From: "joycelang"
Date: Thu Jan 17, 2002 8:35 pm
Subject: YOU ARE NOT GOING TO BELIEVE THIS CAT STORY

NOTE: THIS IS NOT ONE OF OUR CATS

Need a good laugh? - Funny cat story!!

The Story:

This is the story of the night my ten-year-old cat, Rudy, got his head stuck in the garbage disposal. I knew at the time that the experience would be funny if the cat survived, so let me tell you right up front that he's fine. Getting him out wasn't easy, though, and the process included numerous home remedies, a plumber, two cops, an emergency overnight veterinary clinic, a case of mistaken identity, five hours of panic, and fifteen minutes of fame.

First, some background: My husband, Rich, and I had just returned from a five-day spring-break vacation in the Cayman Islands, where I had been sick as well, as a dog the whole time, trying to convince myself that if I had to feel lousy, it was better to do it in paradise. We had arrived home at 9 p.m., a day and a half later than we had planned because of airline problems. I still had illness-related vertigo, and because of the flight delays, had not been able to prepare the class I was supposed to teach at 8:40 the next morning.

I sat down at my desk to think about William Carlos Williams, and around ten o'clock I heard Rich hollering something indecipherable from the kitchen. As I raced out to see what was wrong, I saw Rich frantically rooting around under the kitchen sink and Rudy or, rather, Rudy's headless body scrambling around in the sink, his claws clicking in panic on the metal. Rich had just ground up the skin of some smoked salmon in the garbage disposal, and when he left the room, Rudy (whom we always did call a pinhead) had gone in after it.

It is very disturbing to see the headless body of your cat in the sink. This is an animal that I have slept with nightly for ten years, who burrows under the covers and purrs against my side, and who now looked like a desperate, fur-covered turkey carcass, set to defrost in the sink while it's still alive and kicking. It was also disturbing to see Rich, Mr. Calm-in-an-Emergency, at his wits end, trying to soothe Rudy, trying to undo the garbage disposal, failing at both, and basically freaking out. Adding to the chaos was Rudy's twin brother Lowell, also upset, racing around in circles, jumping onto the kitchen counter and alternately licking Rudy's butt for comfort and biting it out of fear. Clearly, I had to do something.

First we tried to ease Rudy out of the disposal by lubricating his head and neck. We tried Johnson's baby shampoo (kept on hand for my nieces' visits) and butter-flavored Crisco: both failed, and a now-greasy Rudy kept struggling.

Rich then decided to take apart the garbage disposal, which was a good idea, but he couldn't do it. Turns out, the thing is constructed like a metal onion: you peel off one layer and another one appears, with Rudy's head still buried deep inside, stuck in a hard plastic collar. My job during this process was to sit on the kitchen counter petting Rudy, trying to calm him, with the room spinning (vertigo), Lowell howling (he's part Siamese), and Rich clattering around with tools.

When all our efforts failed, we sought professional help. I called our regular plumber, who actually called me back quickly, even at 11 o'clock at night (thanks, Dave). He talked Rich through further layers of disposal dismantling, but still we couldn't reach Rudy. I called the 1-800 number for Insinkerator (no response), a pest removal service that advertises 24-hour service (no response), an all-night emergency veterinary clinic (who had no experience in this matter, and so, no advice), and finally, in desperation, 911.

I could see that Rudy's normally pink paw pads were turning blue. The fire department, I figured, gets cats out of trees; maybe they could get one out of a garbage disposal.

The dispatcher had other ideas and offered to send over two policemen. This suggestion gave me pause. I'm from the sixties, and even if I am currently a fine upstanding citizen, I had never considered calling the cops and asking them to come to my house, on purpose. I resisted the suggestion but the dispatcher was adamant: "They'll help you out," he said.

The cops arrived close to midnight and turned out to be quite nice. More importantly, they were also able to think rationally, which we were not. They were, of course, quite astonished by the situation: "I've never seen anything like this," Officer Mike kept saying. (The unusual circumstances helped us get quickly on a first-name basis with our cops.) Officer Tom, who expressed immediate sympathy for our plight "I've had cats all my life," he said, comfortingly also had an idea. Evidently we needed a certain tool, a tiny, circular rotating saw, that could cut through the heavy plastic flange encircling Rudy's neck without hurting Rudy, and Officer Tom happened to own one. "I live just five minutes from here," he said; "I'll go get it."

He soon returned, and the three of them Rich and the two policemen got under the sink together to cut through the garbage disposal. I sat on the counter, holding Rudy and trying not to succumb to the surreal-ness of the scene, with the weird middle-of-the-night lighting, the room's occasional spinning, Lowell's spooky sound effects, an apparently headless cat in my sink and six disembodied legs poking out from under it. One good thing came of this: the guys did manage to get the bottom off of the disposal, so we could now see Rudy's face and knew he could breathe. But they couldn't cut the flange without risking the cat. Stumped.

Officer Tom had another idea. "You know," he said, "I think the reason we can't get him out is the angle of his head and body. If we could just get the sink out and lay it on its side, I'll bet we could slip him out."

That sounded like a good idea at this point, ANYTHING would have sounded like a good idea and as it turned out, Officer Mike runs a plumbing business on weekends; he knew how to take out the sink!

