Daily Faith

Fortitude

Fortitude is the moral courage to do what is right — even when it is hard, unpopular, or costs something. It is not the absence of fear. It is acting rightly in spite of it.

“O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer You my prayers, works, joys, and sufferings of this day for all the intentions of Your Sacred Heart.”

Say this before leaving the house. Offer your entire day.

“Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom His love commits me here, ever this day be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen.”

Teach this to children first. Say it together before school.

“O glorious St. Joseph, faithful follower of Jesus Christ, to you we raise our hearts and hands to implore your powerful intercession. Obtain for us from Jesus the help and graces necessary for our spiritual and temporal needs.”

Patron of workers and families. Especially powerful for Catholic dads.

“O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended You, and I detest all my sins because of Your just punishments, but most of all because they offend You, my God, who are all good and deserving of all my love.”

Great for the evening examination of conscience as a family.

“St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan and all evil spirits.”

Pray this as a family on Fridays. Fathers should lead it.

“Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly to thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother.”

Saturday is Mary's day. A beautiful prayer to say with your children.

“Lord, I am about to participate in the Most Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. I ask You to make me fully present — not just in body, but in heart and mind. Help me receive You with all the love and reverence You deserve.”

Say this in the car or in the pew before Mass begins. Teach it to your kids.

A simple farm laborer in Madrid who rose before dawn every day to attend Mass before work. His angels were said to plow his fields while he prayed. His wife Maria de la Cabeza is also a saint.

A young royal page in Uganda who protected fellow young Catholics from a corrupt king's demands. He and 21 companions were martyred in 1886 — many as young as 13 years old. Courageous beyond measure.

Lord Chancellor of England, beloved husband and father, who refused to compromise his conscience for a king. Executed for his faith. His last words: "I die the king's good servant — but God's first."

A Spanish soldier turned mystic who, while recovering from a battle wound, read about the saints and felt a fire in his soul. Founded the Jesuits to serve "God's greater glory." His Spiritual Exercises remain one of the most powerful tools for Catholic discernment.

Born wealthy, lived poor by choice. Rebuilt the Church — literally, then spiritually. Preached to birds. Received the stigmata. Known for his radical joy, his love of creation, and his total abandonment to God's will.

Queen of Scotland, mother of eight, daily Mass-goer, and tireless advocate for the poor. She and her husband King Malcolm raised a royal family known for faith and virtue. She read Scripture to her husband every night.