Glory Be. O Bleeding Face, O Face Divine, be every adoration Thine. (Three times)

Sixth Day
(Console Holy Face and recite Daily Preparatory Prayer)
Psalm 51, 12-13. A pure heart create for us O God, put a steadfast spirit within us. Do not cast us away from your presence nor deprive us of your Holy Spirit.
May our hearts be cleansed, O Lord, by the inpouring of the Holy Spirit, and may He render them fruitful by watering them with His heavenly dew, Mary, the most chaste spouse of the Holy Spirit, intercede for us, Saint Joseph pray for us.
Through the merits of your precious blood and your Holy Face, O Jesus, grant us our petition, , Pardon and Mercy.
Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel
O Victorious Prince, most humble guardian of the Church of God and of faithful souls, who with such charity and zeal took part in so many conflicts and gained such great victories over the enemy, for the conservation and protection of the honor and glory we all owe to God, as well as for the promotion of our salvation, come, we pray Thee, to our assistance, for we are continually besieged with such great perils by our enemies, the flesh, the world and the devil; and as Thou wast a leader for the peopleofGod through the desert, so also be our faithful leader, and companion through the desert of this world, until Thou conduct us safely into the happy land of the living, in that blessed fatherland from which we are all exiles. Amen. (St. Aloysius)
Pray one (1) Our Father, (3) Hail Mary’s, (1) Glory Be. O Bleeding Face, O Face Divine, be every adoration Thine. (Three times)

Seventh Day
(Console Holy Face and recite Daily Preparatory Prayer)
Psalm 51, 14-15. Give me again the joy of your help, with a spirit of fervor sustain me, that I may teach transgressors your ways and sinners may return to you.
Lord Jesus! After contemplating Thy features, disfigured by grief, after meditating upon Thy passion with compunction and love, how can our hearts fail to be inflamed with a holy hatred of sin, which even now outrages Thy Adorable Face! Lord, suffer us not to be content with mere compassion, but give us grace so closely to follow Thee in this Calvary, so that the approbrium destined for Thee may fall on us, O Jesus, that thus we may have a share, small though it may be, in expiation of sin. Amen. Mary, our Mother, intercede for us, Saint Joseph pray for us.
Through the merits of your precious blood and your Holy Face, O Jesus, grant us our petition, , Pardon and Mercy.
Prayer in Honor of Mary
Hail Mary, Daughter of God the Father! Hail Mary, Mother of God the Son! Hail Mary, Spouse of the Holy Spirit! Hail Mary, Temple of the Most Holy Trinity! Hail Mary, our mistress, our wealth, our mystic rose, Queen of our hearts, our Mother, our life, our sweetness and our dearest hope! We are all Thine, and all we have is Thine. O Virgin blessed above all things, may Thy soul be in us to magnify the Lord; may Thy spirit be in us to rejoice in God. Place Thyself, O faithful Virgin, as a seal upon our hearts, that in Thee and through Thee we may be found faithful to God. Grant, most gracious Virgin, that we may be numbered among those whom Thou art pleased to love, to teach and to guide, to favor and to protect as Thy children. Grant that with the help of Thy love, we may despise all earthly consolation and cling to heavenly things, until through the Holy Spirit, Thy faithful spouse, and through Thee, His faithful spouse, Jesus Christ, Thy Son, be formed within us for the glory of the Father. Amen. (St. Grignon de Montfort)
Pray one (1) Our Father, (3) Hail Mary’s, (1) Glory Be. O Bleeding Face, O Face Divine, be every adoration Thine. (Three times)

