The origin of the word “sanctuary” comes from the Latin sancturarium derived from saunctus which in turn means “holy.” That is to say the choir’s place located around the altar, which is where the liturgical celebrations and especially the Eucharist take place.
The religious act that constitutes a pilgrimage is a concrete gesture of a Christian’s desire to meet God : “Pilgrims often come to shrines particularly well-disposed to seek the grace of forgiveness; they should be helped to open themselves to the Father “rich in mercy” (Eph 2:4),(31) in truth and in freedom, consciously and responsibly, so that their encounter with his grace will give rise to a truly new life.” (Cf. The Shrine: Memory, Presence and Prophecy of the Living God) [see http://heralds.blog.arautos.org/]
In this spirit of pilgrimage to meet God through the intercession of Mary,let us remember to make our spiritual preparation for this great Feastday, so that when it arrives, we may offer the Christchild a pure and humble heart, full of adoration and love. A fervent sacramental Confession, and some extra week-day Masses if possible, prepares us to receive the many Graces which we can receive as we kneel before the Christmas Crib. At the very least, stop for a moment each day, taking a break from the frenetic bustle of our lives, and thank God for the amazing gift of the Incarnation.
LITANY OF THE UNBORN CHRIST CHILD
Our Father, Author of Life,
Thank You for the gift of life.
Word of God, through Whom all things were made,
Thank You for the gift of life.
Holy Spirit, hovering over the waters of Creation,
Thank You for the gift of life.
Jesus, Your coming was announced by an angel,
* BLESS THE UNBORN AND THEIR PARENTS.
Jesus, conceived in love by God’s Spirit and the Virgin Mary,*
Jesus, beloved son of a humble carpenter,*
Jesus, source of immeasurable joy for Mary and Joseph,*
Jesus, the aging Elizabeth rejoiced in Your presence,*
Jesus, You filled the unborn Baptist with gladness,*
Jesus, Mary’s soul mirrors this gift of Divinity,*
Jesus, because of You all generations call Mary blessed,*
Jesus, one month in the womb and Your tiny heart beat for love,*
Jesus, another month passed and Your mouth and hands were wonderfully formed,*
Jesus, that mouth would tell the glory of God,*
Jesus, those hands were fashioned to be pierced for love,*
Jesus, before birth You rested near Your mother’s faithful heart,*
Jesus, grateful to those who assisted Your mother during pregnancy,*
Jesus, teaching us; whatever we do to the least of Your brothers and sisters, we do to You,*
Jesus, Your birth was a joyful revelation to humanity,*
Jesus, days after that nativity, a fearful king planned to kill You,*
Jesus, countless infants were slaughtered in Your place,*
Lord, thank You for first coming among us as the Unborn Christ Child. Today, untold numbers of our tiny sisters and brothers have been abandoned by the world’s leaders, by the traditional defenders of justice, by the healing professions and even by their own parents. But You are their Savior – You have not forgotten them. Savior, rescue and protect these little ones from the neglect and violence of an uncaring world.
Merciful Lord, Your tiny infant heart, which was later emptied on the cross, offers this world it’s only hope. Forgive us our sins against the unborn, against their parents and against all Your children. Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us.
Prince of Peace, through Your healing Spirit, help us to lovingly accept every conceived child created in Your image and likeness, as a messenger of peace and goodwill towards all people. Amen
[Litany from: http://www.unbornwordalliance.com/book_app_2.htm]
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