Dear God, thank you for the example of the Saints.
I desire to join in their company,
worshiping you forever in Heaven.
Please help me follow their footsteps,
and yours, Jesus Christ.
Please help me to conform myself
to Your image, seeking Your will in all things,
as the Saints did.
Please help me to devote myself,
and all that I do, to Your glory,
and to the service of my neighbors.
Amen.
Hear O Blessed Virgin the prayers which we address you,
Our Lady of Rest as we are mindful of that
maternal love in which you receive your children.
It is by your powerful intercession O Mary,
that our hearts and minds find rest.
We know well our own weakness;
but we trust in the everlasting promises,
and we hope for eternal happiness
as we cling to the crucified Jesus,
who has made His cross to be ours as well.
O Mary under your patronage we find peace
in the midst of earthly tribulation.
You are the quiet certainty of the strong soul,
ever on guard against the enemy.
You are the sanctuary of the pure
who remain unstained by earth’s corruption.
And just as, with you, we find peace during the present life,
so shall we find with you, when the days
of our pilgrimage are over,
everlasting peace in the world to come.
Amen
- Pope Pius XII
Your are the one who created me and let me call You, “Father.”
That is the Grace of all Graces and cannot help but be called a miracle!
You made not only me but all creatures in this beautiful world.
You give absolute love to all Your children,
wanting them to live with joy and happiness.
You are the one to be praised and glorified!
Always help us to look for You and understand Your will.
You are the only one who wants us to live with this love.
We believe that only in You is the way of our lives and truth.
With our whole heart and mind, we love You.
Through the parents and children You gave me,
I see Your unconditional and tangible love.
The Lord coming in the Spirit will be praised and glorified!
- Columban Fr. Tae-moon Kwan
Even when I show You the thorny side of my character,
or when I’m sharp, unloving to those I love
unapproachable, or in a bad mood,
You still show Your goodness to me
and let Your love shine down to bring me joy.
Thank You, Lord.
Even one small drop of Your love
on my thorniness is enough to soften me
with the radiance of Your presence.
Amen
- A Columban Missionary
O God, You made us in Your own image
and redeemed us through Jesus Your Son.
Look with compassion on the whole human family;
take away the arrogance and hatred
which infect our hearts;
break down the walls that separate us;
unite us in bonds of love;
and work through our struggle and confusion
to accomplish your purposes on earth.
That, in Your good time, all nations
and races may serve You in harmony
around your Heavenly throne.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
- A Columban Missionary
Almighty God,
who called your servant Vincent de Paul
to serve you in the person of those in need:
Grant that we, following his example,
may fulfill your commandments
by defending and supporting the poor,
and by loving you with all our hearts,
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
Lord Jesus Christ, who are called the Prince of Peace,
who are Yourself our peace and reconciliation,
who so often said, “Peace to You,” grant us peace.
Make all men and women witnesses of truth, justice and brotherly love.
Banish from their hearts whatever might endanger peace.
Enlighten our rulers that they may guarantee and defend the great gift of peace.
May all peoples of the earth become as brothers and sisters.
May longed-for peace blossom forth and reign always over us all.
- Pope John XXIII
O everlasting and loving God,
I consecrate myself wholly to Your today.
Lt all my days offer you ceaseless praise,
my hands move to the rhythm of Your impulses,
my feet be swift in Your service,
my voice sing constantly of You,
my lips proclaim Your message,
my eyes perceive You everywhere,
and my ears be attuned to your inspirations.
May my intellect be filled with Your wisdom,
my will be moved by Your beauty,
my heart be enraptured with Your love,
and my soul be flooded with Your grace.
Grant that every action of mine be done for Your greater glory.
- A Columban Missionary
St. Columban pray for us.
Pilgrim and wanderer for Christ
Disciple of Christ
True to the word of God
Dove of Peace
Friend of nature
Lover of animals
Protector of the environment
Healer of the sick
Courageous and fearless
Caring and brotherly
Forgiving and rich in mercy
Contemplative and close to God
Monk and missionary
Man of justice and integrity
Man of freedom and liberty
Oh Lord hear our prayer, and grant us your salvation
Amen
- A Columban Missionary
Heavenly Father, caring and loving God,
You never fail to help me when I
call upon You in my time of need.
Guide the doctors
who are treating me in my illness.
Help the nurses and staff
who are caring for me.
Hold me gently in the palm
of Your healing hand
and protect me from all harm.
Amen.
- Columban Fr. John Marley
God of Mercy and Compassion -
When I hesitate to act because of fear, be my strength.
When I question my existence, assure me.
When I want to show off my worth, humble me.
When I miss seeing the needs of others, awaken me.
When I forget the beauty of loving presence, remind me.
When I run away from a call to present, bring me back.
- Columban Lay Missionary Arlenne Villahermosa
Loving Mary, Mother of Jesus and our mother too.
Thank you for always saying yes to God’s call.
We praise Jesus, the fruit of your yes.
Bless all women who are with child.
Help them see the great gift they carry.
May their response like yours be a yes to life.
Fill their hearts with joy and peace.
Walk with them as their child comes to birth.
Like you Mary, may mothers everywhere
ponder and treasure this gift in their hearts.
Amen
- A Columban Missionary
Heavenly Father, You made the sunset
of my life more beautiful by unlocking the door
to eternal life through the death
and resurrection of Your Son.
Renew my faith, and prepare my heart
as I draw nearer to my heavenly home.
Help me to understand death
as Your messenger sent to lead me
into eternal life to be with You
and all those who love You
forever and ever.
Amen
- Columban Fr. John Marley
Your day of birth …
Filled with possibilities. But mostly…
Filled with God.
With light and love that spans the universe
of who you are.
This is God’s gift to you.
Your heart’s calling to guide you.
How can this Gift be honored?
God expects nothing – but desires for you
happiness, to love as you are loved by Him,
and the fulfillment of your heart in growing
closer to Him,
My God’s light and love guide you
on this, your birthday and always.
- Roseanne Walters, U.S. Columban Mission Office