Saint Gregory the Great, Bishop of Rome and Doctor

Almighty and everlasting God, who gavest thy servant Saint Gregory a great apostleship in the Church, and among manifold cares an earnest longing to convert the English people: Renew in us thy grace, that we also, forsaking the world’s honour, may serve thee as thou wilt appoint, and labour that thy praises may be sung . . . → Read More: Saint Gregory the Great, Bishop of Rome and Doctor

The Second Sunday in Lent

Lenten Altar with wooden candlesticks

Almighty God, who seest that we have no power of ourselves to help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies, and inwardly in our souls; that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus . . . → Read More: The Second Sunday in Lent

Daylight Saving Time Sunday

Pythagoreans celebrate sunrise

Almight God, Father of mercies and giver of all comfort: Deal graciously, we pray thee, with all those who mourn the loss of an hour and dread the earlier coming of thy most bright and glorious morning light; that, casting every care on thee, they may know the consolation of thy love and tender mercies . . . → Read More: Daylight Saving Time Sunday

Spring (Lenten) Ember Days: III

Ember Days at the four seasons: Spring

Spring, by Abel Grimmer (1565–1630). From Wikipedia.

Almighty God, the giver of all good gifts, who of thy divine providence hast appointed divers Orders in thy Church: Give thy grace, we humbly beseech thee, to all those who are to be called to any office and administration in the same; and so . . . → Read More: Spring (Lenten) Ember Days: III

Spring (Lenten) Ember Days: II

Ember Days at the four seasons: Spring

Spring, by Abel Grimmer (1565–1630). From Wikipedia.

O God, who hast made of one blood all the peoples of the earth, and sent thy blessed Son to preach peace to those who are far off and to those who are near: Grant that people everywhere may seek after thee and find thee, . . . → Read More: Spring (Lenten) Ember Days: II

International Women’s Day

Peter von Cornelius The Three Marys at the Tomb

O Lord Jesus Christ, who hast given us a wonderful example of faith and obedience in the person of thy blessed Mother Mary: Grant us to see her image in all women, that we should treat them with honor and respect; and likewise vouchsafe to endow all women with the strength and courage of thy . . . → Read More: International Women’s Day

Spring (Lenten) Ember Days: I

Ember Days at the four seasons: Spring

Spring, by Abel Grimmer (1565–1630). From Wikipedia.

O God, who hast made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on the face of the earth, and didst send thy blessed Son Jesus Christ to preach peace to them that are afar off and to them that are nigh: Grant . . . → Read More: Spring (Lenten) Ember Days: I

Saint Thomas Aquinas, Doctor

Saint Thomas Aquinas by Diego Velázquez

Tentación de Santo Tomás d’Aquino( The Temptation of Saint Thomas Aquinas) by Diego Velázquez (1599–1660)

O God, who hast enlightened thy Church with the wondrous learning of thy blessed Confessor Thomas Aquinas, and enriched the same with his holiness of life: grant, we beseech thee; that we may understand aright the doctrine that . . . → Read More: Saint Thomas Aquinas, Doctor

Saint Perpetua and her Companions, Carthaginian Martyrs

Martyrdom of Perpetua, Felicitas, Revocatus, Saturninus, and Secundulus (Menologion of Basil II)

Martyrdom of Perpetua, Felicitas, Revocatus, Saturninus, and Secundulus, from the Menologion of Basil II (c. AD 1000)

O God, who didst give a splendid courage to the Martyrs Perpetua and Felicitas, when leaving their babes, they went with bright and flashing eyes into the arena, and thus, with their companions, most nobly met . . . → Read More: Saint Perpetua and her Companions, Carthaginian Martyrs

The First Sunday in Lent  

Lenten Altar with wooden candlesticks

O Lord, who for our sake didst fast forty days and forty nights: Give us grace to use such abstinence, that, our flesh being subdued to the Spirit we may ever obey thy godly motions in righteousness, and true holiness, to thy honour and glory, who livest and reignest with the Father and the . . . → Read More: The First Sunday in Lent