Again they went to work, the three pairs of legs sticking out from under the sink surrounded by an ever-increasing pile of tools and sink parts. They cut the electrical supply, capped off the plumbing lines, unfastened the metal clamps, unscrewed all the pipes, and about an hour later, voila! The sink was lifted gently out of the countertop, with one guy holding the garbage disposal (which contained Rudy's head) up close to the sink (which contained Rudy's body). We laid the sink on its side, but even at this more favorable removal angle, Rudy stayed stuck.

Officer Tom's radio beeped, calling him away on some kind of real police business. As he was leaving, though, he had another good idea: "You know," he said, "I don't think we can get him out while he's struggling so much. We need to get the cat sedated. If he were limp, we could slide him out." And off he went, regretfully, a cat lover still worried about Rudy. The remaining three of us decided that getting Rudy sedated was a good idea, but Rich and I were new to the area. We knew that the overnight emergency veterinary clinic was only a few minutes away, but we didn't know exactly how to get there. "I know where it is!" declared Officer Mike. "Follow me!"

So Mike got into his patrol car, Rich got into the driver's seat of our car, and I got into the back, carrying the kitchen sink, what was left of the garbage disposal, and Rudy. It was now about 2:00 a.m. We followed Officer Mike for a few blocks when I decided to put my hand into the garbage disposal to pet Rudy's face, hoping I could comfort him. Instead, my sweet, gentle bedfellow chomped down on my finger, really hard and wouldn't let go. My scream reflex kicked into gear, and I couldn't stop the noise. Rich slammed on the breaks, hollering "What? What happened? Should I stop?", checking us out in the rearview mirror.

"No," I managed to get out between screams, "just keep driving. Rudy's biting me, but we've got to get to the vet. Just go!" Rich turned his attention back to the road, where Officer Mike took a turn we hadn't expected, and we followed. After a few minutes Rudy let go, and as I stopped screaming, I looked up to discover that we were wandering aimlessly through an industrial park, in and out of empty parking lots, past little streets that didn't look at all familiar. "Where's he taking us?" I asked. "We should have been there ten minutes ago!" Rich was as mystified as I was, but all we knew to do was follow the police car until, finally, he pulled into a church parking lot and we pulled up next to him. As Rich rolled down the window to ask, "Mike, where are we going?", the cop, who was not Mike, rolled down his window and asked, "Why are you following me?"

Once Rich and I recovered from our shock at having tailed the wrong cop car and the policeman from his pique at being stalked, he led us quickly to the emergency vet, where Mike greeted us by holding open the door, exclaiming "Where were you guys???"

It was lucky that Mike got to the vet's ahead of us, because we hadn't thought to call and warn them about what was coming. (Clearly, by this time we weren't really thinking at all.) We brought in the kitchen sink containing Rudy and the garbage disposal containing his head, and the clinic staff was ready. They took his temperature (which was down 10 degrees) and his oxygen level (which was half of normal), and the vet declared: "This cat is in serious shock. We've got to sedate him and get him out of there immediately." When I asked if it was OK to s sedate a cat in shock, the vet said grimly, "We don't have a choice." With that, he injected the cat; Rudy went limp; and the vet squeezed about half a tube of K-Y jelly onto the cat's neck and pulled him free.

Then the whole team jumped into "code blue" mode. (I know this from watching a lot of ER.) They laid Rudy on a cart, where one person hooked up IV fluids, Another put little socks on his paws ("You'd be amazed how much heat they lose through their pads," she said), one covered him with hot water bottles and a blanket, and another took a blow-dryer to warm up Rudy's now very gunky head. The fur on his head dried in stiff little spikes, making him look rather pathetically punk as he lay there, limp and motionless. At this point they sent Rich, Mike, and me to sit in the waiting room while they tried to bring Rudy back to life. I told Mike he didn't have to stay, but he just stood there, shaking his head. "I've never seen anything like this," he said again.

At about 3 a.m., the vet came in to tell us that the prognosis was good for a full recovery. They needed to keep Rudy overnight to re-hydrate him and give him something for the brain swelling they assumed he had, but if all went well, we could take him home the following night. Just in time to hear the good news, Officer Tom rushed in, finished with his real police work and concerned about Rudy. I figured that once this ordeal was over and Rudy was home safely, I would have to re-think my position on the police.

Rich and I got back home about 3:30. We hadn't unpacked from our trip, I was still intermittently dizzy, and I still hadn't prepared my 8:40 class. "I need a vacation," I said, and while I called the office to leave a message canceling my class, Rich made us a pitcher of martinis.

I slept late the next day and then badgered the vet about Rudy's condition until he said that Rudy could come home later that day. I was working on the suitcases when the phone rang.

"Hi, this is Steve Huskey from the Norristown Times-Herald," a voice told me. "Listen, I was just going through the police blotter from last night. Mostly it's the usual stuff breaking and entering, petty theft but there's this one item. Um, do you have a cat?" So I told Steve the whole story, which interested him. A couple hours later he called back to say that his editor was interested, too; did I have a picture of Rudy? The next day Rudy was front-page news, under the ridiculous headline "Catch of the Day Lands Cat in Hot Water."

