2001 Liturgy Guide
Preaching for Life
Reflections on the Readings (October 7, 2001)
Intercessions for Life
Respect Life Sunday (October 7, 2001)
January 20, 2002 (X Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle "A")
(marking 29th anniversary of Supreme Court abortion decisions, January 22, 2002)
A Litany for Life to Good Saint Joseph
Intercessors for Life: Readings, Reflections and Prayers
October
1 Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus
2 The Guardian Angels
4 Saint Francis of Assisi
6 Saint Bruno
9 Saint Denis
15 Saint Teresa of Jesus
16 Saint Hedwig
17 Saint Ignatius of Antioch
18 Saint Luke
19 Saints Isaac Jogues and companions
20 Saint Paul of the Cross
23 Saint John of Capistrano
24 Saint Anthony Mary Claret
November
3 Saint Martin de Porres
10 Saint Leo the Great
12 Saint Josaphat
13 Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini
15 Saint Albert the Great
16 Saint Gertrude the Great
17 Saint Elizabeth of Hungary
22 Saint Cecilia
23 Blessed Miguel Agustíín Pro
24 Saint Andrew Dung-Lac and companions
30 Saint Andrew
December 2001
3 Saint Francis Xavier
4 Saint John of Damascus
6 Saint Nicholas
7 Saint Ambrose
11 Saint Damasus I
12 Our Lady of Guadalupe
13 Saint Lucy
14 Saint John of the Cross
21 Saint Peter Canisius
26 Saint Stephen
27 Saint John
29 Saint Thomas Becket
31 Saint Sylvester I
The Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities is grateful to Reverend James Moroney, Executive Director, USCCB Secretariat for the Liturgy, for preparing all of the written materials herein and to Dolores M. Daly for the illustrations.
October 7, 2001
TWENTY-SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
How long, O LORD?
Reflections on the Book of the Prophet Habakkuk1:2-3; 2:2-4
How we cringe when we witness an act of violence! At the movies, we turn away and squint our eyes. When passing a traffic accident we rubberneck and then wince at what we have seen. The children in a schoolyard first form a crowd to watch a fight and then cringe when the first blow falls.
There's something deep inside that tells us violence is wrong and violence against an innocent is abhorrent. That's why after so many years we grow impatient. How long, O Lord, will we have to wait until our country no longer allows us to take the lives of unborn children? How long, O Lord, until we stop taking the life of those whose crime is taking another's life? How long, O Lord, until as a nation we respect and cherish the life of the old, the sick and the severely handicapped? How long, O Lord?
Habakkuk asked the same question. In the face of violence in his own day, he complained to God, "Why don't you do something about this?"
In the face of destruction and violence we beg God to end abortion, the death penalty and euthanasia. Such prayer is essential and good and should increase. But just as God is not the author of violence, so its end is determined by the men and women who make it continue. Just as God has given each person the power to choose good or evil, so this evil will not cease until each human heart have been softened by and converted to the Gospel of Life.
We should continue to storm heaven with our prayers, that God will once again work wonders through his people. May he use us to lead the world from the darkness of selfish death to the brilliance of risen glory. For "the vision still has its time" and those who hope in the Lord will not be disappointed.
Stir it into Flame!
Reflections on the second Letter of Saint Paul to Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14
How do we preach the Gospel of life? Saint Paul exhorts us today "to stir into flame the gift of God." It is precisely this gift which best equips us for the task. The opposite of this gift, Saint Paul tells us, is cowardice and shame. But true faith, characterized by love and self-control, endures all hardship, for the strength required for the task comes not from our pitiful human resources, but from God.
The next time you find yourself afraid to stand up for the pure Gospel, remember Saint Paul's words. The next time you fear to defend the unborn child, remember Saint Paul's words. The next time you fear to defend the prisoner, the terminally ill, the poor and forgotten, remember Saint Paul's words. Stir the gift of faith into flame, and God will transform the face of the earth!
The Mustard Seed
Reflections on a reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke 17:5-10
What resources do we require to preach the Gospel of Life? Hundreds of thousands of dollars given by generous donors, myriad organizations staffed by dedicated professionals and endless volunteer hours spent in lobbying, preaching and raising awareness have been very important.
But all of our efforts pale into insignificance compared to the command we receive today from the Lord: "Increase your faith."
But why, Lord, when we have so much to do!? We have brochures to write and speeches to give and demonstrations to attend. Cannot my faith wait until the weekend.
