Our Lady of Victories

It is our hope that this Shrine will be a place of destination and pilgrimage when you are in Boston. Come and pray here and allow Mary to gently lead you to the open arms of her Son. We priests of the Society of Mary will happily pray and celebrate with you the sacraments of the Holy Eucharist, Reconciliation, and Anointing of the Sick.

Many have asked to have their Marriages here. It is our joy to serve you if it is possible. Please read the directives for Marriage in the special section locate here.

If you are not able to come to Boston and would like special prayers or advice, you can contact us through the email or phone number listed on the web page. You can have Masses offered for your intentions throughout the year.

May Mary watch over you and lead you to the Victory of peace in mind and heart which only Her Son, Jesus, can bring.

Sincerely in the love of Jesus and Mary,
The Parish Team

OUR LADY OF ADVENT

Our parish family welcomes you to our beautiful church; we’re happy you are with us today! We celebrate the Second Sunday of Advent this weekend and that draws us closer to Christmas. Normally on December 8th, we celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, but the Advent Sunday is of greater importance in the Church’s liturgical year. The celebration of the feast is transferred to Monday, December 9^th, but Monday’s feast is not a Holyday of Obligation. Masses will be at 7:15 a.m. and 12:10 p.m. Our Mother Mary is one of the important figures of the Advent season. She who was blessed to carry our Lord in her womb is an example for us as she lived her own “Advent” in hope and anticipation of the birth of her precious child. Her ancestors had longed for a Messiah for many years. To her amazement, she was now the chosen instrument of God’s mercy, bearing not only the Messiah but the very Son of God, a Savior not just for Israel but for the whole world! We unite ourselves to Our Lady during this season. She is one who has much to teach us about trust, faith, and openness to the will of God. May she guide us on our journey toward Christmas, when we hope to share in the joy and peace her Son offers us. To all of you: God’s blessings be yours this week!

FORTNIGHT OF PRAYER

With our Sunday Masses today, we conclude the two-week period of healing prayer we have had in our shrine/parish. We thank God for the many healings and graces He bestowed upon us during this time. May our loving God continue to touch many with His healing love through the intercession of Our Lady of Victories and in the name of His Son, Jesus.

OUR THANKS

We thank Sr. Mary Anne Faucher, SMSM, for the Wednesday novena to Our Lady of Victories that she prayerfully led, beginning in October and ending on December 4th. Sister is also a weekend cantor and lector in our parish, and we’re grateful for her ministry here.

SACRAMENT OF PENANCE (CONFESSION)

One way to prepare for the joy of Christmas during Advent is to celebrate the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation (Confession). You are most welcome to go to Confession in our church. A priest will be available for you at these times: Monday to Friday from 11:50 a.m. to 12:10 p.m., Saturdays from 4:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Wednesdays from 3:30 p.m. to 5:15 p.m., and after all our parish Masses from December 21st to the 24th. If these times Please contact a priest to set up another time for Confession, one that is best for you.

THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

By God’s loving design, the Virgin Mary was kept free from original sin and from all sin so that she would be prepared for her unique role as the Mother of God. We, too, have been given gifts by God to help us to do what He calls us to do as disciples of His Son. Oh Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us that we may have the courage to say “yes” when God calls. See Matthew 3:10

YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS

This past week we received $132.00 from the week-day collections, $1,075.00 from the week-end collections, and $1,131.00 for the collection for Retired Religious Sisters. We thank you for your generosity.

FOR YOUR USE

There are Advent pamphlets and other reading materials available for you near the church entrances. You’re welcome to take something for yourself or for someone else. We make these available to encourage our prayer and reflection during this wonderful season.

GROTTO OF OUR LADY OF LOURDES

You are invited to have a year-long candle lighted in memory of loved ones who have died or for some special intention. This is a way to honor Mary in recognizing her powerful intercession and love both for us and for our loved ones. Envelopes are provided in the back of the church and to the left of the Grotto. We ask for a donation of seventy-five dollars.

BIBLE STUDY

The Bible Study Class continues every Monday from 5:10 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. The class gathers in the Rectory Conference room at 27 Isabella Street.

LITANY OF OUR LADY OF VICTORIES

LET US PRAY:  Our Lady of Victories, we come before you in prayer.  You are in complete union with the will of the Father and with the mission of your Son, Jesus Christ.  We ask your intercession that all that binds us and burdens us will be overcome by the saving death and resurrection of your Son.  We pray in His name, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives forever and ever. Amen.

V.     Lord, have mercy.                                          R.     Lord, have mercy.

V.     Christ, have mercy.                                       R.     Christ, have mercy.

V.     Lord, have mercy.                                          R.     Lord, have mercy.

V.     God, the Father of heaven,                            R.     have mercy on us.

V.     God the Son, our Redeemer,                        R.     have mercy on us.

V.     God the Holy Spirit                                          R.     have mercy on us.

V.     Holy Trinity, One God,                                    R.     have mercy on us.

V.     Holy Mary, Mother of God,                                                R.     pray for us.

V.     Our Lady of Victories,                                                        R.     pray for us.

V.     For victory over lack of faith,                                             R.     pray for us.

V.     For victory over sin, both personal and social,              R.     pray of us.

V.     For victory over the culture of death,                               R.     pray for us.

V.     For victory over abortion and euthanasia,                      R.     pray for us.

V.     For victory over war and all forms of violence,              R.     pray for us.

V.     For victory of sexual and physical abuse,                      R.     pray for us.

V.     For victory over pornography and sexual exploitation, R.     pray for us.

V.     For victory over racial hatred and prejudice,                  R.     pray for us.

V.     For victory over poverty and homelessness,                  R.     pray for us.

V.     For victory over alcoholism and drug addiction,            R.     pray for us.

V.     For victory over nicotine and gambling addiction,         R.     pray for us.

V.     For victory over all forms of addiction,                             R.     pray for us.

V.     For victory over cancer and heart disease,                     R.     pray for us.

V.     For victory over dementia and Alzheimer’s disease,    R.     pray for us.

V.     For victory over HIV/AIDS,                                                R.     pray for us.

V.     For victory over mental and emotional illness,              R.     pray for us.

V.     For victory over all sickness and disease,                     R.     pray for us.

V.     For victory over family strife and discord,                       R.     pray for us.

V.     For victory over ignorance and fear,                               R.     pray for us.

V.     For victory over materialism and greed,                         R.     pray for us.

V.     For victory over indifference and negligence,               R.     pray for us.

V.     For victory over pride and a judgmental spirit,              R.     pray for us.

V.     For victory over despair and hopelessness,                 R.     pray for us.

V.     For victory over the bonds of death itself,                      R.     pray for us.

V.     That our parish might trust in your will,                                                                  R.    Hear us, O Lord.

V.     That our community might share more fully in the victory of your Son,              R.    Hear us, O Lord.

V.     That our community might grow, both in faith and in numbers,                            R.    Hear us, O Lord.

V.     Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,                                          R.     spare us, O Lord.

V.     Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,                                          R.    hear us, O Lord.

V.     Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,                                           R.     have mercy on us.

LET US PRAY: Loving and merciful God, hear with a longing to share more fully in the victory of your

Son in His cross and resurrection.  With the intercession of Mary, our Mother and Our Lady of Victories, we offer this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns forever and ever.  Amen.