There were some noteworthy repercussions to the newspaper article. Mr. Huskey had somehow inferred that I called 911 because I thought Rich, my husband, was going into shock, although how he concluded this from my comment that "his pads were turning blue," I don't quite understand. So the first thing I had to do was call Rich at work. Rich, who had worked tirelessly to free Rudy--and swear that I had been misquoted. When I arrived at work myself, I was famous; people had been calling my secretary all morning to inquire about Rudy's health. When I called our regular vet (whom I had met only once) to make a follow-up appointment for Rudy, the receptionist asked, "Is this the famous Rudy's mother?" When I brought my car in for routine maintenance a few days later, Dave, my mechanic, said, "We read about your cat. Is he OK?" When I called a tree surgeon about my dying red oak, he asked if I knew the person on that street whose cat had been in the garbage disposal. And when I went to get my hair cut, the shampoo person told me the funny story her grandma had read in the paper, about a cat who got stuck in the garbage disposal. Even today, over a year later, people ask about Rudy, whom an 9-year-old neighbor had always called "the Adventure Cat" because he used to climb on the roof of her house and peer in the second-story window at her.

I don't know what the moral of this story is, but I do know that this "adventure" cost me $1100 in emergency vet bills, follow-up vet care, new sink, new plumbing, new electrical wiring, and new garbage disposal, one with a cover. The vet can no longer say he's seen everything but the kitchen sink. I wanted to thank Officers Tom and Mike by giving them gift certificates to the local hardware store, but was told that they couldn't accept gifts, that I would put them in a bad position if I tried. So I wrote a letter to the Police Chief praising their good deeds and sent individual thank-you notes to Tom and Mike, complete with pictures of Rudy, so they could see what he looks like with his head on. And Rudy, whom we originally got for free (or so we thought), still sleeps with me under the covers on cold nights and unaccountably, he still sometimes prowls the sink, hoping for fish.

(From joycelist)

Fr. Sudac's Schedule in USA

ALL SERVICES CONSIST OF THE HOLY MASS, PREACHING, ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT BLESSING OF THE SICK

FATHER SUDAC WILL BE AT THE FOLLOWING PLACES:

SAT., 1/19/02 8:00PM

Cathedral of St. John The Baptist

381 Grand St., Patterson, NJ

973-345-4078

TUES., 1/22/02 7:00PM

Maria Regina Parish

3945 Jerusalem Avenue, Seaford, NY

516-798-2415

FRIDAY JANUARY 25,2002 7:00 PM

Saint Jean's Church

184 East 76th St.

(At Lexington Ave.),

NYC

212-744-1123

FRI., 2/8/02 7:30PM

Immaculate Conception Church

754 Gunhill Rd., Bronx NY

718-653-2200

SAT., 2/9/02 1:00PM

Our Lady of Pompei Church

25 Carmine Street

(Between Bleecker & 6th Avenue)

Manhattan, NYC

718-417-0550

3 Hours Service

SAT., 2/16/02 8:00PM

Cathedral of St. John The Baptist

381 Grand St., Patterson, NJ

973-345-4078

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 21,2002

MARIAN SHRINE

Filos Lane

West Havestrow

Stoney Point, NY

7:00 PM

TUES., 2/26/02 7:00PM

St. Joseph's Church

1346 Broadway, Hewlett, NY

516-374-0290

FRI., 3/8/02 8:00PM

Immaculate Conception Church

754 Gunhill Rd., Bronx NY

718-653-2200

SAT., 3/16/02

8:00PM

Cathedral of St. John The Baptist

381 Grand St., Patterson, NJ

973-345-4078

FRI., 4/5/02 8:00PM

Immaculate Conception Church

754 Gunhill Rd., Bronx NY

718-653-2200

TUES., 4/16/02 7:00PM

St. Joseph's Church

1346 Broadway, Hewlett, NY

516-374-0290

SAT., 4/20/02 8:00PM

Cathedral of St. John The Baptist

381 Grand St., Patterson, NJ

973-345-4078

FRI., 5/3/02 8:00PM

Immaculate Conception Church

754 Gunhill Rd., Bronx NY

718-653-2200

SAT., 5/18/02 8:00PM

Cathedral of St. John The Baptist

381 Grand St., Patterson, NJ

973-345-4078

FATHER ZLATKO SUDAC RETREAT SCHEDULE FOR THE SUMMER 2002

RETREAT # 1.

TUESDAY JUNE 4th TO SUNDAY JUNE 9th

FOR RESERVATION CALL MISS ANA VUCIC

847-675-6024

-- RETREAT # 2.

TUESDAY JUNE 11th

TO SUNDAY JUNE 16th

FOR INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION PLEASE,

CALL - MARIAN CENTER AT

630-968-0640

RETREAT # 3.

TUESDAY JUNE 18th TO SUNDAY JUNE 23rd

FOR INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION PLEASE,

CALL MARIAN CENTER

630-968-0640

RETREAT # 4.

TUESDAY JUNE 25th TO SUNDAY JUNE 30th

FOR INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION PLEASE, CALL 201-945-4891

CALL FROM 12 NOON TO 5:00PM

THE OFFICE IS CLOSED ON TUESDAYS SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS

RETREAT # 5.

TUESDAY JULY 2nd TO SUNDAY JULY 7th

FOR RESERVATION CALL MISS ANA VUCIC

847-675-6024

FOR INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION PLEASE, CALL 201-945-4891

CALL FROM 12 NOON TO 5:00PM

THE OFFICE IS CLOSED ON TUESDAYS SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS

RETREAT # 6.