And then we hear the simple words we've heard since we were a child. "If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can do anything."
That is why, ultimately, those who work for the Gospel of Life will be victorious. For the preaching of the Gospel of Life is not ultimately a matter of politics or law, public relations or advertising. At its base, the journey we walk is a spiritual journey, an internal journey to find the light of Christ deep within our beings. For only when we have found the light of Christ's life burning deep within, can we preach that light for all to see. And if our faith in his presence in our hearts and in our Church is the size of a mustard seed, that Gospel will transform the face of the earth!
For the work to defend life is not our work. It is God's work, and he has given each of us a small share in defending the life our heavenly Father created, the life his Son redeemed, the life which the Holy Spirit vivifies and inspires. Ours is not the work of the hero, but the "unprofitable servant," who at the end of each day must kneel and pray to God, confessing that "we have done what we were obliged to do." And if we can do that, we have done our part. The rest is up to God.
October 7, 2001
Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
Respect Life Sunday
For the littlest child in her mother's womb,
that in her life we may see the infinite love of God;
We pray to the Lord:
For the oldest man who in sickness approaches death,
that in his weakness we may find strength,
and in his suffering see the cross of Christ;
We pray to the Lord:
For all who are forgotten or cast off,
that we might value each human life,
as a priceless gift from God;
We pray to the Lord:
For those who are mentally disabled,
that we might cherish the gifts God has given them,
and in their lives hear the voice of our loving God;
We pray to the Lord:
For those who have lost hope,
and especially for those condemned to die,
that we might work to save their lives;
We pray to the Lord:
For all who are tempted to sin against life,
that they might turn from darkness
and embrace the infinite love and light of God;
We pray to the Lord:
January 22, 2002
Feast of Saint Vincent, deacon and martyr
29th Anniversary of Supreme Court Abortion Decisions
That through the intercession of Saint Vincent,
who spilled his blood for the defense of the Gospel,
the lives of unborn children may be spared;
We pray to the Lord:
That the good seed of the Gospel of Life
may take root in our land
and grow to the glory of God;
We pray to the Lord:
For President Bush,
that God might guide and inspire his heart
with a love for the Gospel of life;
We pray to the Lord:
For mothers tempted to abortion,
that God might teach us how to love them;
We pray to the Lord:
For those who provide or cooperate in abortions,
that by our love for the truth and for them,
they might turn from darkness and death;
We pray to the Lord:
Good Saint Joseph,
Husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
Protector of the Mother of God,
Faithful spouse,
Good worker,
Good and gentle man,
Man of faith and hope,
Man of kindness and charity,
Man of love,
father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Guardian of the Christ child,
Teacher of virtue,
Model of patience,
Model of kindness,
Loving Father,
Kind father,
Example of holiness,
For all unmarried fathers,
For all who are afraid,
For all tempted to despair,
For all tempted by evil,
For refugees and orphans,
For those condemned to die,
For those mortally ill,
At the hour of their death,
For doctors and nurses,
For those who wait for death,
For the old and the alone,
For truth and justice,
For legislators and judges,
For our President and Vice-President
For all who work for life, |
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Good Saint Joseph,
your faithful love protected and nourished
the Mother of God and Jesus Christ, her son.
Your fatherly care led to maturity
he through whom all creation began.
Through your intercession,
may God guide and protect all human life
from conception to natural death,
and lead this nation
in the ways of truth and of love.
Pray for us, good Saint Joseph,
that joined with Christ Jesus,
we might give praise to God forever. Amen.
Between October and Christmas the Church commemorates the heroic lives of many saints who, from heaven, are powerful intercessors for the Gospel of Life. The following brief readings and prayers may be used to beg their intercession for the unborn, the poor and those who are old or dying.
Monday, October 1st
Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, virgin and doctor of the Church
Saint Thérèse once wrote: "Just as the sun shines simultaneously on the tall cedars and on each little flower as though it were alone on earth, so Our Lord is occupied particularly with each soul as though there were no others like it."
O gentle Jesus,
through whom all life came to be,
hear our prayers for all men and women.
Hear our prayers for the great and powerful
Hear our prayers for the weak and broken
Hear our prayers for the littlest and most innocent
Hear our prayer for tall human cedars
and the very littlest of human flowers.
May all see in each the souls so precious to you,
and through the intercession of Saint Thérèse
may each of them be kept saved and loved.
