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
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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. |
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Lord, grant your priests a pure heart, able to love only You; a pure heart, that knows no evil, but is able to distinguish it, to fight against it and to flee it; a pure heart, like that of a child, inspired and longing for God. Lord, grant your servants a big heart, open to Your thoughts and closed for any malicious ambition, and for any regrettable human competition. Lord, grant your priests a strong heart, prepared to cope with every difficulty,
every temptation, every weakness, every boredom, every fatigue. A heart, Lord, that is truly capable to love, to understand, to welcome, to serve, to sacrifice, blessed with a heart that palpitates for Your feelings and thoughts. Because the world needs hearts who save and love souls like Christ does. Amen. |