TUESDAY JULY 30th TO SUNDAY AUGUST 4th

FOR RESERVATION CALL MISS ANA VUCIC

847-675-6024

FOR INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION PLEASE, CALL 201-945-4891

CALL FROM 12 NOON TO 5:00PM

THE OFFICE IS CLOSED ON TUESDAYS SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS

RETREAT # 7.

TUESDAY AUGUST 6th TO SUNDAY AUGUST 11th

FOR INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION PLEASE, CALL 201-945-4891

CALL FROM 12 NOON TO 5:00PM

THE OFFICE IS CLOSED ON TUESDAYS SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS

RETREAT # 8.

TUESDAY AUGUST 13th TO SUNDAY AUGUST 18th

FOR INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION PLEASE, CALL 201-945-4891

CALL FROM 12 NOON TO 5:00PM

THE OFFICE IS CLOSED ON TUESDAYS SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS

RETREAT # 9

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 3rd TO SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 8th

FOR INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION PLEASE, CALL 201-945-4891

CALL FROM 12 NOON TO 5:00PM

THE OFFICE IS CLOSED ON TUESDAYS SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS

RETREAT # 10

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 10th TO SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 15th

FOR RESERVATION CALL MISS ANA VUCIC

847-675-6024

My friends,

I would ask you to join me in prayer for Mother Angelica. Please ask your guardian angels to intercede for her. For those who may be unaware, Mother Angelica has suffered what is described as a major stroke and her condition serious.

May the Lord strengthen her in this hour to embrace the Cross entrusted to her for the good of the Church and souls.

If you care to join us in prayer, we will begin the Novena to Our Lady of Prompt Succor on Wednesday, Dec 26. A copy of the novena follows at the end of this message. You can also get a copy at: http://www.miraclerosarymission.org/olpsnovenva.html

Do not loose heart my friends. All is brought to completion according to His will. Let us thank God for such generous souls.

I hope you have enjoyed a most blessed Christmas. God bless you, one and all.

Darrell Bennett
Miracle of the Rosary Mission, Inc.

OUR LADY OF PROMPT SUCCOR NOVENA PRAYERS

FIRST DAY

When we wish to obtain some special favor through the intercession of Our Blessed Lady, the first disposition to bring to prayer is the humble recognition of our unworthiness, for it is the prayer of the contrite and humble heart that rises to the very throne of God.

PRAYER

Our Lady of Prompt Succor, you are after Jesus our only hope. O Most Holy Virgin, whose merits have raised you high above angel choirs to the very throne of the Eternal and whose foot crushed the head of the infernal serpent, you are strong against the enemies of our salvation. O Mother of God, you are our Mediatrix most kind and loving. Hasten, then, to our help, and as you did once save your beloved City from ravaging flames and our Country from an alien foe, do now have pity on our misery, and obtain for us the graces we beg of you. Deliver us from the wiles of Satan, assist us in the many trials which beset our path in this valley of tears, and be to us truly Our Lady of Prompt Succor now and especially at the hour of our death. Amen.

Our Lady of Prompt Succor, hasten to help us. (Three times.)
The Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory be to the Father may be added, with the Litany of Our Lady of Prompt Succor and the prayer "O Mary, Mother of God".

SECOND DAY

Filial resignation to God's Holy Will is the second disposition required for the obtaining of special graces. This disposition is especially necessary when we ask for temporal favors, for we cannot be certain whether they are conducive to our salvation or not.

PRAYER

Our Lady of Prompt Succor, O Virgin most pure and Mother of the Word Incarnate, you are the dispenser of all graces and the refuge of poor sinners. With lively faith and unbounded confidence we have recourse to your maternal love and we beg you to obtain from your Divine Son the favors we now implore (here name the special favor desired). With filial trust we place our hearts under your motherly care beseeching you to obtain for us the all-important grace of perfect conformity to God's Will, and, O Mary, show yourself to be OUR LADY OF PROMPT SUCCOR, especially at the hour of our death. Amen.

Our Lady of Prompt Succor, hasten to help us. (Three times.)
Our Father, etc., as on first day.

THIRD DAY

A profound respect for the exalted dignity and sublime prerogatives of Mary is an excellent means to draw down upon us Heaven's choicest blessings.

PRAYER

Our Lady of Prompt Succor, O Mary Immaculate, you are the model of all virtues, the path by which we go to Jesus, the mysterious channel through which divine favors are imparted to us. You have such power over the Heart of Jesus, hasten to our assistance and obtain our earnest request (here name the favor desired). In you, O Mary, we put our trust, let it not be said that our hopes have been frustrated. O Mother most chaste, be our strength against temptation, our help in danger, our consolation in sorrow, but especially be OUR LADY OF PROMPT SUCCOR at the hour of our death. Amen.

Our Lady of Prompt Succor, hasten to help us. (Three times.)
Our Father, etc., as on first day.

FOURTH DAY

A filial eagerness in striving to fathom the treasures of holiness contained in the heart of Mary, the most loving and lovable of mothers, is another means of obtaining Our Lady's special protection.

PRAYER

Our Lady of Prompt Succor, living temple of the Holy Spirit and Queen of Heaven and earth, behold us prostrate at your feet to offer you the filial homage of our hearts, to thank you for the innumerable favors you have obtained for us, and to implore, through your all-powerful intercession, the graces we need, especially (here specify the favor desired). O Mary, be truly to us "Mary," that is, our shield against the darts of temptation, our solace in the midst of trials and afflictions, our firm hope, sweet consolation, and PROMPT SUCCOR at the hour of our death. Amen.

