O Blessed Columban, who, in your zeal for the extension
of Christ’s Kingdom and the salvation of souls,
spent your life in suffering and exile,
assist and protect, the missionaries of our day,
who have devoted their lives to preaching the Gospel
throughout the world.
Lord God, today I am grateful
for the gifts that you bestow.
They are different from a year ago
when mobility, activity, social life
were full and energizing.
These days, my gratitude is for the basics.
That there is food, and shelter and neighbors
and friends.
I’ve been working in the parish of Christ the King in Ba, which is located in the western part of Fiji, for more than a year now. Near where I live is St. Theresa’s Primary school which has a statue of St. Therese of the Child Jesus. Every time I leave the house I can’t help but glance at the statue and St.
O God, who distinguished Your holy virgin
and martyr Catherine
by the gift of great wisdom and virtue,
and a victorious combat
with the enemies of the Faith,
grant us, we beg You,
through her intercession,
constancy in the Faith and the wisdom
of the saints, that we may devote all the powers
of our mind and heart to Your service.
St. Andrew, you provided a wonderful example
to your flock of a life lived totally for God.
Pray that we may dedicate our lives
to evangelizing the Good News of God’s Love for us.
St. Andrew, you did not let fear deter you
from your work in God’s service.
Pray that we may not let people’s opinions
Living with a host family was a blessing for me. I lived with the family of Maria Rene Covarrubias Arze in Cochabamba, Bolivia. She is a widow who lives with her two daughters and three grandsons. My first three days with the host family were memorable, because I could not find the proper words to communicate with anyone. This was before my language classes began.
O kind and good Mother,
whose own soul was pierced by the sword of sorrow,
look upon us while, in our sickness,
we arraign ourselves beside you
on the Calvary where your Jesus hangs.
Christ Jesus, I acknowledge You King of the universe.
All that has been created has been made for You.
Make full use of Your rights over me.
Heavenly Father, the Blessed Virgin Mary
was dedicated to You by her parents
when she was three.
Her holiness was very evident,
as she spent her days
praying and reading scripture.
You had great plans for her.
I ask Mary to pray for the plans
You have for my life.
Where I have strayed onto a road of my own choosing,
O Lord our God,
You are the healer of all mankind.
In Your merciful love
you heal us of sin
and the effects of sin in this life
and the next.
We pray to you, our Lord,
this day to accelerate your plan of final healing
and glory for our loved ones.
Call your beloved home
to the fullness of happiness
and glory with You for all eternity.