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THE OATH AGAINST MODERNISM
Given by His Holiness St. Pius X, Third Order of St. Francis

I N. firmly embrace and accept each and every definition that has been set forth and declared by the unerring teaching authority of the Church, especially those principal truths which are directly opposed to the errors of this day. And first of all, I profess that God, the origin and end of all things, can be known with certainty by the natural light of reason from the created world (cf. Rom. 1:90), that is, from the visible works of creation, as a cause from its effects, and that, therefore, his existence can also be demonstrated: Secondly, I accept and acknowledge the external proofs of revelation, that is, divine acts and especially miracles and prophecies as the surest signs of the divine origin of the Christian religion and I hold that these same proofs are well adapted to the understanding of all eras and all men, even of this time. Thirdly, I believe with equally firm faith that the Church, the guardian and teacher of the revealed word, was personally instituted by the real and historical Christ when he lived among us, and that the Church was built upon Peter, the prince of the apostolic hierarchy, and his successors for the duration of time. Fourthly, I sincerely hold that the doctrine of faith was handed down to us from the apostles through the orthodox Fathers in exactly the same meaning and always in the same purport. Therefore, I entirely reject the heretical' misrepresentation that dogmas evolve and change from one meaning to another different from the one which the Church held previously. I also condemn every error according to which, in place of the divine deposit which has been given to the spouse of Christ to be carefully guarded by her, there is put a philosophical figment or product of a human conscience that has gradually been developed by human effort and will continue to develop indefinitely. Fifthly, I hold with certainty and sincerely confess that faith is not a blind sentiment of religion welling up from the depths of the subconscious under the impulse of the heart and the motion of a will trained to morality; but faith is a genuine assent of the intellect to truth received by hearing from an external source. By this assent, because of the authority of the supremely truthful God, we believe to be true that which has been revealed and attested to by a personal God, our Creator and Lord.

Furthermore, with due reverence, I submit and adhere with my whole heart to the condemnations, declarations, and all the prescripts contained in the encyclical Pascendi and in the decree Lamentabili, especially those concerning what is known as the history of dogmas. I also reject the error of those who say that the faith held by the Church can contradict history, and that Catholic dogmas, in the sense in which they are now understood, are irreconcilable with a more realistic view of the origins of the Christian religion. I also condemn and reject the opinion of those who say that a well-educated Christian assumes a dual personality-that of a believer and at the same time of a historian, as if it were permissible for a historian to hold things that contradict the faith of the believer, or to establish premises which, provided there be no direct denial of dogmas, would lead to the conclusion that dogmas are either false or doubtful. Likewise, I reject that method of judging and interpreting Sacred Scripture which, departing from the tradition of the Church, the analogy of faith, and the norms of the Apostolic See, embraces the misrepresentations of the rationalists and with no prudence or restraint adopts textual criticism as the one and supreme norm. Furthermore, I reject the opinion of those who hold that a professor lecturing or writing on a historico-theological subject should first put aside any preconceived opinion about the supernatural origin of Catholic tradition or about the divine promise of help to preserve all revealed truth forever; and that they should then interpret the writings of each of the Fathers solely by scientific principles, excluding all sacred authority, and with the same liberty of judgment that is common in the investigation of all ordinary historical documents.

Finally, I declare that I am completely opposed to the error of the modernists who hold that there is nothing divine in sacred tradition; or what is far worse, say that there is, but in a pantheistic sense, with the result that there would remain nothing but this plain simple fact-one to be put on a par with the ordinary facts of history-the fact, namely, that a group of men by their own labor, skill, and talent have continued through subsequent ages a school begun by Christ and his apostles. I firmly hold, then, and shall hold to my dying breath the belief of the Fathers in the charism of truth, which certainly is, was, and always will be in the succession of the episcopacy from the apostles. The purpose of this is, then, not that dogma may be tailored according to what seems better and more suited to the culture of each age; rather, that the absolute and immutable truth preached by the apostles from the beginning may never be believed to be different, may never be understood in any other way. I promise that I shall keep all these articles faithfully, entirely, and sincerely, and guard them inviolate, in no way deviating from them in teaching or in any way in word or in writing. Thus I promise, this I swear, so help me God. . .             Top

The Franciscan Crown (The Rosary of Our Lady's Seven Joys)

Say the Rosary in this manner: Recite 1 Our Father, and 2 Hail Mary's. Then for each of the Seven Decades, recite the Mystery, 1 Our Father and 10 Haily Mary's, followed by the Glory be.. At the end of the Seventh Decade, two more Hail Mary's are said.

The Seven Mysteries are the Seven Joys of Our Lady:

1) the Annunciation of the Archangel Gabriel to the Blessed Virgin Mary at Nazareth.

2) the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary to St. Elizabeth.

3) the Birth of Jesus Christ in the grotto of Bethlehem.