We aks this though Christ our Lord. Amen.
Tuesday, October 2nd
The Guardian Angels
Recall the prayer you prayed as a child: "Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God's love entrusts me here: Ever this day be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide."
Heavenly Father,
who does love us with such care
that you send angels to keep us safe.
Send strong angels to protect those most in danger.
Those whose lives would be taken,
in the womb or in their sickness,
in retribution or in fear.
Send gentle angels to give comfort,
to all who suffer from injustice
and all who are afraid
of the forces of darkness which surround them.
Send angels to be with us
and give us the grace to sing with them
to the glory of your Holy Name,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Thursday, October 4th
Saint Francis of Assisi, religious
Recall the famous prayer of Saint Francis: "Lord, make me an instrument of thy 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.
Gentle Jesus,
our Savior and brother,
cleanse us with the pure love
you first gave to Saint Francis.
Help us to cherish your creation
and to love every creature.
May we use all to the glory of your Name,
for you are God, forever and ever. Amen.
Saturday, October 6th
Saint Bruno, priest
Saint Bruno once wrote: "Rejoice, my dearest brothers, because you are blessed and because of the bountiful hand of God's grace upon you. Rejoice, because you have escaped the various dangers and shipwrecks of the stormy world. Rejoice because you have reached the quiet and safe anchorage of a secret harbor. Many wish to come into this port, and many make great efforts to do so, yet do not achieve it. Indeed many, after reaching it, have been thrust out, since it was not granted them from above."
Lord,
hear our thankful prayers,
for you have watched over and preserved us,
all the days of our lives.
Hear our prayers for those who are tossed by life's storms.
For the unmarried mother and the teen mother,
for the father who is not yet a husband,
for the old man and the very sick woman,
for those who would care for them
and for their families and friends.
Hear our prayers for the man on death row,
and for all who have sent him there.
Bless them, guide them,
and gently lead them to you by ways which are sure and smooth,
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Monday, October 9th
Saint Denis, bishop and martyr
The responsory from today's feast reads: "These saints of God underwent a great struggle; passing through fire and water, they were saved and received crowns of glory."
Father,
hear our prayer for those who share in the passion of your son.
For the littlest of children,
for those who are old and sick
and for all who are forgotten.
Keep them in the shadow of your care
and preserve them with your love.
For you are God, forever and ever. Amen.
Tuesday, October 15th
Saint Teresa of Avila, virgin and doctor of the Church
Saint Teresa once wrote: "Whenever we think of Christ we should recall the love that led him to bestow on us so many graces and favors and also the great love God showed in giving us in Christ a pledge of his love: for love calls for love in return. Let us strive to keep this always before our eyes and to rouse ourselves to love him. For at some time the Lord should grant us the grace of impressing his love on our hearts, all will become easy for us and we shall accomplish great things quickly and without effort."
May the infinite love of Christ
fill the lives of his most innocent brothers and sisters
with the strength, hope and love of the Gospel of Christ,
who is Lord, forever and ever. Amen.
Tuesday, October 16th
Saint Hedwig, religious
Despite her wealth and power, Saint Hedwig spent much of her life in a troubled marriage. Yet she was patient, strove to do what was right and was renowned for her charity to the sick and the poor.
Ever faithful God,
give us the grace of patience
toward all whom you call us to love.
Help us to love in the model of your Son,
who came to serve and not to be served.
Through the intercession of Saint Hedwig,
fill us with a love
for all those whom others have forgotten.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Wednesday, October 17th
Saint Ignatius of Antioch, bishop and martyr
Shortly before he gave his life for his faith in Christ, Saint Ignatius wrote in a letter to the Romans: "I am writing to all the churches to let it be known that I will gladly die for God.... No earthly pleasures, no kingdoms of this world can benefit me in any way. I prefer death in Christ Jesus to power over the farthest limits of the earth. He who died in place of us is the one object of my quest. He who rose for our sakes is my one desire."
A Prayer for Grace
When I am powerful, give me the gift of weakness.
When I am strong, give me the gift of suffering.
When I am arrogant, give me the gift of littleness.
When I am the victor, give me the gift of compassion.
When I am confident, give me the gift of trust.
When I am certain, give me the gift of faith.
At all times, give me love of the little ones,
care for the persecuted, defense of the innocent.
Give me your grace, O Lord.
