World Refugee Day

Destruction of Jerusalem

The Siege and Destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans Under the Command of Titus, A.D. 70, by David Roberts (1796-1849). From Wikipedia.

Hear our prayer, O Lord, and give ear unto our cry: We are strangers with thee, and sojourners, as all our fathers were: bondmen whom thou leddest out of oppression . . . → Read More: World Refugee Day

Juneteenth

Union soldiers accompanying freed slaves

O Lord God of hosts, who with a mighty arm delivered Israel from bondage in Egypt: Let not our hearts be hardened like Pharaoh’s, but incline our hearts to mercy; that we might fight against slavery of body and mind, and oppression of the soul. Help us to welcome the liberated into the fulness of . . . → Read More: Juneteenth

A Collect for D–Day

Soldiers resting on Omaha Beach

Almighty and All-Terrible God, Creator of all the world and Father of all men: we thank thee for the strength and courage of all those who planned and participated in the assault of Normandy on D-Day, and particularly for the valour of those who sacrificed their lives in the service of God and country. Grant . . . → Read More: A Collect for D–Day

Towel Day

Giaquinto Corrado The Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit, by Giaquinto Corrado (1703-1765). From Wikimedia.

O Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe, whose angels tell us to fear not, nor be dismayed: We beseech thee that we may always know the presence of thy Holy Comforter; that we should not panic in the face of all the . . . → Read More: Towel Day

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

International Holocaust Remembrance Day

Theresienstadt concentration camp archway

For the Victims of Genocide

Almighty God, gracious Father: we remember before thee this day all those who have perished in genocides, especially those who died in the Shoah. Vouchsafe, we beseech thee, to sear into our memories the story of their peril, lest we forget their anguish and tribulations. Embolden us with thy Holy . . . → Read More: International Holocaust Remembrance Day

Talk Like A Pirate Day

Burning of the USS Philadelphia

For the Navy

Burning of the USS Philadelphia, by Edward Moran (1829–1901). According to Wikipedia, the USS Philadelphia, which had been previously captured by the Tripolitans, was set ablaze after she was boarded by then Lt Stephen Decatur (USN) and 60 men, who then made their escape in the ketch Intrepid, . . . → Read More: Talk Like A Pirate Day

Constitution Day

Scene at the Signing of the Constitution of the United States

September 17 is Constitution Day, marking the day of the signing of the document at the Constitutional Convention in 1787. (It took a little over 9 months, until 21 June 1788, for the Constitution to be ratified.) You may notice a familiar phrase towards the end, which is cribbed from the oath of office . . . → Read More: Constitution Day

Towel Day

Towel Day

Towel Day, May 25th, commemorates the life and work of Douglas Adams. This collect was first used on Sunday, May 27th, the Feast of Pentecost.

O Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe, whose angels tell us to fear not, nor be dismayed: We beseech thee that we may always know the presence of . . . → Read More: Towel Day

May the Fourth

The crossing of the red sea

Almighty God, King of Heaven: Grant, we beseech thee, that as we go forth against the forces of darkness, so we may be prevented by the force of thy Holy Spirit and all the heavenly host; that at the last we may enter into the Kingdom of Peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Written . . . → Read More: May the Fourth