Saint
Gianna Beretta Molla
(1922-1962)
We
become cooperators with God in the work
of creation. Thus we can give Him
children who will love Him and serve
Him.
--Saint Gianna Beretta Molla
A Biography of Saint Gianna is offered on this
link.
Saint Margaret of Cortona
(1247-1297)
Do not ask me to give in to this body of
mine. I cannot afford it. Between me and
my body there must needs be a struggle
until death.
--St. Margaret of Cortona
Blessed Anna Maria Taigi
(1769-1837)
Laziness is the mother of all
vices.
--Blessed Anna Maria Taigi
Hail, holy Queen, Mother of mercy,
our life, our sweetness, and our hope.
To You do we cry, poor banished children
of Eve. To you do we send up our sighs,
mourning and weeping in this valley of
tears. Turn then, most gracious
Advocate, your eyes of mercy
toward us. And after this our
exile, show unto us the blessed Fruit of
your womb, Jesus. O clement, O
loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.
--Blessed Herman
Mary the Immaculate, Grieving over
an Aborted Baby
by Lee Tidwell (1984)
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"Repent and believe the Good News!"
Penance means conversion. The Confraternity of
Penitents is a world wide private Catholic
association of the faithful, completely loyal to our
Pope and the Magisterium.
Our Rule of Life has been reviewed by our bishop and
recognized in these words: "this Rule does not
contain anything contrary to our faith; therefore it
may be safely practiced privately by you or by
anyone inclined to do so. . . . His Excellency
is appreciative of your efforts to live and promote
Franciscan spirituality and especially promote the
neglected practice of penance and he wishes you
success" (January 30, 1998).
Members of the Confraternity of Penitents live this
Rule in their own homes, devoted to prayer, penance,
fasting, conversion, and works of mercy modeled on
Jesus Christ and inspired by the lives and teachings
of
St. Francis,
St. Dominic,
St. Therese,
St. Benedict,
St. Augustine,
St. Ignatius,
and all the saints, most especially Mary, the Mother
of God, who lived a life of true penance
(conversion) in perfect union with our Lord.
May Our Lady and all the saints intercede for all
who wish to embrace a life of penance, anywhere in
the world, so that the grace of God will assist them
to obtain every virtue necessary for a life of
holiness and surrender to the Will of God! Amen.
PRAYER OF PENITENTS
"Most High, Glorious God, enlighten the darkness
of my mind, give me right faith, a firm hope,
and perfect charity that I may always and in all
things act according to Your Holy Will. Amen."
(Saint
Francis's prayer before the San Daminao
Crucifix)
MISSION OF PENITENTS
"Go and repair My House
which, as you can see, is falling into ruin." (The
message given to St. Francis in a voice from the San
Damiano Crucifix.)
ACTION OF PENITENTS
To pray for God's
specific direction in one's life so that, through
humbly living our Rule of Life, each penitent may
help to rebuild the house of God by bringing love of
God and neighbor to his or her own corner of the
world.
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PROLIFE
PRAYER APOSTOLATE
The Confraternity of
Penitents is active in helping bring about a
Culture of Life. Let us all work toward
this goal.
Please click on these links:
PRAYER SUPPORT
Prolife Prayers
Prayer for Your Specific
Pregnancy Situation
Prayer for Abortionists
Memorial to Your Unborn
Children
Memorial Children's Page
Saints for Pregnancy
Issues
Patron Saint of Mothers
with Health Problems
Patron Saint of Unwed
Mothers
Patron Saint of Unwed
Mothers
Patron Saint of Mothers in
Difficulty
Patron Saints of Children
with Disabilities
Patron Saint of the
Sexually Assaulted
Patron Saints of Children
Born out of Wedlock
RESOURCES FOR PREGNANCY
ASSISTANCE
Problem Pregnancy Help
Assistance
Problem Pregnancy Self
Help Book
Serious Prenatal Diagnosis
Self Help Book
If You Are Troubled by an
Abortion/Pregnancy Termination
Picture Book for Life
Prolife Bumper Stickers
PROLIFE PRAYERS
Many prayers for life are
on this
link.
Prolife Prayer Booklet In the Palm of His
Hand on this
link.
PRAYER FOR YOUR SPECIFIC PREGNANCY SITUATION
The Confraternity of Penitents is committed
to praying for the unborn and
their parents. Please
email us your
prayer requests.
Click here to see photos of
babies and moms we've prayed for.
PRAYER FOR ABORTIONISTS
We are also praying for
abortionists, so that God's grace will touch
their hearts, that they will stop doing
abortions, and that they will turn to the Lord
for mercy.
Please send us the names
of
abortionists and we will add them to this list.
In your mercy, please pray for the conversion
of abortionists Randy (Florida), Morris W. (NY),
George T. (Kansas), James Scott P. (FL), Harry
P. (FL), John D. (RI), and Stephen (New
Jersey), Franz T. (TX), Dr. Barke (CA), Dr.