Thursday, October 18th
Saint Luke, evangelist
In the Acts of the Apostles, Saint Luke wrote: " The word of God continued to increase and spread everywhere and all who were destined for eternal life believed in it. The disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit." (Acts 12: 24, 13: 48, 52)
Lord,
help us to rejoice
in the gift of life with which you have graced us.
May we cherish each moment
and rejoice in your infinite goodness,
through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Friday, October 19th
Saints Isaac Jogues and John de Brébeuf, priests and martyrs, and their companions, martyrs
Saint Isaac Jogues once wrote: "My confidence is placed in God who does not need our help for accomplishing his designs. Our single endeavor should be to give ourselves to the work and to be faithful to him, and not to spoil his work by our shortcomings."
Ever patient God,
bear with me in my foolishness.
Help me to trust not in my own strength,
for I am very weak.
Give me, rather, the strength of your Son,
who emptied himself on the cross
and won for us salvation.
Help me to trust not in my own wisdom,
for my foolishness overwhelms me.
Give me, rather, the wisdom of the Holy Spirit,
through whom the day and night recur
and all creation is held together.
Help me to trust not in my own love,
for I am remarkably selfish,
Give me rather, a share in your love,
which made me out of nothing
and keeps all men and women
from the little child in the womb
to the old woman in her bed
in your gentle, protecting embrace.
I ask this Father, through the merits of your Son,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Saturday, October 20th
Saint Paul of the Cross, priest
Saint Paul once wrote in a letter: "It is very good and holy to consider the passion of our Lord, and to meditate on it, for by this sacred path we reach union with God. Therefore, be constant in practicing every virtue, and especially in imitating the patience of our dear Jesus, for this is the summit of pure love. Live in such a way that all may know that you bear outwardly as well as inwardly the image of Christ crucified, the model of all gentleness and mercy."
Jesus, Lord,
crucified for me and for all sinners.
Hear my prayer for those who suffer
in pains of aging body and soul.
When they are lonely, give them my ear.
When they are frightened, give them my hand.
When they are confused, give them my calming voice.
When they are forgotten, give them your love through me.
Preserve and protect them Lord, and teach me how to do your will.
For you are God, for ever and ever. Amen
Tuesday, October 23rd
Saint John of Capistrano, priest
Saint John once wrote: "Those who are called to the table of the Lord must glow with the brightness that comes from the good example of a praiseworthy and blameless life. They must completely remove from their lives the filth and uncleanness of vice.... By the brightness of their holiness they must bring light and serenity to all who gaze upon them. They have been placed here to care for others. Their own lives should be an example to others, showing how they must live in the house of the Lord."
Christ,
you are the light of the world.
Help us to bear your light to others.
For in the darkness, our sister aborts her child,
our brother executes his prisoner,
and our friends forget the parents who gave them life.
In pain, lives are taken
and few are cherished, as you cherish us.
Give us the serenity of your light,
and remove the fear from our hearts.
Then we will trust in your ways
and all who live will be consecrated to you
and protected by your presence.
For you are God, living and true, for ever and ever. Amen.
Wednesday, October 24th
Saint Anthony Mary Claret, bishop
In an extended treatise, Saint Anthony wrote: "The man who burns with the fire of divine love is a son of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and wherever he goes, he enkindles that flame; he deserves and works with all this strength to inflame all men with the fire of God's love. Nothing deters him: he rejoices in poverty; he labors strenuously; he welcomes hardships; he laughs off false accusations; he rejoices in anguish. He thinks only of how he might follow Jesus Christ and imitate him by his prayers, his labors, his sufferings, and by caring always and only for the glory of God and the salvation of souls."
Blessed Lord,
who through your Precious Blood has saved all mankind,
Join us to your Sacred Heart,
and through the Immaculate Heart of your Blessed Mother,
help us to live as children of the Father of Life.
May we rejoice in our poverty
and give our every ounce of strength
in defense of the littlest and most forgotten,
that their lives may give praise to you,
who gave your life for us.
For you are Lord, for ever and ever. Amen.
