Francis of Assisi
Peace
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love with all my soul.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.
Self Giving
I beg you, Lord,
let the fiery, gentle power
of your love
take possession of my soul,
and snatch it away
from everything under heaven,
that I may die
for love of your love
as you saw fit to die
for love of mine
Praise of God
Lord God:
you alone are holy,
you who work wonders!
You are strong, you are great,
you are the Most High,
you are the almighty King,
you, holy Father, King of heaven and earth.
Lord God: you are Three and you are One,
you are goodness, all goodness,
you are the highest Good,
Lord God, living and true.
You are love and charity, you are wisdom,
you are humility, you are patience,
you are beauty, you are sweetness,
you are safety, you are rest, you are joy,
you are our hope
and our delight,
you are justice, you are moderation
you are all our wealth
and riches overflowing.
You are beauty, you are gentleness,
you are our shelter, our guard
and our defender,
you are
you are our hope.
you are our faith.
you are our love,
you are our complete consolation,
you are our life everlasting,
great and wonderful Lord,
all-powerful God, merciful Saviour. Amen.
Daily Prayer
Lord, help me to live this day, quietly, easily;
to lean on your great strength, trustfully, respectfully;
to wait for the unfolding of your will, patiently, serenely;
to meet others, peacefully, joyfully;
to face tomorrow, confidently, courageously. Amen.
Meditation: My God and My All
You are holy, Lord, the only God,
and Your deeds are wonderful.
You are strong.
You are great.
You are the Most High.
You are Almighty.
You, Holy Father are King of heaven and earth.
You are Three and One, Lord God, all Good.
You are Good, all Good, supreme Good,
Lord God, living and true.
You are love. You are wisdom.
You are humility. You are endurance.
You are rest. You are peace.
You are joy and gladness.
You are justice and moderation.
You are all our riches, and You suffice for us.
You are beauty.
You are gentleness.
You are our protector.
You are our guardian and defender.
You are our courage. You are our haven and our hope.
You are our faith, our great consolation.
You are our eternal life, Great and Wonderful Lord,
God Almighty, Merciful Saviour.
Praises
God, all-powerful,
most holy sublime ruler of all, you alone are good –
supremely, fully, completely good,
may we render to you all praise,
all honour and all blessing:
may we always ascribe to you alone
everything that is good. Amen
My Vocation
Most High, Glorious God,
enlighten the darkness of our minds.
Give us a right faith, a firm hope and a perfect charity,
so that we may always and in all things act according to Your Holy Will. Amen.
Before the Blessed Sacrament
We adore You, O Lord Jesus Christ, in this Church and all the Churches of the world, and we bless You, because, by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.
Praise to Mary the Mother of God
Hail, O Lady, Holy Queen,
Mary, holy Mother of God:
you are the Virgin made Church
chosen by the most Holy Father in heaven
whom He consecrated with His most holy beloved Son
and with the Holy Spirit the Paraclete,
in whom there was and is all fullness of grace and every good.
Hail His Palace!
Hail His Tabernacle!
Hail His Dwelling!
Hail His Robe!
Hail His Servant!
Hail His Mother!
And hail all you holy virtues
Which are poured into the hearts of the faithful
through the grace and enlightenment of the Holy Spirit,
that from being unbelievers,
you may make them faithful to God. Amen.
Thanksgiving
God, all powerful, most holy,
most high and supreme;
FATHER: holy and righteous;
LORD: king of heaven and earth;
we thank you for yourself,
because by your holy will
and through your only Son
and the Holy Spirit
you created all things,
spiritual and material.
You made us in your
image and likeness
and placed us in paradise,
and we, through our transgression
fell away.
We give you thanks because,
as you created us through your Son,
so by the holy love
with which you loved us
you willed your Son to be born
true God and true man
of the glorious and holy Virgin Mary,
and through his cross and blood and death
it was your will to set us free
from our captivity.
