Pray

I would never tire of trying to explain to them if I thought I could in some way manage to do so; thus I will say a thousand foolish things in order that I might at times succeed and that we might give great praise to the Lord.“ (The Interior Castle) -- St. Teresa of Avila

Today's Special Intentions

Prayer for Avilas

God of Love,
we earnestly pray
that You instill in the Avilas of the Diocese of Cleveland
an intense realization of our responsibility
to fulfill, by prayer and action,
Christ's commission to spread the faith.

Lord Jesus,
may we bring to Your service
all that we are,
generously responding to the inspirations of Your Spirit.

Holy Spirit,
make us faithful to our commitment
to participate in the ministry of the Church,
and grant us the grace needed to accomplish this
in a way that gives glory to the Holy Trinity.

Holy Mystery,
help us, as Avilas,
to call forth from our faith community,
men and women to serve Your Church
as sisters, brothers, deacons and priests.
Grant us the grace to represent You effectively
in our world today. Amen.

The Lord's Prayer for Priests

OUR FATHER WHO ART IN HEAVEN,
You have promised not to leave us orphans. Send Your holy priests of salvation to give us the Spirit’s life through the food of faith and charity.

HALLOWED BE THY NAME,
Through Your chosen priests filled with Your Holy Spirit, may You be made known and loved by all people on earth.

THY KINGDOM COME,
And may it be built by Your faithful priests through the sanctity of their lives, their burning zeal for Your glory, and the salvation of all.

THY WILL BE DONE ON EARTH, AS IT IS IN HEAVEN.
Eternal Father, do not cease to provide Your Church with Your holy priests who teach all people Your holy law.

GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD,
The bread of grace which nourishes us through Your sacraments. Enrich Your Church with chosen priests who bring Your sanctifying grace to all men and women.

AND FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO TRESPASS AGAINST US.
Send Your people, Lord, chosen and faithful priests, who by the sacrament of reconciliation bring back to You numerous hearts in need of your forgiveness.

AND LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION, BUT DELIVER US FROM EVIL.
Lord, if our sins have deprived us of Your friendship, we ask You: send your priests of mercy among us, with personal zeal and sacrifice. May they keep our souls from sin, and lead us to sanctification and eternal salvation. Amen.