The Catholic Church is rich with traditions that have, over centuries, nourished the faith and spiritual life of its followers.
However, many of these beautiful practices have faded away in modern times. Reconnecting with these lost traditions can deepen our faith, strengthen our community, and bring us closer to God.
Here are seven Catholic traditions that we need to revive, each accompanied by a prayer to honour them.
1. Ember Days
Ember Days are quarterly periods of fasting and prayer that mark the changing of the seasons. These days were traditionally observed on the Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday following St. Lucy’s Day (December 13), Ash Wednesday, Pentecost, and the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (September 14).
Observing Ember Days is a way to give thanks for the blessings of nature and to seek God’s favor and protection.
Prayer to Honor Ember Days
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the bounty of the earth and the changing of the seasons. Help us to observe Ember Days with true devotion, offering our fasting and prayers for Your blessings and guidance. May we always be mindful of Your creation and our role as stewards of this world
Amen
2. Rogation Days
Rogation Days are days of prayer and fasting during which the faithful would ask for God’s mercy and protection, especially for the harvest and against natural calamities. Traditionally, processions and the blessing of fields were common during these days.
Prayer to Honor Rogation Days
Almighty God, Creator of all things, we humbly ask for Your protection and blessings upon our fields and labor. On this Rogation Day, may our prayers rise to You like incense, and may Your grace rain down upon us, bringing forth a fruitful harvest and guarding us from harm. Through Christ our Lord
Amen
3. The Angelus
The Angelus is a devotion commemorating the Incarnation, traditionally recited three times daily: at dawn, noon, and dusk. This simple practice, marked by the ringing of the Angelus bell, serves as a powerful reminder of God’s presence throughout the day.
Prayer to Honor the Angelus:
The Angel of the Lord declared to Mary: And she conceived of the Holy Spirit. (Hail Mary…) Behold the handmaid of the Lord: Be it done unto me according to Thy word. (Hail Mary…) And the Word was made Flesh: And dwelt among us. (Hail Mary…) Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts; that we, to whom the Incarnation of Christ, Thy Son, was made known by the message of an angel, may by His Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of His Resurrection. Through the same Christ Our Lord.
Amen
4. The Holy Hour
The Holy Hour is a period of prayer and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, typically one hour, inspired by Jesus’ words to the Apostles in the Garden of Gethsemane: “Could you not watch one hour with Me?” (Matthew 26:40). Spending time in quiet contemplation before the Eucharist allows for a deep, personal connection with Christ.
Prayer to Honor the Holy Hour
O Sacrament most Holy, O Sacrament Divine, all praise and all thanksgiving be every moment Thine. Lord Jesus, we come before You in this Holy Hour, seeking to abide in Your love and presence. Fill our hearts with Your peace and grace, and draw us ever closer to You in adoration
Amen
5. Latin in the Liturgy
The use of Latin in the Liturgy was a unifying aspect of Catholic worship, connecting believers across the world through a common language. While vernacular languages have made the Mass more accessible, incorporating Latin can enrich our liturgical experience and deepen our sense of sacred tradition.
Prayer to Honor Latin in the Liturgy
Deus, qui humanae substantiae dignitatem mirabiliter condidisti et mirabilius reformasti: da nobis, quaesumus, per huius aquae et vini mysterium, eius divinitatis esse consortes, qui humanitatis nostrae fieri dignatus est particeps, Iesus Christus, Filius tuus, Dominus noster, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitate Spiritus Sancti, Deus, per omnia saecula saeculorum
Amen
6. The Scapular Devotion
The Scapular Devotion involves wearing a small cloth scapular as a sign of dedication to Mary and a reminder to live a holy life. The Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is the most well-known, symbolizing a special commitment to Mary’s guidance and protection.
Prayer to Honor the Scapular Devotion
O Mother of Mount Carmel, surrounded by the love and protection of your holy scapular, may we grow in faith and devotion to your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Grant us the grace to live our lives in accordance with His will, under your mantle of maternal care
Amen
7. The Use of Holy Water at Home
Holy water is a sacramental that serves as a reminder of our baptism and a means of spiritual protection. Keeping holy water at home and using it to bless ourselves and our living spaces can reinforce our faith and invite God’s grace into our daily lives.
Prayer to Honor the Use of Holy Water:
Blessed be God, Father of infinite goodness and mercy. We ask You to sanctify this water by Your Holy Spirit, that as we use it in faith, we may be cleansed from our sins and protected from all harm. May this sacramental remind us of our baptism and draw us ever closer to You. Through Christ our Lord.
Amen
By reviving these lost traditions, we can enrich our spiritual lives and reconnect with the profound heritage of the Catholic faith.
Let us embrace these practices with reverence and devotion, allowing them to guide us in our journey toward holiness.
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