Also, we thank you
because that same Son of yours
will come again in the glory of his majesty
to condemn those who refused to repent
and acknowledge you;
and to say
to all who did acknowledge,
worship and serve you in repentance:
Come, you whom my Father has blessed,
receive the kingdom
prepared for you
since the world began.
And because we are all wretched sinners,
unworthy to speak your name,
therefore let Jesus Christ himself,
our Lord and your beloved Son
in whom you are well pleased,
give thanks to you for everything,
together with the Holy Spirit the Paraclete,
as it pleases you and pleases him.
He always satisfies you in everything,
and through him, you have done so much for us. Alleluia.
Before a Crucifix
Most high, glorious God, enlighten the darkness of my heart and give me Lord, a correct faith, a certain hope, a perfect charity, sense and knowledge, so that I may carry out Your holy and true command.
Canticle of Creatures
Most High, all-powerful, all-good Lord,
All praise is Yours, all glory, all honour and all blessings.
To you alone, Most High, do they belong,
and no mortal lips are worthy to pronounce Your Name.
Praised be You my Lord with all Your creatures,
especially Sir Brother Sun,
Who is the day through whom You give us light.
And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendour,
Of You Most High, he bears the likeness.
Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars,
In the heavens you have made them bright, precious and fair.
Praised be You, my Lord, through Brothers Wind and Air,
And fair and stormy, all weather’s moods,
by which You cherish all that You have made.
Praised be You my Lord through Sister Water,
So useful, humble, precious and pure.
Praised be You my Lord through Brother Fire,
through whom You light the night
and he is beautiful and playful and robust and strong.
Praised be You my Lord through our Sister,
Mother Earth
who sustains and governs us,
producing varied fruits with coloured flowers and herbs.
Praise be You my Lord through those who grant pardon
for love of You and bear sickness and trial.
Blessed are those who endure in peace,
By You Most High, they will be crowned.
Praised be You, my Lord through Sister Death,
from whom no-one living can escape.
Woe to those who die in mortal sin!
Blessed are they She finds doing Your Will.
No second death can do them harm.
Praise and bless my Lord and give Him thanks,
And serve Him with great humility.
Blessing of St. Francis
Whoever shall observe these things may he be filled in heaven with the blessing of the
And I, brother Francis, your worthless servant, as far as I am able, approve this most-holy blessing both internally and externally. Amen.
Blessing of St. Francis
The Lord bless you and keep you.
May He show His face to you and have mercy.
May He turn His countenance to you and give you peace.
The Lord bless you.
… St Francis of Assisi, Pray for Us …
(By St Francis of Assisi)
See Also:
Litany in Honour of St Francis
11th January: Blessed William Carter
Featured Person: Blessed William Carter (1548 – 1584)
Blessed William Carter was born in London and executed – hung, drawn and quartered – at Tyburn, London. It was a merciless and public death.
Following an early printing apprenticeship, he set up his own printing business. He was first imprisoned for publishing some general Catholic documents. Then in 1580 he was again imprisoned, this time for publishing a new edition of ‘Treatise of Schisme’. Finally, he was accused of treason at the Old Bailey after publishing a book containing, a paragraph that could be vaguely interpreted as anti-Monarchy. He was executed on 11th January 1584.
+In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of The Holy Spirit. Amen+
Short Quote: The Baptism of Jesus: After Jesus was baptized, the heavens opened and the Holy Spirit descending like a dove on him. A voice from heaven said, “This is my Son; in him I take great delight”. (Mathew 3: 16-17)
Thoughts: Johns message was one of repentance and renewal through baptism. He didn’t consider himself worthy to baptise Jesus. This was an amazing launch of Jesus’ ministry; an occasion when God the Father (the voice from heaven), God the Son (Jesus) and God the Holy Spirit (the dove) were all present.
Private Reflection: May my yearning to meet the Father, Son and Holy Spirit never fade.
Prayer: Most Sacred Heart of Jesus ( From Akita Prayer)
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, truly present in the Holy Eucharist,
I consecrate my body and soul to be entirely one with Your heart,
Receive this humble offering of myself.
Use me as You will for the glory of the Father and salvation of souls.
Most Holy Mother of God, never let me be separated from Your Divine Son.
Defend and protect me as Your special child. Amen.
Blessed William Carter: Pray for Us
Today’s Music Suggestion: As the Deer
+In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of The Holy Spirit. Amen+
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28th February: Blessed Daniel Brottier
Featured Person: Blessed Daniel Brottier (1876-1936)
Blessed Daniel was born in La Ferte-Saint-Cyr, France. Family accounts suggest that from a very early age, Daniel sought a priestly vocation. Although he at first became a teacher, he was ‘restless’ and ‘determined to be a missionary’. His wish was granted and, his Priestly service took him to Senegal. During World War I he was a volunteer Chaplain and cited for bravery on six occasions. In his view, the special protection that he received during battle was the work of St Therese of Lisieux. In 1923 he assumed charge of a Paris orphanage, pioneering a programme to place the children in Catholic homes and offer them skilled apprenticeships.
+In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen+
Short Quote: Jesus said, “Love your enemy and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be like your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:44-45)
Thoughts: Easy to do! Well, not always so; the pain caused by others can be difficult to forget! But Jesus is saying, don’t just forgive but also pray for them.
Private Reflection: Lord Jesus, may I forever strive to be like you; extending my love and compassion to those who hurt me most. Jesus, hear my prayer.
Prayer: Grace to Forgive (by Prayer Calendar)
Lord Jesus, give me the strength to forgive.
Purify my heart and mind.
Bestow your grace on my weaknesses and failings.
Open my life to your true and endless love. Amen.
Blessed Daniel: Pray for Us
Today’s Music Suggestion: Make me a Channel of Your Peace
+In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen+
[To view and enjoy the full Readings for today TAP HERE – Opens in a new Window]
7th February: St Colette
Featured Saint: St Colette (1381-1447)
St Colette was born into a poor family in Corbie, France. It is said that her aged parents prayed to St Nicolas for a child and, through his intercession, at 60yrs, her mother Marguerite gave birth to Colette. After her parent’s death, St Colette aged 19yrs, firstly joined a lay community and then the Order of St Francis. She chose to be a hermit and later founded the Poor Clares whose lifestyle was one of extreme poverty and austerity. St Colette miraculously saved the life of a pregnant mother and child at the time of its birth. She is the Patron Saint of women wishing to conceive and expectant mothers.
+In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen+
Short Story: Jesus planned to take his disciples to a quiet place by boat where they could be alone and talk. However, the people heard of his plans and arrived there before him. When Jesus embarked from the boat, “he saw the large crowd and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he taught them many things”. (Mark 6:34)
Thoughts: Does the same passion to hear the word of Jesus exist in today’s world?
Answer:- Yes undoubtedly, but there are still parts of our modern world that it still has to reach!
Private Reflection: Lord Jesus, strengthen our resolve to spread your teaching. Enlighten our Priests and Religious in new ways, to care for and feed your hungry people. This we ask through your Holy Spirit. Amen.
Prayers: Priests and Religious
St Paul, great convert and Apostle,
guide all priests and religious.
Help them realize that their actions
speak louder than any words.
Teach them to use their talents
to convey God’s message
but, to rely above all,
on the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
St Colette: Pray for Us
Today’s Music Suggestion: Change My Heart, O God
+In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen+
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4th February: St Joseph of Leonessa
Featured Saint: St Joseph of Leonessa (1556-1612)
Joseph was born in Leonessa, Italy. In his childhood, it is said that he regularly built small altars and grottos at which he prayed and invited his friends. Although expected to get married, after recovering from a serious illness, he instead joined the Franciscian Order; he was 16yrs old. Aged 31, Joseph was sent to Constantinople to minister to imprisoned Christians. There he lived in poverty and preached daily in the city. His insistence on preaching led to his own imprisonment and sentence of death. It is said that miraculously Joseph escaped from the gallows and was able to return to Italy where he spent the remainder of his life preaching and helping the poor.
+In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen+
Short Quote: Jesus began teaching in his hometown of Nazareth. “Many who heard him were astonished, saying, where did he get these ideas? And what is this wisdom that has been given to him? What are these miracles that are done through his hands? Isn’t this the carpenter, the son of Mary” (Mark 6:2-3)
Thoughts: Sometimes it is those who know you better than anyone else, the ones that you grew up with, that let you down the most! Jesus’ hometown friends were astonished at his work but they also refused to accept him.
Private Reflection: Who do I exclude from my life? How can I make amends, make peace?
Prayer: Jesus Our True Love (by Hildegard of Bingen)
Jesus Christ, the love that gives love,
You are higher than the highest star;
You are deeper than the deepest sea;
You cherish us as your own family;
You embrace us as your own spouse;
You rule over us as your own subjects;
You welcome us as your dearest friend.
Let all the world worship you.
St Joseph: Pray for Us
Today’s Music Suggestion: From a Distance
+In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen+
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1st February: St Bridget of Ireland
Featured Saint: Bridget of Ireland: (ca 453-524)
Bridget is one of Irelands best known Saints, along with St Patrick and St Columba. She is sometimes known as Bridget of Kildare. As with most early Church Saints, written records about her are limited and incomplete. From birth, Bridget was believed to have been especially blessed and numerous miracles were attributed to her throughout her life. At a young age, Bridget committed herself to a religious life and later established many prayer centres and monasteries. The unique St Bridget’s Cross, often made from plant stalks, is attributed to her; it remains a common religious feature in Irish homes and Irish culture. St Bridget is also venerated in many European countries and America. Part of her remains is preserved in the Church of St John the Baptist, Lumiar, Portugal.
+In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen+
Short Story: When some in the crowd asked Jesus why his disciples were not fasting but others were, he used simple logic to explain. In one response he said, “no one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, otherwise, the patch pulls away from it, the new from the old, and the tear becomes worse”. (Mark 2:21)
Thoughts: Jesus was not telling the crowd to avoid fasting. To the contrary, fasting has its place. He was saying that we should seek the right time and means to show that we truly love God. As lent approaches, self denial of selected benefits, is one possible occasion!
Private Reflection: Lord Jesus, help me to plan for Lent. May my expression of love for you, through self-denial, be sincere. Give me the courage and strength to sacrifice a few of my simple daily luxuries, knowing that they will be but, a small cross to carry.
Prayers: I Arise Today (St Bridget of Ireland)
I arise today with a great strength:
God’s power to guide me,
God’s might to uphold me,
God’s eyes to watch over me,
God’s ear to hear me,
God’s word to give me speech,
God’s hand to guard me,
God’s way to lie before me,
God’s shield to shelter me and
God’s host to secure me.
St Bridget: Pray for Us
Today’s Music Suggestion: Amazing Grace
+In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen+
[To view and enjoy the full Readings for today TAP HERE – Opens in a new Window]
30th January: St Aldegonde
Featured Saint: St Aldegonde (ca. 639-684)
St Aldegonde chose a cloistered life, becoming a French Benedictine Abbess. She set up a small hospital on the banks of the River Sambre at Malbode, on whose waters she is said to have miraculously walked. The hospital later became the famous Maubeuge Abbey. St Aldegonde, at around 44yrs, died from breast cancer. She is Patron Saint of Breast Cancer sufferers.