November 2001
Saturday, November 3rd
Saint Martin de Porres, religious
At the Canonization of Saint Martin de Porres, Pope John XXIII preached the following homily: "He did not blame others for their shortcomings. Certain that he deserved more severe punishment for his sins than others did, he would overlook their worst offenses. He was tireless in his efforts to reform the criminal, and he would sit up with the sick to bring them comfort. For the poor he would provide food, clothing and medicine. He did all he could to care for poor farmhands, blacks, and mulattoes who were looked down upon as slaves, the dregs of society in their time. Common people responded by calling him, 'Martin the charitable.' He excused the faults of others. He forgave the bitterest injuries, convinced that he deserved much severer punishments on account of his own sins."
Heavenly Father,
inspired by Saint Martin,
give us a love for those
whom everyone else has forgotten.
Give us understanding to help the pregnant teen,
conviction to protect the unborn child,
dedication to save the life of condemned prisoners,
and compassion to help those who have grown and sick
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Saturday, November 10th
Saint Leo the Great, pope and doctor of the Church
For all, regenerated in Christ, are made kings by the sign of the cross. They are consecrated priests by the oil of the Holy Spirit, so that beyond the special service of our ministry as priests, all spiritual and mature Christians know that they are a royal race and are sharers in the office of the priesthood. For what is more king-like than to find yourself ruler over your body after having surrendered your soul to God? And what is more priestly than to promise the Lord a pure conscience and to offer him in love unblemished victims on the altar of one's heart?
Father,
you have called us to be a priestly people
and made our bodies temples of the Holy Spirit.
Give us the courage to rejoice in the life
you first breathed into every human being
and to cherish the dignity
with which you endowed your Sons and Daughters.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Monday, November 12th
Saint Josaphat, bishop and martyr
From the responsory for this feast: "Jesus said: Holy Father, protect those you have given me with the power of your name that they may be perfectly one; then the world will know that it was you who sent me."
Through the intercession of Saint Josaphat,
protect all unborn children, Lord.
May they mature and thrive under your divine protection,
through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Tuesday, November 13th
Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, virgin
At the canonization of this Saint, Pope Pius XII said of Saint Frances Cabrini: "She welcomed delinquent youths into safe houses and taught them to live upright and holy lives. She consoled those who were in prison and recalled to them the hope of eternal life. She encouraged prisoners to reform themselves and to live honest lives. She comforted the sick and the infirm in the hospitals and diligently cared for them. She extended a friendly and helping hand especially to immigrants and provided to them necessary shelter and relief, for having left their homeland behind, they were wandering about in a foreign land with no place to turn for help. Because of their condition she saw that they were in danger of deserting the practice of Christian virtues and their Catholic faith."
Heavenly Father,
Saint Frances loved those who were forgotten.
Help us to seek out all who are lost,
afraid, or alone.
Help us to love them with the heart of Your Son,
who is Lord for ever and ever. Amen.
Thursday, November 15th
Saint Albert the Great, bishop and doctor of the Church
Saint Albert taught that "It is by the path of love, which is charity, that God draws near to man, and man to God. But where charity is not found, God cannot dwell. If, then, we possess charity, we possess God, for 'God is Charity' (1 John 4:8)."
Lord,
You made Saint Albert a model of charity and love.
Make me a model of Christ your Son,
through whose death upon the cross,
we have learned to cherish the life
which you have given to each of us
as your most precious gift.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Friday, November 16th
Saint Gertrude the Great, virgin
Saint Gertrude once wrote: "May my soul bless you, O Lord God my Creator, may my soul bless you.... I praise and glorify your great patience which bore with me even though, from my infancy and childhood, adolescence and early womanhood, until I was nearly 26, I was always so blindly irresponsible. Looking back I see that but for your protecting hand I would have been quite without conscience in thought, word or deed. But you came to my aid by giving me a natural dislike of evil and a natural delight in what is good, and provided me with necessary correction from those among whom I lived."
God of endless ages,
each day of our lives you guide and protect us,
nurturing the gift of life,
that we might grow in your sight
and glorify your holy name.
Guide and protect the lives of each of our children,
nourish and nurture them with you truth,
that from the womb unto the last natural breath,
each man and woman might know you,
the one true God,
and praise you for the gift of life.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Saturday, November 17th
Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, religious
Always a friend of the poor, Saint Elizabeth renovated one of her castles to serve as a hospital, generously gave alms to the needy far and wide. Ultimately, she sold all she had and gave it to the poor. Each morning and evening she would care for those who were sick and take care of their needs. Her spiritual director once wrote: "Before her death I heard her confession. When I asked what should be done about her goods and possessions, she replied that anything which seemed to be hers belonged to the poor. She asked me to distribute everything except one worn-out dress in which she wished to be buried. When all this had been decided, she received the body of our Lord. Afterward, until vespers, she spoke often of the holiest things she had heard in sermons. Then, she devoutly commended to God all who were sitting near her, and as if falling into a gentle sleep, she died."