Nucatola (CA), Dr. Robert S. (Toronto, Canada),
Maria C. (Toronto, Canada). May God reward you for your
prayers.
MEMORIAL TO YOUR UNBORN CHILDREN
We
invite you to remember the children whom you
have lost during pregnancy, or shortly after
birth. You may wish to name your
children if you have not already done so.
May we suggest that you create a memorial space
within your home or yard to assist you in your
loss, perhaps erecting a crucifix or other
reminder of Our Lord there.
Perhaps this prayer will help you.
Dear Jesus, You are the bestest brother of all.
Even though I miss never having enjoyed what it
was like on earth with my mom and dad, I am
happy that You have taken me here with You.
Jesus, my mom and dad are sometimes unhappy when
they think of me. Would You let them know
that You love them and that You want them to be
happy? Will You make some way for them to
come to You so that they will feel better?
I love my Mom and Dad, and I know You love them,
too. So please help Mom and Dad, dear
Jesus, and let them know that I love them, too,
and am praying for them so that someday we can
all be together here with You. Amen.
MEMORIAL CHILDREN'S PAGE
On the link below are listed names of children who have
died before or after birth. May God comfort all those
who have suffered the loss of little children.
Memorial Children's Page
SAINTS FOR PREGNANCY ISSUES
The saints are great
intercessors before the Lord. Here are
some to consider when praying about pregnancy
issues.
Patron Saint of Mothers with Health Problems
Saint Gianna Beretta Molla:
(1922-1962). A deeply spiritual wife and
mother, and doctor of pediatric medicine in
Mesero, Italy, Gianna also served the elderly
and poor through the St. Vincent de Paul
Society. In 1961, Gianna elected to
continue her life threatening fourth pregnancy
rather than abort her unborn child. Seven
days after her daughter was born, Gianna died.
See this
link for more information.
Patron Saint of Unwed Mothers
Saint
Margaret of Cortona:
(1247-1297). Born of poor parents in
Laviano, Italy, Margaret left home as a young
teen to live with nine years with her young
lover, bearing him a son out of wedlock.
When her lover was murdered by his enemies,
Margaret underwent a conversion and embraced a
live of penance, prayer, and apostolate, living
the Rule of 1221. "I have put thee as a
burning light," Our Lord said to her, "to
enlighten those who sit in the darkness.--I have
set thee as an example to sinners, that in thee
they may behold how my mercy awaits the sinner
who is willing to repent; for as I have been
merciful to thee, so will I be merciful to
them." See this
link for more
information.
PATRON SAINT OF MOTHERS IN DIFFICULTY
Blessed
Anna Maria Taigi:
(1769-1837).
Born in Siena, Italy, Anna Maria married a
butler named Domenico. Always living on a
financial brink, Anna supplemented Domenico's
meager income with various jobs while raising
their six children, tolerating Domenico's
jealous outbursts and impatience, and caring for
elderly parents who came to live in the cramped
family quarters. Anna Maria became a Third
Order Trinitarian and practiced many penances as
well as had a deep prayer life. Many,
including bishops, sought her counsel.
Patron Saints of Children with Disabilities
Blessed Margaret of Castello:
(1287-1320). When Margaret was born in
Metola, Italy, her noble parents were ashamed of
their little daughter. They saw only that she
was blind and lame, that her body had a hump on
her back, and that her limbs were twisted and
misshapen. Not even wanting to look at their
little one, Margaret's parents hid her from all eyes until she was
six when they walled her up in a cell adjacent
to the chapel where she remained for fourteen
years. At that time, her parents took her
to a shrine, hoping for a cure. When none came,
they abandoned her. After wandering the
streets, Margaret was taken in by kindly
women. Becoming a member of the
Third Order of Saint Dominic, Margaret tended to
the sick and dying and brought many sinners back
to the Lord. She lived a life of constant
prayer and penance and was never known to speak
an unforgiving word about her parents. See this
link for more
information.
Blessed Herman:
(died 1054). Apparently
afflicted with cleft palate, spina bifida, and
cerebral palsy, Herman
was born in Swabia, into the house of Althausen.
Shocked that their son was nearly helpless due
to the huge number of physical disabilities that
were obvious at his birth, his parents gave him
into the care of the abbey of Reichenau where he lived for forty years.
Becoming a monk himself, Herman used his
brilliant mind to write a long, unfinished poem
of deadly sins and a mathematical-astronomical
treatise as well as two well known anthems to
Our Lady, "Alma Redemptoris Mater" and "Salve
Regina."
Saint
Germaine Cousin:
(1579-1601). Born in Pibrac, France,
Germaine came into the world with hand that was
badly misshapen. She was also afflicted with the disease of scrofula which caused
grotesque swellings and boils on her body.
Treated cruelly by her step mother who made her
a shepherdess almost as soon as she could walk, Germaine lived a life of prayer, penance, and
good works while a virtual outcast from her
family about whom she never spoke an ill word.
