Independence Day

Fourth of July fireworks behind the Washington Monument 1986

Fourth of July fireworks behind the Washington Monument, 1986. Photo by SSgt Lono Kollars, USAF. From Wikimedia.

O Eternal God, through whose mighty power our fathers won their liberties of old: Grant, we beseech thee, that we and all the people of this land may have grace to maintain these liberties in . . . → Read More: Independence Day

The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Visitation (Four Augustinian Canon Regulars Meditating Beside an Open Grave)

Father in heaven, by whose grace the virgin mother of thine incarnate Son was blessed in bearing him, but still more blessed in keeping thy word: Grant us who honour the exaltation of her lowliness to follow the example of her devotion to thy will; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

. . . → Read More: The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Saint Julius and Saint Aaron

Aerial view of Caerleon's Roman amphitheatre

Aerial view of Caerleon’s Roman amphitheatre, site of the martyrdom of Saint Julius and Saint Aaron. From Wikipedia.

Almighty god, by whose grace and power thy holy Martyrs Julius and Aaron triumphed over suffering, and despised death: Grant, we beseech thee, that enduring hardness, and waxing valiant in fight, we may with . . . → Read More: Saint Julius and Saint Aaron

The Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ

The Sacrament of the Last Supper, 1955

The Sacrament of the Last Supper, by Salvador Dalí (1904–1989).

Almighty and everlasting God, who didst appoint thine only–begotten Son to be the Redeemer of the world, and didst vouchsafe to be appeased by his Blood: grant, we beseech thee, that by our solemn service, we may so venerate the Price of . . . → Read More: The Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ

The Fifth Sunday after Trinity

Trinity (celtic knot)

Grant, O Lord, we beseech thee, that the course of this world may be so peaceably ordered by thy governance, that thy Church may joyfully serve thee in all godly quietness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Saint Peter

reni crucifixion of st peter

The Crucifixion of St Peter, by Guido Reni (1575–1642). From Wikiart.

O Almighty God, who by thy Son Jesus Christ didst give to thy Apostle Saint Peter many excellent gifts, and commandedst him earnestly to feed thy flock: Make, we beseech thee, all Bishops and Pastors diligently to preach thy holy Word, . . . → Read More: Saint Peter

Saint Irenæus, Bishop of Lyons and Doctor

Martyrdom of Saint Irenæus

Martyrdom of Saint Irenæus

Almighty God, who of old through thy servant Irenæus didst hand on the faith and extend thy Church; Keep it true to the apostolical tradition and fervent to win new peoples for thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

¶ Or this:

Almighty God, who didst uphold thy . . . → Read More: Saint Irenæus, Bishop of Lyons and Doctor

The Nativity of Saint John the Baptist

Jacopo Pontormo Nativity of John the Baptist

The Birth of John the Baptist by Jacopo Pontormo (1494-1557). From The Yorck Project: 10.000 Meisterwerke der Malerei. DVD-ROM, 2002. ISBN 3936122202. Distributed by DIRECTMEDIA Publishing GmbH. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons

Almighty God, by whose providence thy servant John Baptist was wonderfully born, and sent to prepare the way . . . → Read More: The Nativity of Saint John the Baptist

The Fourth Sunday after Trinity

Trinity (celtic knot)

O God, the protector of all that trust in thee, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: Increase and multiply upon us thy mercy; that, thou being our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal, that we finally lose not the things eternal. Grant this, O heavenly Father, for the . . . → Read More: The Fourth Sunday after Trinity

Saint Alban, Protomartyr of England

Martyrdom of Alban

The martyrdom of St Alban, from a 13th-century manuscript, now in the Trinity College Library, Dublin. From Wikipedia.

O God, in whose sight the death of thy saints is precious, and who gavest grace to thy blessed Martyr Saint Alban to glorify thee by his death: Grant that we, following his faith . . . → Read More: Saint Alban, Protomartyr of England