The Fifth Station: Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry the cross When God lays a cross upon us, some misfortune, some unexpected burden, instead of thanking Him for this precious gift, too often we rebel against His will. We forget that our Saviour never sends a cross alone, but ever sweetens its bitterness, lightens its weight by His all-powerful grace. With reluctance, with unwillingness, Simon bears the cross of His …
Prayer
March 18, 2021
The Fourth Station: Jesus meets His Blessed Mother To sensitive souls the pain they cause others is far worse than any sufferings they may endure themselves. They may have much to endure, but to see others in pain causes them deeper grief. Jesus and Mary meet. Alone He could have suffered with joy so that she, His dearest Mother, might have been spared the agony of seeing all He …
March 17, 2021
The Third Station: Jesus falls the First time Bravely has our Lord borne the galling weight of His cross; bravely has He struggled on, tottering and stumbling, longing for a moment’s rest, yearning for a respite however short. But rest He will not, that He may teach us how unfalteringly we must press on to our goal. But nature will have its way. His sight grows dim; His strength fails …
March 16, 2021
The Second Station: Jesus takes up His cross Away from the palace now a sad procession is winding. On the faces of the multitude a fiendish joy is written, they have had their wish and now issue forth to glut their eyes on the dying struggles of the suffering innocent One. Painfully He is toiling up the long narrow street, narrower still from the crowds that line the way; …
March 15, 2021
A few days ago we posted a request for prayers for a 3 day old baby boy who had been experiencing a blockage of the bowel. https://williedoyle.org/2021/03/09/please-pray-through-fr-doyles-intercession-for-3-day-old-baby-william/ The update is very positive – William is now in full health, and is at home with his family. All of his tests are good and he has no symptoms of any illness and needs no further intervention. His family wishes to thank everyone …
March 14, 2021
We are now over half way through Lent. At this stage it is easy for our dedication to wane somewhat; the early enthusiasm of Ash Wednesday is behind us; the solemnity and beauty of Holy Week is still a few weeks away. This seems to be an appropriate time to introduce the Stations of the Cross based on the writings of Fr Doyle. For each of the next 14 days …
March 14, 2021
Please say a prayer for a 3 day old Irish baby called William who has had some health difficulties in the days since his birth. Doctors are investigating a blockage of the bowel; it may be the case that he could need an operation bypass part of his colon. Let us pray through the intercession of his namesake Fr Doyle for the complete healing of Baby William – that no …
March 9, 2021
A habit of ejaculatory prayer is a sign of nearness to God, for our own holiness will be in proportion to our love and thought of Him all day long. COMMENT: St Paul tells us to pray always. The great saints and mystics lived constantly in God’s presence, almost unconsciously making everything they did a prayer. Yet, unless they have received many graces, it is unlikely that they started out …
February 25, 2021
You seem to be a little troubled at finding yourself cold at prayer and as if our Lord had abandoned you. Were it otherwise I should feel uneasy; for this is one of the best signs that you are really pleasing to God, since He puts your fidelity to the test by sending desolation. There is no happiness to be compared to the sweets one tastes at times in prayer; …
February 10, 2021
Some of Fr Doyle’s favourite aspirations: l. My Crucified Jesus, help me to crucify myself. 2. Lord, teach me how to pray and pray always. 3. Jesus, Thou Saint of saints, make me a saint. 4. Blessed be God for all things. 5. My loving Jesus within my heart unite my heart to Thee. 6. Heart of Jesus, give me Your zeal for souls. 7. My God, Thou art omnipotent, …
February 6, 2021