Father,
your only Son gave his very life,
that we might live with you for ever.
Through the intercession of Saint Elizabeth,
teach us to love those whom others have forgotten,
to accept your holy will,
and to cherish the Gospel of life,
preached from wood of the coss.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Thursday, November 22nd
Saint Cecilia, virgin and martyr
The Acts of Cecilia includes the following: "While the profane music of her wedding was heard, Cecilia was singing in her heart a hymn of love for Jesus, her true spouse."
Lord Jesus,
Saint Cecilia loved you above all.
Transform our hearts to be like hers,
that we might love your will above our own,
and sing the Gospel of life
as a hymn of praise to Christ,
who died that we might live.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Friday, November 23rd
Blessed Miguel Agustín Pro, priest and martyr
Blessed Miguel once wrote: "Does our life become from day to day more painful, more oppressive, more replete with sufferings? Blessed be He a thousand times who desires it so. If life be harder, love makes it also stronger, and only this love, grounded on suffering, can carry the Cross of my Lord, Jesus Christ."
Lord Jesus,
may we never love anything so much
as your holy and glorious cross.
May we love those whom you call
to share in your sufferings,
through sick and pain and old age,
through persecution or suffering or imprisonment.
May we love and defend and protect all those
for whom you suffered and died and won salvation.
By the merits of your glorious cross, for ever and ever. Amen.
Friday, November 30th
Saint Andrew, apostle
From the responsory for this feast: "As soon as Andrew heard the Lord preaching, he left the nets which were his livelihood and way of life, and followed the Lord who gives eternal life. This is the man who endured suffering for the love of Christ and his law."
Lord Jesus Christ,
you called Saint Andrew to follow you
to the wood of the cross.
May we see in the suffering of all who are ill,
a sharing in the sacrifice of your Son,
who is Lord, for ever and ever. Amen.
December 2001
Monday, December 3rd
Saint Francis Xavier, priest
From a letter of Saint Francis to Saint Ignatius: "I have not stopped since the day I arrived. I conscientiously made the rounds of the villages. I bathed in the sacred waters all the children who had not yet been baptized. This means that I have purified a very large number of children so young that, as the saying goes, they could not tell their left hand from their right. The older children would not let me say my Office or eat or sleep until I taught them one prayer or another. Then I began to understand: 'The kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.'"
Hear our prayer for all children, Lord,
and through the intercession of Saint Francis,
may we protect the innocent,
save the condemned,
and cherish those who have grown old and afraid.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Tuesday, December 4th
Saint John of Damascus, priest and doctor of the Church
In his Exposition of the Orthodox Faith, Saint John wrote, "The saints must be honored as friends of Christ and children and heirs of God, as John the theologian and evangelist says: 'But as many as received him, he gave them the power to be made the sons of God....' Let us carefully observe the manner of life of all the apostles, martyrs, ascetics and just men who announced the coming of the Lord. And let us emulate their faith, charity, hope, zeal, life, patience under suffering, and perseverance unto death, so that we may also share their crowns of glory."
Father,
through the sacrifice of Christ your Son
you have made us your children.
Give us the zeal to protect the innocent,
the patience to endure all suffering,
and the charity to love those who share
in the sufferings of your Son.
We ask this through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
Friday, December 7th
Saint Ambrose, bishop and doctor of the Church
Responsory from the feast of Saint Ambrose, based upon his words: "Proclaim the message, in season and out of season; refute falsehood, correct error, call to obedience."
Lord Jesus Christ,
You are the way, the truth and the life.
Through the prayers of Saint Ambrose,
may we defend what is true in season and out.
May the Gospel of life define what we say and do,
for you are Lord for ever and ever. Amen.
Saturday, December 8th
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception
From a sermon by Saint Anselm: "Lady, full and overflowing with grace, all creation receives new life from your abundance. Virgin, blessed above all creatures, through your blessing all creation is blessed, not only creation from its Creator, but the Creator himself has been blessed by creation."
Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
Mother of the Word Incarnate,
Mother of grace,
Mother of the Author of Life,
Mother of the Divine Physician,
Mother of the Source of Life,
Mother of Eternal Life,
Mother of all mercies, |
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Pray for all Children.