Our Lady of Prompt Succor, hasten to help us. (Three times.)
Our Father, etc., as on first day.

FIFTH DAY

One of the surest means to acquire a special right to the protection of Mary is to keep ourselves in the state of grace and endeavor to please her by imitating her virtues.

PRAYER

Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Virgin most powerful and Mirror of Justice, who offered yourself totally to God for the perfect accomplishment of His Holy Will, make us generous in sacrifice. We have recourse to you to obtain the graces we need, especially (here name the favor desired). O Mary, Our Lady of Prompt Succor, heavenly protectress of souls devoted to your Divine Son, deign to bless us each day of our mortal pilgrimage, cast upon us your eyes of mercy, and after our exile, show unto us Jesus, your Son and our Brother. Amen.

Our Lady of Prompt Succor, hasten to help us. (Three times.)
Our Father, etc., as on first day.

SIXTH DAY

A tender love for Mary is another efficacious means of obtaining her favors. Since love can be requited only by love, what should not be our sentiments of filial affection for so generous and loving a Mother?

PRAYER

O Mary, Our Lady of Prompt Succor, bright Star of the Sea shining upon life's stormy ocean, we implore your speedy help especially to obtain (here specify the desired favor). Shining Star of our tempest-tossed souls, lovingly guide us among temptation's heaving billows and treacherous shoals, and lead us safely into eternity's peaceful harbor. O sweetest of mothers, we seek your PROMPT SUCCOR now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Our Lady of Prompt Succor, hasten to help us. (Three times.)
Our Father, etc., as on first day.

SEVENTH DAY

Mary's love for us is tender and generous. Our love for her should be characterized by deep gratitude, filial confidence, and ardent zeal. We should endeavor, by good example and the spirit of sacrifice, to propagate devotion to her under her sweet title of PROMPT SUCCOR.

PRAYER

O Mary, Our Lady of Prompt Succor, whose protection is so powerful and whose help is so prompt and efficacious, we come to lay at your feet all our cares and sorrows, to place into your hands all our hopes, to entrust to you all our interest both spiritual and temporal. Deign, O Most Holy Virgin, to assist us and obtain the graces we now ask, especially (here mention the favor desired). O Mother of PROMPT SUCCOR, close not your ears to our earnest supplications; rather hasten to our help now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Our Lady of Prompt Succor, hasten to help us. (Three times.)
Our Father, etc., as on first day.

EIGHTH DAY

Confidence is an excellent and necessary means for obtaining Mary's protection. Our Lady of Prompt Succor will bestow favors upon us in proportion to our filial trust in her all-powerful intercession.

PRAYER

Our Lady of Prompt Succor, sanctuary of every virtue, who was chosen among all women to be the Mother of our Redeemer, be our advocate and protectress. To you do we raise our hearts and hands imploring your powerful intercession to obtain the favors we ask, especially (here mention the favor desired). Assist us by your mediation, O Mary, that your Divine Son may shower His blessings upon us now and at the moment of our death. Amen.

Our Lady of Prompt Succor, hasten to help us. (Three times.)
Our Father, etc., as on first day.

NINTH DAY

Mary became our Mother on Calvary's crest. We are the children of her tears and sorrows. On this last day of our novena, let us take the resolution ever to foster a true and tender devotion to our Immaculate Mother of Prompt Succor, to cast all our cares and anxieties into her maternal heart. Our confidence will not remain unrewarded.

PRAYER

Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Queen of the Universe and Sovereign full of kindness, you are the advocate of sinners, a haven of safety to the shipwrecked, the health of the sick and infirm, the consolation of the afflicted, the refuge and salvation of all on earth. O Mary, grant us, we beseech you, the help of your prayers to obtain the graces we implore, and in particular (here name the favor desired). Let your maternal heart be touched by our misery; hasten to our assistance and be to us, now and at the hour of our death, OUR LADY OF PROMPT SUCCOR. Amen.

Our Lady of Prompt Succor, hasten to help us. (Three times.)
Our Father, etc., as on first day.

Litany of Our Lady of Prompt Succor
(For private recitation only)

Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, pray for us.
Mother of the Infant Jesus, pray for us.
Our Lady of Prompt Succor, pray for us.
Our Lady of Prompt Succor of all who invoke you with confidence, pray for us.
Our Lady of Prompt Succor of all who are devout toward the Infant Jesus, pray for us.
Our Lady of Prompt Succor for obtaining a lively faith, pray for us.
Our Lady of Prompt Succor for sustaining the hope of Christians, pray for us.
Our Lady of Prompt Succor for obtaining and persevering in charity, pray for us.
Our Lady of Prompt Succor for observing the law of God, pray for us.
Our Lady of Prompt Succor for observing perseverance in virtue and good works, pray for us.
Our Lady of Prompt Succor in every spiritual necessity, pray for us.
Our Lady of Prompt Succor against the revolt of self-will, pray for us.
Our Lady of Prompt Succor in the occasion of sin, pray for us.
Our Lady of Prompt Succor in every temptation, pray for us.
Our Lady of Prompt Succor against the evil spirit, pray for us.
Our Lady of Prompt Succor for obtaining contrition, pray for us.
Our Lady of Prompt Succor of those wishing to re-enter the path of salvation, pray for us.
Our Lady of Prompt Succor for the conversion of sinners, pray for us.
Our Lady of Prompt Succor in every temporal necessity, pray for us.
Our Lady of Prompt Succor in every affliction, pray for us.
Our Lady of Prompt Succor of afflicted families, pray for us.
Our Lady of Prompt Succor of the sick and the poor, pray for us.
Our Lady of Prompt Succor against contagious diseases and epidemics, pray for us.
Our Lady of Prompt Succor in every accident, pray for us.
Our Lady of Prompt Succor against destruction by fire, pray for us.
Our Lady of Prompt Succor against lightning and tempest, pray for us.
Our Lady of Prompt Succor against destruction by flood, pray for us.
Our Lady of Prompt Succor of travelers, pray for us.
Our Lady of Prompt Succor of navigators, pray for us.
Our Lady of Prompt Succor of the shipwrecked, pray for us.
Our Lady of Prompt Succor against the enemies of our country, pray for us.
Our Lady of Prompt Succor in time of war, pray for us.
Our Lady of Prompt Succor of those aspiring to the Holy Priesthood and the religious life, pray for us.
Our Lady of Prompt Succor of laborers in the Lord's vineyard, pray for us.
Our Lady of Prompt Succor of missionaries who spread the faith, pray for us.
Our Lady of Prompt Succor of our Holy Father the Pope, pray for us.
Our Lady of Prompt Succor for those searching for the faith, pray for us.
Our Lady of Prompt Succor against the enemies of the Church, pray for us.
Our Lady of Prompt Succor at the hour of death, pray for us.
Our Lady of Prompt Succor for the deliverance of the souls in Purgatory, pray for us.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

V. Our Lady of Prompt Succor, pray for us.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

LET US PRAY

O Almighty and Eternal God! Who sees us surrounded by so many dangers and miseries, grant in Your infinite goodness that the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Your Divine Son, may defend us from the evil spirit and protect us against all adversities, that always, and with PROMPT SUCCOR, she may deliver us from every evil of soul and body, and safely guide us to the kingdom of heaven, through the merits of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

Our Lady of Prompt Succor, hasten to help us. (partial indulgence)

LET US PRAY

O most merciful Jesus, Who has placed the riches of Your mercy in the heart of Your Mother Mary, propitiously grant that through her patronage we may be delivered from all evils of mind and body. We beg this of You, merciful Jesus, Who live and reign with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen. Our Lady of Prompt Succor, hasten to help us. (partial indulgence)

PRAYERS TO OUR LADY OF PROMPT SUCCOR

O, Mary, Mother of God, who, amidst the tribulations of the world, watches over us and over the Church of your Son, be to us and to the Church truly OUR LADY OF PROMPT SUCCOR, make haste to help us in all our necessities, that in this fleeting life you may be our succor, and obtain for us (here ask the particular favor you desire). Help us to gain life everlasting through the merits of Jesus, your Son, our Lord and Redeemer. Amen. (partial indulgence)

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father.
Our Lady of Prompt Succor, hasten to help us. (Three times)

O Queen of the Universe, Our Lady of Prompt Succor, sovereign full of kindness, you are the advocate of sinners, a haven of safety to the shipwrecked; you are the resource of the world, the ransom of captives, the health of the infirm, the consolation of the afflicted, the refuge and salvation of all on earth. We beseech you to grant us the help of your prayers, which incline our Heavenly Father to forgive our sins and grant our petitions in all the necessities of this miserable life, prayers which obtain for us an abundance of graces to receive the pardon of our faults and arrive at the practice of virtue, prayers which stop our enemies, confound their designs, and triumph over their efforts. Amen. (partial indulgence)

PRESIDENT BUSH IS FIXING UP THE WHITE HOUSE
by Janet Parshall
Janet Parshall's America

A lot has changed since George W. Bush became president -executive orders that support a "culture of life," judicial appointees who respect the constitution, and members of the Cabinet who are unapologetic about their Christian faith.

But perhaps nothing more clearly represents the new leadership we enjoy as a country than that place Mr. Bush now calls his temporary home - 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.

The president is quick to point out that it is not his house but the American people's house. And, as such, he treats it and the people who work there with respect. From the Secret Service to the grounds crew, the folks who work at the White House rave about the First Family.

The president and first lady prefer to entertain family friends in their private quarters rather than ask the stewards and waiters to negotiate difficult formal dining rooms.

Harkening back to the days of Ronald Reagan, Bush will not allow any man to attend a meeting in the Oval Office without a jacket and tie. Gone are the days of blue jeans and pizza boxes.

One of the clearest ways to show respect for someone is to respect their time. Everyone who works with and around the president has noted his punctuality. Meetings begin and end on time. This stands in stark contrast to the previous occupant of the White House, who was notorious for keeping visitors and the media waiting.

And speaking of the former president, in his administration more than 500 staffers had access to the White House kitchen. One presidential aide said they turned it into a fast-food restaurant. These days, only 150 senior staff members have meal privileges.

Of course the Clinton years were known for worse things than that. US News & World Report reported recently that it was common for President Clinton to have violent and sex-laden R-rated film s playing on Air Force One. Even seasoned reporters would blush at the images being played out before their eyes while trying to question the president on some issue of national importance. A Marine who worked at Camp David publicly stated that pornography was littered all over the retreat.

In contrast, President Bush has said that even some of the new major motion-picture releases, which are routinely sent to the White House for viewing by the First Family, are too vulgar for him.

I've visited the White House twice since President Bush moved in. As anyone might be, I was awed by the history of the place. Oil portraits of past occupants reminded me that some presidents have understood the honor of living there and others have wantonly dishonored it.

My visits with President Bush at the White House were an opportunity to witness first hand how much this man respects the office to which he was elected. He arrived at our meetings promptly and took the time to greet every person in attendance.

He was warm and polite to each of us. His manner conveyed the message that he knew he was only a temporary resident and his job is to leave this august home in better shape than he found it.

In one of my meetings, I made a point of speaking to a young man who is part of the military service assigned to the White House. His job is to escort guests and to help people find their way through the large hallways. His uniform was covered with ribbons and his shoes were perfectly polished. His face was emotionless and he drew no attention to himself, but for some reason he caught my eye.

"Thank you," I said, "for the work you do. You really represent us all in your service here. It must be wonderful work."

He paused and then allowed a big smile to cross his face. "Oh, yes, Madam. It truly is."

Yes, things certainly are different in Washington.

From: "joycelang"
Date: Mon Nov 26, 2001 5:52 pm
Subject: Hour of Grace- December 8, 2001

Grace M Mizzi mmponline@bigpond.com

Reminder: The Hour of Grace

December 8, 2001 from Noon to 1pm

REQUEST OF THE BLESSED MOTHER FOR THE HOUR OF GRACE

1. Day and time of the Hour of Grace: December 8th, Feast of the Immaculate Conception, to be started at 12 noon and continuing until 1:00 p.m. for one full hour of prayer.

2. During this hour, the person making the "Hour of Grace" either at home or at Church must put away all distractions (do not answer the telephones, or answer any doors, or do anything but totally concentrate on your union with God during this special Hour of Grace.

3. Begin the Hour of Grace by praying three times the 51st Psalm with out- stretched arms. (Psalm 51 is printed below)

4. The rest of the Hour of Grace may be spent in silent communication with God meditating upon the Passion of Jesus, saying the Holy Rosary, praising God in your own way, or by using favorite prayers, singing hymns, meditating upon other psalms, etc.

Please copy and distribute this message. Remember to pray for your country during this hour. The Blessed Virgin has requested that her important message be sent throughout the entire world. Please help her Mission well...that all souls be drawn to GOD and that JESUS will be loved in every heart. This is the perpetual song of her heart. Let it also be ours.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Written by the Felician Sisters in general who printed this story in their Ave Maria Magazine. They translated this story from Polish into English in order to comply with the request of the Blessed Virgin Mary that this message be sent throughout the world.

PSALM 51

1. Have mercy on me, O God, in your faithful love, in your great tenderness wipe away my offences;

2. wash me thoroughly from my guilt, purify me from my sin.

3. For I am well aware of my offences, my sin is constantly in mind.

4. Against you, you alone, I have sinned, I have done what you see to be wrong, that you may show your saving justice when you pass sentence, and your victory may appear when you give judgement,

5. remember, I was born guilty, a sinner from the moment of conception.

6. But you delight in sincerity of heart, and in secret you teach me wisdom.

7. Purify me with hyssop till I am clean, wash me till I am whiter than snow. 8. Let me hear the sound of joy and gladness, and the bones you have crushed will dance.

9. Turn away your face from my sins, and wipe away all my guilt.

10. God, create in me a clean heart, renew within me a resolute spirit, 11. do not thrust me away from your presence, do not take away from me your spirit of holiness.

12. Give me back the joy of your salvation, sustain in me a generous spirit.

13. I shall teach the wicked your paths, and sinners will return to you.

14. Deliver me from bloodshed, God, God of my salvation, and my tongue will acclaim your saving justice.

15. Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will speak out your praise.

16. Sacrifice gives you no pleasure, burnt offering you do not desire.

17. Sacrifice to God is a broken spirit, a broken, contrite heart you never scorn.

18. In your graciousness do good to Zion, rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.

19. Then you will delight in upright sacrifices, --burnt offerings and whole obla- tions -- and young bulls will be offered on your altar.

My wish is that every year on the 8th of December, at noon, an "Hour of Grace" will be installed. Many spiritual graces and physical blessings will be received by those who pray UNDISTURBED during this hour. "THE MOST HARD-HEARTED SINNERS WILL BE TOUCHED BY THE GRACE OF GOD."

During the period of November 24, 1946 to December 8, 1947, the Blessed Mother appeared to Sr. Pierina in a little church in Montichiari, Italy, eleven times. On the first appearance, the Blessed Mother told Sr. Pierina she wanted to be known as the "Mystical Rosa", and that an hour of grace should be kept at noon on December 8th in all the Catholic churches of the world. The Blessed Mother wanted this to be known through all of Italy and the entire world.

It was November 16, 1947 when Sr. Pierina was finishing her thanksgiving after Holy Communion, when she saw a great light. She then saw a vision of the Blessed Mother as the "Mystical Rose".