Eighth Day
(Console Holy Face and recite Daily Preparatory Prayer)
Psalm 51, 16-17. O rescue me, God my helper, and my tongue shall ring out your goodness. O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise.
Most merciful Face of Jesus, who in this vale of tears was so moved by our misfortunes to call yourself the healer of the sick, and the good Shepherd of the souls gone astray, allow not Satan to draw us away from you, but keep us always under your loving protection, together with all souls who endeavor to console you. Mary, our Mother, intercede for us, Saint Joseph, pray for us.
Through the merits of your precious blood and your Holy Face, O Jesus, grant us our petition, , Pardon and Mercy.
Prayer to Saint Peter
O glorious Saint Peter, who in return for thy lively and generous faith, thy profound and sincere humility and thy burning love, was honored by Jesus Christ with singular privileges, and in particular, with the leadership of the other apostles and the primacy of the whole church, of which thou was made the foundation stone, do thou obtain for us the grace of a lively faith, that shall not fear to profess itself openly in its entirety and in all of its manifestations, even to the shedding of blood, if occasion should demand it, and to the sacrifice of life itself in preference to surrender. Obtain for us likewise a sincere loyalty to our Holy Mother the Church. Grant that we may ever remain most closely and sincerely united to the Holy Father, who is the heir of thy faith and of thy authority, the one true visible head of the Catholic Church. Grant, moreover, that we may follow, in all humility and meekness, the Church’s teaching and counsels and may be obedient to all her precepts, in order to be able here on earth to enjoy a peace that is sure and undisturbed, and to attain one day in heaven to everlasting happiness. Amen.
Pray one (1) Our Father, (3) Hail Mary’s, (1) Glory Be. O Bleeding Face, O Face Divine, be every adoration Thine. (Three times)

Ninth Day
(Console Holy Face and recite Daily Preparatory Prayer)
Psalm 51, 18-21. For in sacrifice you take no delight, burnt offering from me you would refuse, my sacrifice a contrite spirit. A humbled, contrite heart you will not spurn. In your goodness, show favor to Zion; rebuild the walls of Jerusalem Then you will be pleased with lawful sacrifice, holocausts offered on your altar,
Sacred Face of our Lord and our God, what words can we do to express our gratitude? How can we speak of our joy? That you have deigned to hear us, that you have chosen to answer us in our hour of need. We say this because we know that our prayers will be granted. We know that you, in your loving kindness, listened to our pleading hearts, and will give, out of your fullness, the answer to our problems. Mary, our Mother, thank you for your intercession on our behalf. Saint Joseph, thank you for your prayers. Through the merits of your precious blood and your Holy Face, O Jesus, grant us our petition, , Pardon and Mercy. Prayer to the Holy Trinity
Most Holy Trinity, Godhead indivisible, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, our first beginning and our last end. Since you have made us after your own image and likeness, grant that all the thoughts of our minds, all the words of our tongues, all the affections of our hearts and all our actions may be always conformed to your most Holy Will, so that after having seen you here on earth in appearances and in a dark manner by the means of faith, we may come at last to contemplate you face to face, in the perfect possession of you forever in paradise. Amen.
Pray one (1) Our Father, (3) Hail Mary’s, (1) Glory Be. O Bleeding Face, O Face Divine, be every adoration Thine. (Three times)

Act of Consecration
O Lord Jesus, we believe most firmly in You, we love You. You are the Eternal Son of God and the Son Incarnate of the Blessed Virgin Mary. You are the Lord and Absolute Ruler of all creation. We acknowledge You, therefore, as the Universal Sovereign of all creatures. You are the Lord and Supreme Ruler of all mankind, and we, in acknowledging this Your dominion, consecrate ourselves to You now and forever. Loving Jesus, we place our family under the protection of Your Holy Face, and of Your Virgin Mother, Mary most sorrowful. We promise to be faithful to You for the rest of our lives and to observe with fidelity Your Holy Commandments, We will never deny before men, You and Your Divine rights over us and all mankind. Grant us the grace to never sin again; nevertheless, should we fail, O Divine Savior, have mercy on us and restore us to Your grace. Radiate Your Divine Countenance upon us and bless us now and forever. Embrace us at the hour of death in Your Kingdom for all eternity, through the intercession of Your Blessed Mother, of all Your Saints who behold You in Heaven, and the just who glorify You on earth, O Jesus, be mindful of us forever and never forsake us; protect our family. O Mother of Sorrows, by the eternal glory which you enjoy in Heaven, through the merits of your bitter anguish in the Sacred Passion of your Beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, obtain for us the grace that the Precious Blood shed by Jesus for the redemption of our souls, be not shed for us in vain. We love you, O Mary. Embrace us and bless us, O Mother. Protect us in life and in death. Amen.
Glory be 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.