Saint Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage

Saints ANGELICO 1430

O Almighty God, who didst give to thy servant Cyprian boldness to confess the Name of our Saviour Jesus Christ before the rulers of this world, and courage to die for this faith: Grant that we may always be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in us, and to suffer . . . → Read More: Saint Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage

For All True Martyrs

martyrdom of st stephen by carracci

Written for the Commemoration of the Tenth Anniversary of 9/11.

O Lord God, whose Son hath taught us that the greatest love is to lay down one’s life for one’s friends: we bless thee for the example of all thy martyrs who have answered pride with humility, anger with forgiveness, and hatred with charity. Grant, . . . → Read More: For All True Martyrs

For the Victims of an Act of Terrorism

The Massacre of the Innocents

Originally written in remembrance of the victims of the Boston Marathon bombing of April 15th, 2013, and first used on Sunday, April 21st, 2013. Reused too many times since then.

Merciful God in heaven: Grant, we beseech thee, peace and rest to those whose lives were taken the attacks of September 11, 2001, and comfort . . . → Read More: For the Victims of an Act of Terrorism

Saint Deiniol

Celtic Cross

O God, the light of the faithful and shepherd of souls, who didst set blessed Deiniol to be a Bishop in the Church, that he might feed thy sheep by his word, and guide them by his example: Grant us, we beseech thee, to keep the faith which he taught, and to follow in . . . → Read More: Saint Deiniol

The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Birth of Mary by Ghirlandaio

The Birth of Mary by Domenico Ghirlandaio (1449–1494).

Almighty and everlasting God, who by the overshadowing of the Holy Ghost didst prepare the body and soul of the Virgin–Mother Mary to be a dwelling place for thy Son: Keep us, we beseech thee, pure and undefiled, that we may be an holy temple . . . → Read More: The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Fourteenth Sunday after Trinity

Trinity (celtic knot)

Almighty and everlasting God, give unto us the increase of faith, hope, and charity; and, that we may obtain that which thou dost promise, make us to love that which thou dost command; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Saint Giles of Provence, Abbot

Saint Giles

Detail of Saint Giles and the Hind, by the Master of St Giles (c. 1500)

O Lord Jesus Christ, who bought us by thy Blood: Help us to follow thee and the company of Saints in merciful thought and loving deed; and especially after the gracious pattern of thy servant Giles, make us . . . → Read More: Saint Giles of Provence, Abbot

Saint Aidan of Lindisfarne

Celtic Cross

Inspire by thy blessed Spirit, O Lord God, all Bishops and Pastors, that they may tend their flocks after the pattern of thy servant Saint Aidan, with gentleness and strength; that thy people may be shepherded with the holy love of our Redeemer Jesus Christ, who with thee and the Holy Ghost liveth and . . . → Read More: Saint Aidan of Lindisfarne

The Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity

Trinity (celtic knot)

Almighty and merciful God, of whose only gift it cometh that thy faithful people do unto thee true and laudable service: Grant, we beseech thee, that we may so faithfully serve thee in this life, that we fail not finally to attain thy heavenly promises; through the merits of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

. . . → Read More: The Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity

The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist

Caravaggio Beheading of John the Baptist

The Beheading of St John the Baptist, by Michelangelo Caravaggio (1571–1610).

Almighty God, by whose providence thy servant John the Baptist was sent to prepare the way of thy Son our Saviour, by preaching of repentance: Make us so to follow his doctrine and holy life, that we may truly repent according to . . . → Read More: The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist