Father, the image of the Virgin is found in the Church.
Mary had a faith that Your Spirit prepared
and a love that never knew sin,
for You kept her sinless
from the first moment of her conception.
Trace in our actions the lines of her love,
in our hearts her readiness of faith.
Prepare once again a world for Your Son
Who lives and reigns with You
and the Holy Spirit, one God,
forever and ever.
Amen.
Lord Jesus Christ, eternal king,
God and man, crucified for mankind,
look upon me with mercy and hear my prayer,
for I trust in you.
Have mercy on me, full of sorrow and sin,
for the depth of your compassion never ends.
Praise to you, saving sacrifice,
offered on the wood of the cross for all mankind.
Praise to the noble and precious blood,
flowing from the wounds of my crucified Lord Jesus Christ
and washing away the sins of the whole world.
Remember, Lord Your creature,
whom You have redeemed with Your blood;
Dear St. Nicholas, so kind and true,
on this special day, we turn to you.
With gifts and joy, you fill our hearts,
bless us now as this day starts.
Guide us with your gentle hand,
help us spread love across the land.
May we share and care each day,
in your spirit, we laugh and play.
Thank you, St. Nicholas, up above,
for your kindness, grace, and love.
On this day, and all year through,
we celebrate the joy you bring, it's true.
Amen.
Lord, help me to slow down and become more aware
of my rushing aimlessly from place to place.
Quiet my mind and steady my heart that I may
live in Your presence throughout the day.
Help me to do less to be more present to others.
Amen.
In the diocese of Carabayllo (Peru) the Christmas carol contest is becoming customary for Christmas holidays. Every parish is invited to participate with its parish choir for these festivities. This is an activity that brings together many
Most Holy Mother, Your lips savor the words of God
and rejoice in their Divine sweetness.
Your most pure heart, free from all stain,
will ever see the God of all purity
and will experience an ardent desire for Him.
You are the temple of the Holy Spirit,
the city of the living God,
made joyous by abundant flowers,
the sacred flowers of Divine grace.
You are all beautiful and very close to God,
above the Cherubim and higher than the Seraphim,
right near God Himself!
Lord God of compassion and mercy,
you opened a door in the East for St. Francis Xavier
when You sent him to preach Your Gospel in Japan.
Send us in our day over the face of the earth,
so that the joy of our Mother, the Church,
may be made perfect.
Amen.
Heavenly Mother,
As we each personally receive a mission
on behalf of the Church and the world,
aid us in discovering and fulfilling
our personal calls.
As we recall the teaching of John Paul II
that the future of the Church and society
pass by way of the family,
help us understand that the family
is indeed a great mission field and in great need.
O Emmanuel! How great Your love for us!
How near Your presence to those who love You!
You dwell with those gathered in Your name.
O Emmanuel, be ever near to us!
Advent is a time to pause, listen and look back on the past year. There is much to ponder. Mother Earth is suffering. There have been droughts and famine in some places while in others there have been floods of epic
The Subanens are an indigenous people whose ancestral habitat is in the mountains of the southern Philippines. Inspired and guided by the Subanen Ministry of the Columban Sisters, who have been living and working with the
Missionary Society of St. Columban US