PATRON SAINT OF THE SEXUALLY ASSAULTED
Saint Non:
(Sixth Century) . The granddaughter of
Brychan of Brecknock, Wales, Non was living as a
nun when Sant, son of the King of South Wales,
abducted her and raped her. From
this union was born a son, David, who became
patron of Wales.
PATRON SAINTS OF CHILDREN BORN OUT OF WEDLOCK
Saint David of Wales:
(Sixth Century)
Saint David (Dewi) of Wales was born
following the rape of his mother St. Non.
Raised and educated by St. Paulinus, David
became a bishop, founded various monasteries,
and fought the Pelagian heresy.
Saint Edith:
(961-984).
Saint Edith was conceived when Edgar, who was
in line for the kingship of England, ravished
Wulfrida, a woman who was living a consecrated
life at Wilton Abbey. The product of this
sacriligeous rape, Edith was raised by the
sisters and took the veil at the age of fifteen.
Edgar offered to make her abbess of three houses
and to give her the throne of England, but she
refused. Edith built the Church of St.
Denis and was known as a peaceful and holy.
PROBLEM PREGNANCY HELP
ASSISTANCE
If you are experiencing a
problem pregnancy and are seeking prayer or
other assistance, please
contact us. We
will pray for you and also give you referrals to
groups in your area which can provide help.
You can also call these 24-hour, toll-free
phone numbers for assistance in the United
States:
Carenet/Heartbeat: 1-800-395-HELP
Crisis Pregnancy Helpline: 1-888-4-OPTIONS
Birthright: 1-800-550-4900
National Life Center: 1-800-848-LOVE
Bethany Christian Services: 1-800-238-4269
Click on banner to go to
site
PROBLEM PREGNANCY SELF HELP
BOOK
The Confraternity of
Penitents Holy Angels Gift Shop, offers, at a
50% discount, the book Having Your Baby When
Others Say No!: Overcoming the Fears about
Having Your Baby. Information on this
link.
SERIOUS
PRENATAL DIAGNOSIS SELF HELP BOOK
If you have received a serious prenatal
diagnosis, you may be experiencing pressure to
end your pregnancy early. To assist you in
understanding how to continue your pregnancy in
the face of fear, pressure, and uncertainty,
please see My Child, My Gift: A Positive
Response to Serious Prenatal Diagnosis,
information on this
link.
IF YOU ARE TROUBLED BY AN
ABORTION/PREGNANCY TERMINATION
A CFP friend who had an
abortion spoke these words as part of her speech
for the "Silent No More" campaign of women who
regret their abortions:
There is no more
devastating experience in the life of a woman
than to have her child destroyed in the
protective refuge of her own womb. Even
the most liberally educated women who believe
that it is just an uncomfortable medical
procedure will come to grips with how severely
they have been lied to and sold down the river.
As the denial slips away, the painful reality
will come crashing through. A personal history
of abortion
in a woman's life is a painful fact that never
goes away. It will manifest itself in many
behaviors. It may manifest itself in physical
illnesses and mental illnesses. The loss will
never go away.
The fact of a deceased child is just as real to
the mother who has had her child aborted as it
is to the mother who has made great sacrifices
to save the life of her child, but who tearfully
stands beside his or her grave. . . . . I am sure
that you have met some women who are hard-nosed,
hard-hearted, hardheaded, embittered and very
angry. If you could scratch the surface just a
bit, you may not be surprised to learn that an
abortion is behind it all and that "they were
not like that" before the abortion happened.
Those who encouraged the
woman to have an abortion, to kill that baby, by
words, action, or sins of omission, or who did
the gruesome work of the abortion, have an equal
share in that guilt. One consequence of this for
the people involved is disunity. Those who
collaborate in abortion and who do the grisly
work, or who promote it in any way, have a deep
aversion for one another that comes out in all
kinds of disordered behavior. If these people
understood what Christian Unity is, the Unity
that God calls us to in imitation of the Unity
of the Holy Trinity, then people would do all
they can do to seek unity, and foster and
nurture it. They would be seeking life and not
death.
+ "Give yourself fully to
God. He will use you to accomplish great things
on the condition that you believe much more in
His love than in your own weakness."
~ Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta
If you are troubled by an abortion/pregnancy
termination, that you had or were party to, and would like to correspond with a
woman who knows your pain, please
contact us.
Also consult this website:
AfterAbortion.org
PICTURE BOOK FOR LIFE
A beautiful book for children
detailing life in the womb is available through
the Confraternity of Penitents Holy Angels Gift
Shop by accessing this
link.
PROLIFE BUMPER STICKERS
Promote Civil Rights for ALL
Americans and advertise a national, toll free,
prolife problem pregnancy hotline. See the
information on this
link.
Confraternity of Penitents
520 Oliphant Lane
Middletown RI USA
02842-4600
401/849-5421
bspenance@hotmail.com
copenitents@yahoo.com
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