+In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen+
Short Quote: When Jesus was asked what the kingdom of God could be compared to, he replied, “It is like a mustard seed that when sown in the ground, even though it is the smallest of all the seeds, becomes the greatest of all garden plants, and grows large branches so that the wild birds can nest in its shade”. (Mark 4:31-32)
Private Reflection: “Be good, love the Lord, pray for those who do not know Him. What a great grace it is to know God!” (St Josephine Bakhita)
Prayer: Guidance (Basil of Caesarea)
Steer the ship of my life, good Lord,
to your quiet harbour,
where I can be safe from the storms of sin and conflict.
Show me the course I should take.
Renew in me the gift of discernment,
so that I can always see the right direction in which I should go.
And give me the strength and the courage to choose the right course,
even when the sea is rough and the waves are high,
knowing that through enduring hardship and danger,
in your name we shall find comfort and peace.
St Aldegonde: Pray for Us
Today’s Music Suggestion: Power of Your Love
+In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen+
[To view and enjoy the full readings for today TAP HERE – Opens in a new Window]
29th January: St Gildas the Wise
Featured Saint: St Gildas The Wise (500-570)
St Gildas was born, the son of a Royal, in Scotland on the banks of the Clyde. He received a monastic education and choose to forsake his royal heritage for life as a Monk. He became a greatly respected teacher, converted many to Christianity and established numerous Churches and Monasteries across Britain and Ireland. Some writings suggest that he lived for many years as a hermit on Flatholm Island in the Bristol Channel and in Brittany. He was renowned for his Biblical knowledge and literacy style, which earned him the name, ‘Gildas the Wise’.
+In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen+
Short Quote: Jesus said to the crowd, “A lamp isn’t brought to be put under a basket or under the bed, is it? Isn’t it to be placed on a lampstand”? (Mark 4:21)
Thoughts: Everything has a purpose, just as everyone has a purpose!
Reflection: Lord Jesus, shine your light on us. Illuminate our darkness. Strengthen our resolve to do your will.
Prayer: Guidance (Basil of Caesarea)
Steer the ship of my life, good Lord,
to your quiet harbour,
where I can be safe from the storms of sin and conflict.
Show me the course I should take.
Renew in me the gift of discernment,
so that I can always see the right direction in which I should go.
And give me the strength and the courage to choose the right course,
even when the sea is rough and the waves are high,
knowing that through enduring hardship and danger,
in your name we shall find comfort and peace.
St Gildas: Pray for Us
Today’s Music Suggestion: Open the Eyes of My Heart, Lord
+In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen+
[To view and enjoy the full readings for today TAP HERE – Opens in a new Window]
28th January: St Thomas Aquinas
Featured Saint: St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)
St Thomas Aquinas was born into a wealthy family in Roccasecca, Italy. He joined the Dominicans and studied at The University of Paris. Thereafter, he taught as Professor and held other noted positions in various institutions. St Thomas Aquinas was a distinguished and immensely influential theologian and Doctor of the Christian Church. In 1880, he was declared Patron of all Catholic educational establishments. Just 50yrs after his death he was canonised a Saint.
+In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen+
Short Quote: Jesus taught the crowds using many parables. In his parable of the Sower, He compared those who listen to the Word of God to seed that, “fell on good soil and produced grain, sprouting and growing; some yielded thirty times as much, some sixty, and some a hundred times”. (Mark 4:8)
Thoughts: As we go about our chores today, may the currents we create blow the ‘seed’ we sow onto good soil.
Let’s never forget that our behaviour and actions matter, they influence someone!
Reflection: Lord Jesus, guide my thoughts and refresh my intentions. Pour your Holy Spirit into my life.
Prayer: Sweet Jesus by St Thomas Aquinas
Sweet Jesus, Body and Blood most Holy,
be the delight and pleasure of my soul,
my strength and salvation in all temptations,
my joy and peace in every trial,
my light and guide in every word and deed,
and my final protector in death. Amen.
St Thomas Aquinas: Pray for Us
Today’s Music Suggestion: Make Me a Channel of Your Peace
+In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen+