Dear Friends, "Do you not know that the runners in the stadium all run in the race, but only one wins the prize? Run so as to win. Every athlete exercises discipline in every way. They do it to win a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one. Thus I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight as if I were shadowboxing. No, I drive my body and train it, for fear that, after having preached to others, I myself should be disqualified" (1 Cor 9:23-27). Our spiritual life requires training. If we would like to do as St. Paul challenges us and "Run so as to win," then we must follow his advice and "exercise discipline." It has been a yearly tradition within the Children’s Rosary to do nine days of prayer and fasting in the fall. This year it will begin on September 29 and end on October 7. We hope many will want to join us. Bread and water fasting is very effective as a means of sacrifice. Some may not be able to fast on bread, and this is okay. Prayerfully discern what is the best fasting for you. In the past, we have had adults and children join this fast. We do ask that you prayerfully consider what is safe and reasonable for you and your family. Some may be able to do a traditional bread and water fast. This is unlimited bread and water. Others may find another thing in their life that would be a great sacrifice to give up for that period. One of the most important things when one begins a fast is the disposition. One must approach fasting as an act of love to God. Some may want to do this fast but have not fasted before and wonder if they could complete the nine days. What I have found is that the first two days are the hardest. In many ways, the fast becomes easier as you go along. Please accept this humble invitation to join these 9 days of fasting. It is an invitation to help to rid yourself of all the things holding you back spiritually.
I would like to also offer a unique opportunity. For those joining the Children's Rosary 9 days of prayer and fasting I will be praying each day for you in front of a first class relic of the True Cross. The intention card below will remain with the relic for 9 days as the fast continues. In this way you are united in prayer to Our Lord's Cross.
The Fast will begin on September 29, the Feast of the Archangels, and conclude on the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary on October 7.
1) Pray one Rosary each day, meditating on the life of Christ
2) Fast for nine days
3) Every day, please offer the rosary and the fast for the following intentions:
*Lord, please purify our souls from the attachments of the world. Jesus, we surrender all we have; please take control of our lives and our families. May Jesus be born in our hearts and may He renew us. May the Holy Spirit guide our thoughts and actions and renew our soul. May our hands be the extended hands of Mary and Jesus in this world. May the members of the Children’s Rosary also be the extended hands of Mary and Jesus in this world and gather a great many souls, especially young people, for Our Lord. *Personal Intentions ( ) *May all that Our Lady wishes to accomplish through us and the Children’s Rosary be accomplished all for the glory of God. *May the book, Child Consecration: To Jesus through Mary—Following in the Spirit of St. Thérèse, the Little Flower, be an instrument to bring a great many souls to Jesus through His Mother. *For a special Children’s Rosary intention. *In thanksgiving.
The following email was sent from one of our Children's Rosary group leaders from Ireland: Praise God! I must also update you of extra special personal graces within my own home. My heart has wanted so badly to manage to get my own family together nightly to say the Rosary. I never miss a day myself, but efforts to date has brought conflict and failure for one reason or another over the last few years. That's a big reason why I started the Children's Rosary group in my own parish in the first place- to help us to pray the Rosary together, and thank God the children have always been so willing and receptive and my husband so supportive. At home though I've found myself getting so frustrated that our family Rosary has been so difficult to manage. However I always kept hope!!! This fast and daily Rosary that came with it has sparked the change in my own house! Since the fast ended we are now all gathering on our knees every night at 7pm and recite the Rosary, and I know its all down to Our Blessed Mother and the Children's Rosary. So, my own house of children is being moved by the Rosary- not just on the outside, but from the inside too. My heart is full!!! My prayers have been answered!
I look forward to a fruitful fast ahead. I hope many will consider making the journey.
Your Friend in Christ,
Blythe
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