In the writings of St. Francis, we are reminded again and again that Franciscans are called to be penitents, to pray and fast. For these reasons this ancient tradition is important to us. St. Michael’s Lent is a period of 40 days, honoring Mary and St. Michael the Archangel. It begins on the Feast of the Assumption and ends on The Feast of the Archangels.
“[H]e wished along with the most faithful Brothers . . . to celebrate the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin (August 15) and then prepare himself by a forty days’ fast for the Feast of St. Michael (September 29). In common with the rest of the people of the Middle Ages, Francis nourished a special devotion to this Archangel, signifer santus Michaelis, the standard-bearer of the Heavenly Host, and the one who with his trumpet was to wake the dead in their graves on the last day . . . .” (St. Francis of Assisi by Jorgensen)
Let us pray for PRIESTS in this Year of the Priest and for OUR NATION.
A Prayer for Priests
Dear Lord,
We pray that the Blessed Mother wrap her mantle around your priests and through her intercession strengthen them for their ministry.
We pray that Mary will guide your priests to follow her own words,
"Do whatever He tells you" (John 2:5).
May your priests have the heart of St. Joseph, Mary's most chaste spouse.
May the Blessed Mother's own pierced heart inspire them to embrace all who suffer at the foot of the cross.
May your priests be holy, filled with the fire of your love, seeking nothing but your greater glory and the salvation of souls. Amen.
Saint John Vianney, pray for us.
(Source: http://www.catholicbishops.org/)
Prayer for our Nation
God our Father, Giver of life,
we entrust the United States of America to Your loving care.
You are the rock on which this nation was founded.
You alone are the true source of our cherished rights to life,
liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Reclaim this land for Your glory and dwell among Your people.
Send Your Spirit to touch the hearts of our nation´s leaders.
Open their minds to the great worth of human life
and the responsibilities that accompany human freedom.
Remind Your people that true happiness is rooted in seeking
and doing Your will.
Through the intercession of Mary Immaculate, Patroness of our land,
grant us the courage to reject the "culture of death."
Lead us into a new millennium of life.
We ask this through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
(Source: http://www.catholic.org/)
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