the holy innocents
Feast: 28th December
Rank: Feast
Rank: Feast
On the fourth day of the Octave of the Nativity, Holy Mother Church commemorates the Holy Innocents, the male children under the age of two years old who were slaughtered by the order of the wicked prince, King Herod.
When the Magi had made mention of their travelling to the Nativity to adore the Christ, Herod asked of what the Prophets had said of Him. And when learning that the Messias was to be King of the Jews, and the true and lawful Son of David and Heir of the House of David, Herod was filled with pride and jealousy for his power, which same power was bestowed upon him by Rome herself. He feared that the Messias would come and remove him from the throne, and occupy it. Thus, such are the worldly thoughts of those who stray from God!
Since, from the first moment of His life, the Lord was marked by wicked men for death, and was harassed by them, it should come as no surprise that the same treatment should be shown to us. Yet, even in this bitter passion, we rejoice for we are rewarded a place with Him. Such a place was given to the Holy Innocents, who, though unable to profess faith in Christ, nor knew of His presence, nevertheless were baptised by their blood, and given crowns of martyrdom.
Even since then, countless children have died for the Lord. For, if the world could not treat innocent Christ with dignity, how shall it do the same to us? Even today, how many innocents are killed by those who are entrusted with their care? How many, like the Innocents, are unable to come to advance in faith, wisdom, age and piety because some wicked person steals their life, which God has granted to them?
Because of the sobering fact that even children are not spared by the Devil and his agents, it is imperative that Catholic parents endeavour to teach their children their catechism, their Faith, and their dignity. It is imperative to snatch them away from Satan and place them under the protection of the Father of mercies, by Baptism; to consecrate them in the Faith through Confirmation; to draw them into communion with Lord through the Eucharist; to teach them to confess their sins and be contrite for them through Penance.
Children should be kept pure and innocent, and preserved from the filth and degeneracy that now plagues the world, and the schools. Children should not be exposed to anything harmful not only to their development, but also to the Faith. They should not be exposed to wicked, blasphemous or heretical material, of whatsoever kind.
They should also be taught the right worship which is offered to God, most specially the Holy Mass, and to be taught to honour the Holy Mother of God and the Saints, and to call upon their aid. They should also be taught to invoke their Guardian Angels, to respect their Priests, and honour the Church, for She is the Mystical Body of Christ. They should be taught to obey their parents and betters, and to show honour to their aged family members and to others who are advanced in age.
For an army of pious children raising their hearts and voices to the Lord in one glorious choir is more powerful against the Enemy that an army of cannons, bullets, or guns.
Today, especially, we should pray that the Holy Innocents may aid children, preserve them from evil, and to bring an end to the evil practise of abortion.
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Prayer to the Holy Innocents
Holy Innocents, you died before you were old enough to know what life means, pray for children who die young that God may gather them into His loving arms.
Holy Innocents, you were killed because one man was filled with hatred, pray for those who hate that God may touch their hearts and fill them with love.
Holy Innocents, you experienced a violent death, pray for all who are affected by violence that they may find peace and love.
Holy Innocents, your parents grieved for you with deep and lasting sorrow, pray for all parents who have lost young children that God may wrap a warm blanket of comfort around them.
Holy Innocents, those around you certainly felt helpless to prevent your deaths, pray for all who feel helpless in their circumstances that they may cling to God for courage and hope.
Holy Innocents, your lives were made short by those who should have cared for you, intercede that the wicked practise of abortion may come to an end, and that all men may see the dignity of the unborn.
Holy Innocents, though you could not profess faith in Christ, you were still received into Heaven, pray for those children who die without baptism, that the Lord may be merciful to them.
Holy Innocents, you who are now in Heaven, pray for all of us that one day we may join you there to bask in God's love forever. Amen.
When the Magi had made mention of their travelling to the Nativity to adore the Christ, Herod asked of what the Prophets had said of Him. And when learning that the Messias was to be King of the Jews, and the true and lawful Son of David and Heir of the House of David, Herod was filled with pride and jealousy for his power, which same power was bestowed upon him by Rome herself. He feared that the Messias would come and remove him from the throne, and occupy it. Thus, such are the worldly thoughts of those who stray from God!
Since, from the first moment of His life, the Lord was marked by wicked men for death, and was harassed by them, it should come as no surprise that the same treatment should be shown to us. Yet, even in this bitter passion, we rejoice for we are rewarded a place with Him. Such a place was given to the Holy Innocents, who, though unable to profess faith in Christ, nor knew of His presence, nevertheless were baptised by their blood, and given crowns of martyrdom.
Even since then, countless children have died for the Lord. For, if the world could not treat innocent Christ with dignity, how shall it do the same to us? Even today, how many innocents are killed by those who are entrusted with their care? How many, like the Innocents, are unable to come to advance in faith, wisdom, age and piety because some wicked person steals their life, which God has granted to them?
Because of the sobering fact that even children are not spared by the Devil and his agents, it is imperative that Catholic parents endeavour to teach their children their catechism, their Faith, and their dignity. It is imperative to snatch them away from Satan and place them under the protection of the Father of mercies, by Baptism; to consecrate them in the Faith through Confirmation; to draw them into communion with Lord through the Eucharist; to teach them to confess their sins and be contrite for them through Penance.
Children should be kept pure and innocent, and preserved from the filth and degeneracy that now plagues the world, and the schools. Children should not be exposed to anything harmful not only to their development, but also to the Faith. They should not be exposed to wicked, blasphemous or heretical material, of whatsoever kind.
They should also be taught the right worship which is offered to God, most specially the Holy Mass, and to be taught to honour the Holy Mother of God and the Saints, and to call upon their aid. They should also be taught to invoke their Guardian Angels, to respect their Priests, and honour the Church, for She is the Mystical Body of Christ. They should be taught to obey their parents and betters, and to show honour to their aged family members and to others who are advanced in age.
For an army of pious children raising their hearts and voices to the Lord in one glorious choir is more powerful against the Enemy that an army of cannons, bullets, or guns.
Today, especially, we should pray that the Holy Innocents may aid children, preserve them from evil, and to bring an end to the evil practise of abortion.
________________________________________________________
Prayer to the Holy Innocents
Holy Innocents, you died before you were old enough to know what life means, pray for children who die young that God may gather them into His loving arms.
Holy Innocents, you were killed because one man was filled with hatred, pray for those who hate that God may touch their hearts and fill them with love.
Holy Innocents, you experienced a violent death, pray for all who are affected by violence that they may find peace and love.
Holy Innocents, your parents grieved for you with deep and lasting sorrow, pray for all parents who have lost young children that God may wrap a warm blanket of comfort around them.
Holy Innocents, those around you certainly felt helpless to prevent your deaths, pray for all who feel helpless in their circumstances that they may cling to God for courage and hope.
Holy Innocents, your lives were made short by those who should have cared for you, intercede that the wicked practise of abortion may come to an end, and that all men may see the dignity of the unborn.
Holy Innocents, though you could not profess faith in Christ, you were still received into Heaven, pray for those children who die without baptism, that the Lord may be merciful to them.
Holy Innocents, you who are now in Heaven, pray for all of us that one day we may join you there to bask in God's love forever. Amen.