Pray for all mothers.
Pray for those yet unborn.
Pray for those who have grown old.
Pray for those condemned to die.
Pray for the mortally ill.
Pray for those grown old.
Pray those about to die.
Pray for us. |
Tuesday, December 11th
Saint Damasus I, pope
Responsory for the Feast of Saint Damasus: "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful ones; their very bones are dear to him, not one of them shall be broken. The Lord clothes them with gladness."
Hear our prayers, Gentle Lord,
for all who are broken, afraid, or alone.
Protect and heal them,
sustain and shepherd them,
that they may know the joy of your glory.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Wednesday, December 12th
Our Lady of Guadalupe
Saint Sophoronius once wrote of the Blessed Virgin Mary: "Enclosed within your womb is God himself. He makes his abode in you and comes forth from you like a bridegroom, winning joy for and bestowing God's light on all."
Hail, ever Blessed Virgin of Guadalupe!
As you brought faith in Christ your Son
to the lands of America,
so make this a just and faithful nation,
where liberty finds meaning in truth,
and justice is fulfilled in your will.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Thursday, December 13th
Saint Lucy, virgin and martyr
Antiphon of the Canticle of Zechariah from the Feast of Saint Lucy: "I am the Lord's poor servant; to him alone, the living God, I have offered all in sacrifice; I have nothing else to give; I offer him myself."
Saint Lucy,
patron of light and truth,
pray for us,
that we might defend the Gospel of life,
and protect all whom the world has forgotten!
Friday, December 14th
Saint John of the Cross, priest and doctor of the Church
From a Canticle by Saint John of the Cross: "We must dig deeply in Christ. He is like a rich mine with many pockets containing treasures: however deep we dig we will never find their end or their limit. Indeed, in every pocket new seams of fresh riches are discovered on all sides."
Through the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,
and the intercession of Saint John,
may we treasure the gifts of life which God have given us!
Wednesday, December 26th
Saint Stephen, first martyr
First Antiphon for Morning Prayer on the Feast of Saint Stephen: "Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of the Father."
As Saint Stephen died for Christ,
so may we live for him whose cross brings us life eternal!
Thursday, December 27th
Saint John, apostle and evangelist
Saint John begins his first epistle by writing, "Our message is the Word of life. We announce what existed from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our own eyes, what we have touched with our own hands."
Lord Jesus Christ,
through whom all things were made,
give us the grace to do your will,
to protect those forgotten
and walk with those who need us.
For you are God for ever and ever. Amen.
Friday, December 28th
Holy Innocents, martyrs
The responsory for this day is taken from Isaiah 65: 19 and Revelation 21: 4 and 5: "I will take delight in my people. Never again will weeping and crying be heard among them. Death shall be no more; grief and tears and sorrow will be forgotten, for behold I make all things new."
Lord Jesus, source of life,
deliver us from all sorrow and pain,
darkness and death.
Grant that we may see the day
when the darkness of abortion may be dispelled
by your light.
For you are Lord, fore ever and ever. Amen.
Saturday, December 29th
Saint Thomas Becket, bishop and martyr
Saint Thomas once wrote: "We must strive to keep our eyes on him whom God appointed high priest forever, and to follow in his footsteps. For our sake he offered himself to the Father upon the altar of the cross. He now looks down from heaven on our actions and secret thoughts, and one day he will give each of us the reward his deeds deserve."
Lord Jesus Christ,
may we ever keep our eyes on you,
the source of our life,
and the summit of all truth.
Teach us how to save those who are lost,
protect those who are in danger
and defend all that is true.
For you are Lord, for ever and ever. Amen.
Monday, December 31st
Saint Sylvester I, pope
Saint Sylvester was pope in the early fourth century. The Canticle of Zechariah for today: "Let the peace of Christ reign in your hearts; as members of one body you have been called to that peace; be thankful."
Father,
as the last days of this year
draw to an end,
help us to consecrate our life
to the Gospel of life.
May we be defenders of the lost
and evangelists of the truth,
through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
3211 Fourth Street, N.E. Washington DC 20017-1194
Tel: (202) 541-3070 Fax: (202) 541-3052 Web site: www.usccb.org/prolife
Copyright ©2001, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Inc., Washington, D.C. All rights reserved. Illustrations by Dolores M. Daly.
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