Sister was so deeply moved by the stunning beauty of our Lady that she began talking to her. All of a sudden a gentle force made her kneel down in front of Our Lady. The Blessed Mother spoke these words: "My son is so greatly offended by the sins of impurity. He is already planning to send a deluge upon the people, for their destruction, but I have asked Him to show mercy and not send destruction. So that is why I have appeared, to ask for penance and atonement for the sins of impurity." Then the Blessed Mother asked for an act of humility by Sr. Pierina. She asked her to make the sign of the cross with her tongue on each of the four stones in the sanctuary. "This shall be a reminder to the people that I have appeared here, and do not have the people step on those stones."

The Blessed Mother then stepped on each of the stones so that her gown touched all four stones. On November 22nd, Sr. Pierina felt the overwhelming urge to go to church at 4:00 a.m. The Mother Superior, four sisters and a group of friends accompanied her. They were all saying the Rosary when the Blessed Mother appeared as before. She instructed Sr. Pierina to make the sign of the cross on the stones and fence them off so that no one would step on them.

Again, Our Lady asked for penance. She said: "Penance is nothing more than accepting all our crosses daily willingly. No matter how small, accept them with love." At this time she told Sr. Pierina to come again on December 8th at noon. "This will be my Hour of Grace." The sister asked how she was to prepare for this Hour of Grace. To which the Blessed Mother said, "With prayers and penance. Pray the 51st Psalm with outstretched arms three times. During the Hour of Grace, many spiritual graces will be granted. THE MOST HARD-HEARTED SINNERS WILL BE TOUCHED BY THE GRACE OF GOD."

THE BLESSED VIRGIN PROMISED THAT WHATEVER A PERSON ASKED HER FOR DURING THIS HOUR OF GRACE (EVEN IN IMPOSSIBLE CASES) WOULD BE GRANTED TO THEM, IF IT WAS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE WILL OF THE ETERNAL FATHER.

It was December 7th when Sr. Pierina felt the urge to go to church. This time she was accompanied by the priest and the Mother Superior. The Blessed Mother appeared with a young boy and girl dressed in beautiful white clothing. Sister was sure these little ones were angels because they were so beautiful.

The Blessed Mother said: "Tomorrow I will show you My Immaculate Heart which is so little known among the people." She asked people to pray for Russia. "There are so many people being held prisoners which their families know nothing of, because they have been gone for so many years. Pray for the conversion of Russia. The suffering of the soldiers and their sacrifices and martyrdom will bring peace to Italy. The little children are Francisco and Jacinta. I am giving them to you as your companions. You will have much to suffer for my sake. I want simplicity and goodness from you, as of these little children." The Blessed Mother then blessed Sr. Pierina, the priest and all those who were gathered there.

On the morning of December 8th, people began arriving at the little church at 8:00 a.m. from neighboring towns. By noon, some 10,000 people had gathered to see the Blessed Mother, many of whom had to stand outside because the church did not have enough room for the large crowd.

Sr. Pierina was accompanied to church by her mother and brothers, the Mother Superior, and the Chief of Police from Montichiari. Sister was reciting the Rosary with the crowd in the middle of the Church. Suddenly, a brilliant white light appeared from the ceiling. Stairs were coming from the light down to the floor of the church, about fifteen feet in length. The staircase was beautifully decorated with red, white and yellow roses. The Blessed Virgin appeared so radiant, dressed in white, with her hands folded. She was standing on a splendid carpet at the top of the stairs, made of the red, white and yellow roses.

In the most gentle and loving voice, our Lady smiled and began to speak, "I am the Immaculate Conception, the Mother of all graces, and the Mother of my Beloved Son, JESUS. I want to be known as the Mystical Rose. My wish is that every year on the 8th of December, at noon, an "Hour of Grace" will be installed. Many spiritual graces and physical blessings will be received by those who pray UNDISTURBED during this hour.

Then slowly, she began to descend the staircase, gracefully scattering roses as she went along until she reached midway of the staircase. Here again the Blessed Mother spoke, "I am very happy to see this great demonstration of faith."

Sr. Pierina asked for many of the sinners to be forgiven. The Blessed Mother replied: "My Divine Son will show His greatest Mercies as much as the people will pray for them. I want this to be known and told to Pope Pius XII. Tell him I want him to install the "Hour of Grace" throughout the whole world, and even those who are not able to go to church during this hour will receive the same graces by praying during this time in their homes at noon time."

She also asked that a Statue be made and placed on the spot where she stood. This should be called the "Rosa Mystica", and be carried in a procession through the town, at which time many graces will be given and cures will take place. Then the statue is to be returned to the church.

Our Lady prayed for the sick, some were cured, others not. Many men, women and children were cured at that very instant. A 26 year old woman who could not say a word for nine months, suddenly began shouting "I see Her, I see the Blessed Virgin." An 18 year old girl with ulcers was instantly cured. A 5 year old boy who had been paralized was told by the Blessed Mother, "Come to Me, you will be walking now." He was placed on the blessed stones and was able to walk.

There were three others who were very sick and were immediately cured. But of course, the greatest miracles taking place were those of the spiritual blessings shed upon the people gathered in the church.

The Blessed Mother said, "This is the last time I will appear here. Pray, weep and do penance on these stones, and you will receive the care of my "Motherly Heart". She then left the little church, but because of the unending love of our Heavenly Mother, she has given us the "Hour of Grace" to be spread throughout the entire world. She has given us all the opportunity to demonstrate our love and trust to her and to help make reparation for the grievous sins offending her Beloved Son, our Lord JESUS CHRIST.