4) the Adoration of the Child Jesus by the Three Holy Magi

5) the Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple by the Blessed Virgin and St. Joseph

6) the Resurrection of Our Lord on Easter Morning

7) the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven.

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The Way of the Cross

1.Christ is unjustly condemned to death by Pontius Pilate
2.Jesus takes up the Cross for our salvation
3.Jesus falls the first time
4.Jesus meets His Blessed Mother
5.Simon of Cyrene is made to bear the Cross behind Jesus
6.Christ's face is wiped by Veronica
7.Jesus falls a second time
8.Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem
9.Jesus falls a third time
10.The soldiers strip Christ of His garments;
11.Jesus is crucified
12.Jesus dies on the Cross;
13.Jesus' Body is taken down from the cross and laid in the arms of His Mother, who offers Him to the Eternal Father.
14.Jesus is laid in the tomb.

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A Spiritual Communion, with Mary

O Immaculate Queen of Heaven and Earth, Mother of God and Mediatrix of every grace: I believe that Thy dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, is truly, really, and substantially contained in the Most Blessed Sacrament. I love Him above all things and I long to receive Him into my heart. Since I cannot now receive Him sacramentally, be so good as to place Him spiritually in my soul.

O my Jesus, I embrace Thee as One who has already come, and I unite myself entirely to Thee. Never permit me to be separated from Thee. Amen.

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Prayer for the Restoration and Unity of Holy Mother Church

O Immaculate Mother of God and Our Mother, Mediatrix of every grace and Corredemptrix of mankind: as Thou didst gaze upon Thy Most Beloved Son, filled with suffering and ignominy upon His Holy Cross, on account of His most tender and loving compassion for us poor sinners, deign in Thy great Maternal sollicitude for us Thy children, to obtain from Him every grace and mercy, so that fortified in the unity of the One True Faith and restored to the bonds of charity and authentic worship, His Virgin Bride, Our Mother the Church, may once again offer to the Eternal Father, through the ministry of His sacred Priests, the holy, immaculate, and pure offering of His Body and Blood, in propitiation for our sins and those of the whole world. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.

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Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel
by Pope Leo XIII

Translated from the Latin Text found in the Rituale Romanum

O Glorious Prince of the heavenly host, Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle and in the struggle, which is ours against the princes and powers, against the rulers of the world of these shadows, against the spiritual beings of worthlessness, in the heavens. Come to the aid of men, whom God created inextinguishable, and made to the image of His own likeness, and bought from the tyranny of the devil at a great price. Fight today the battles of the Lord with the army of the blessed Angels, as thou did fight against Lucifer, the leader of pride, and all his apostate angels: and indeed they did not prevail, nor was their place found any more in Heaven. But that great dragon was cast forth, the ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, who seduces the whole globe; and he was cast forth upon Earth, and his angels were sent with him.

Lo! the ancient enemy and homicide has been fiercely aroused. Transfigured into an angel of light, with the whole troop of malign spirits he entirely surrounds and invades the Earth, to blot out in it the Name of God and of His Christ, and to steal, slay, and destroy in sempiternal ruin, the souls destined for a crown of eternal glory. The venom of his worthlessness, as the most unclean river, the evil-doing dragon pours into men depraved in mind and corrupt in heart; a spirit of lying, impiety and blasphemy; and a breath of morteferous luxury, of all vices and iniquities.

Be favorable to the Church, the spouse of the Immaculate Lamb, whom enemies have filled with bitterness, and inebriated with wormwood; upon all Her desirable things they have layed their impious hands. Where the See of the most blessed Peter and the Cathedra of Truth has been constituted as a light to the nations, there they have placed a throne of their abomination and impiety; so that with the Pastor struck, they may prevail to disperse the flock.

Therefore be present, most unconquered Leader, against the spiritual worthlessnesses bursting upon the people of God, and bring about a victory. Thou are venerated by Holy Church as Her guard and patron; Thou are glorified as the defender against the nefarious, earthly and infernal powers; to thee the Lord has handed over the souls of the redeemed to be placed in supernal felicity. Entreat the God of peace, to obliterate Satan beneath our feet, lest he prevail further to hold men captive, and to injure the Church. Offer our prayers in the sight of the Most High, so that the mercies of the Lord may swiftly overcome us, and apprehend the dragon, the ancient serpent, who is the devil and satan, and send him bound into the abyss, so that he may no more seduce the nations. Henceforth having been confided to thy escort and protection, we sacred ministers by our authority [if recited by a layman, or cleric who has not yet taken up the order of exorcist, say instead, "by the authority of Holy Mother Church], trusting and fearless in the Name of Jesus Christ, Our God and Lord, we undertake to repell the infestations of diabolic deceit.

V. Behold the Cross of the Lord, fly adverse parties.
R. The Lion of the tribe of Juda, the root of David, has conquered.

V. Let Thy mercy be upon us Lord.
R. As much as we hope in Thee.

V. Lord, hear my prayer.
R. And let my cry come unto Thee.

[if recited by at least a deacon add the following:

V. The Lord be with you all.
R. And with thy spirit.]

Let us pray.

O God, and Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ, we invoke Thy Holy Name, and as supplicants we implore Thy clemency so that, through the intercession of Mary, the Immaculate ever-Virgin Theotokos, of blessed Michael the Archangel, of blessed Joseph, the Spouse of the same blessed Virgin, of the blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, and of all the Saints, Thou may deign to offer us aid against Satan, and all the other unclean spirits, who wander through the world to injure the human race and to destroy souls. We ask this through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

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Prayer to St. Joseph (to be said after the Rosary)
by Pope Leo XIII

We come to thee, O blessed Joseph, in our sore distress. Having sought the aid of thy most blessed Spouse, we now confidently implore thy assistance also. We humbly beg that, mindful of the dutiful affection which bound thee to the Immaculate Virgin Mother of God, and of the fatherly love with which thou didst cherish the Child Jesus, thou wilt loving watch over the heritage which Jesus Christ purchased with His blood, and by thy powerful intercession help us in our urgent need. Most powerful guardian of the Holy Family, protect the chosen race of Jesus Christ; drive far from us, most loving father, every pest of error and corrupting sin. From thy place in heaven, most powerful protector, graciously come to our aid in this conflict with the power of darkness, and as of old thou didst deliver the Child Jesus from supreme peril of life, so now defend the holy Church of God from the snares of Her enemies and from all adversity. Have each of us always in thy keeping, that, following thy example, and borne up by thy strength, we may be able to live holily, die happily, and so enter the everlasting bliss of heaven. Amen.

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Prayer to the Holy Spirit (before meditation)

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Thy faithful and enkindle in them the fire of Thy love.

V..: Send forth Thy Spirit and they shall created, R.: And Thou shalt renew the face of the earth.

Let us pray:

O God, who didst by the light of the Holy Spirit enlighten the faithful, grant that by the same Spirit we may be truly wise and ever rejoice in His consolations. Through Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

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Franciscan Morning Prayer

Jesus Lord, I offer you this new day because I believe in you,
love you, hope all things in you and thank you for your blessings.
I am sorry for having offended you and forgive everyone who has offended me.
Lord, look on me and leave in me peace and courage
 and your humble wisdom that I may serve others with joy,
and be pleasing to you all day.

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A Prayer of Repentance

O Almighty, Eternal, Most Just and Merciful God, I prostrate myself before Thy Face, humbly beseeching Thee, who alone are Good, all good, wholly good, ever Good, that remembering the most bitter Passion and Death of Thy Only-Begotten Son, and the most sorrowful compassion of His Immaculate Mother, Thou wouldst deign to look with an eye of pity upon this most wretched of Thy creatures.

So many treasures of nature Thou hast given me and consoled me with, and I have not heeded Thy Word and commands. So many blessings of grace Thou hast lavished upon me, and I have squandered them in vice and iniquitous selfishness. So bountiful has been Thy mercies of forgiveness and pardon to me, and I have rebelled and betrayed Thee yet again.

Truly, am I not worthy of Thy consideration ; nay rather, do I deserve eternal damnation. Even the troubles, sacrifices, and difficulties of a thousand most bitter lifetimes are not sufficient to atone for my wickedness. Truly am I worthy, not of Thee, but of hell alone, of damnation and eternal torments. Yet I, like and impudent swine, do still complain and murmur.

Daring not to raise my eyes unto Thee, who are infinite Goodness and most exacting Justice, I beseech Thee, through the merits of the Passion and Death of Thy Most Beloved Son, who for my sake became a slave unto death, death on a Cross, upon which in the last moments of His most bitter agony, He didst bestow upon me His own most Beloved Mother, Thy Daughter by grace and election. In virtue of Their merits, by which I have been so many times succored in my great necessities, I beseech Thee hear this my petition.

Have mercy upon me! Have great mercy upon me! For without Thee I can do nothing worthy of Thy consideration. I who am nothing, and by sin even less than nothing. A wretch, a swine, a cesspool of every vice and inequity!

Therefore I beseech Thee, O Most Blessed Trinity, to shed the fire of Thy merciful love upon this most frigid heart, to let shine upon this most darkened mind, the light of the Son, in whom alone is every grace and truth. Have pity on me, most Merciful God, and regard not my sins and offenses, but in Thy mercy forgive me yet again, and grant me the graces to serve Thee now in fidelity and truth.

I am not worthy to serve Thee, but Thou dost deserve all my service. In the Name of Jesus, Thy Mercy, therefore, I beseech Thee. In the name of Mary, I pray. Amen.