Saint James the Great, Apostle

Saint James the Greater, by Rembrandt

Saint James the Greater, by Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn (1606–1669)

Grant, O merciful God, that, as thine holy Apostle Saint James, leaving his father and all that he had, without delay was obedient unto the calling of thy Son Jesus Christ, and followed him; so we, forsaking all worldly and carnal affections, may . . . → Read More: Saint James the Great, Apostle

Saint Thomas à Kempis

Thomas von Kempen JS

A contemporary portrait of St Thomas à Kempis, painted by an anonymous painter eleven years before Thomas’s death.

Holy Father, who hast nourished and strengthened thy Church by the inspired writings of thy servant Thomas a Kempis: Grant that we may learn from him to know what is necessary to be known, to . . . → Read More: Saint Thomas à Kempis

Saint John Cassian, Abbot at Marseilles

John Cassian

Icon of John Cassian. From Wikimedia.

Holy God, whose beloved Son Jesus Christ didst bless the pure in heart: Grant that we, together with thy servant John Cassian and in union with his prayers, may ever seek the purity with which to behold thee as thou art; one God in Trinity of . . . → Read More: Saint John Cassian, Abbot at Marseilles

Saint Mary Magdalene

Paolo Veronese The Conversion of Mary Magdalene

The Conversion of Mary Magdalene, by Paolo Veronese (1528–1588). From Wikipedia.

Almighty God, whose blessed Son restored Mary Magdalene to health of body and mind, and called her to be a witness of his resurrection: Mercifully grant that by thy grace we may be healed of all our infirmities and know thee . . . → Read More: Saint Mary Magdalene

The First Moon Landing

Earthrise over the Moon

For Them that Travel through Space

Written to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the first landing on the Moon, on July 20th, 1969, and the first moon walk on July 21st, 1969.

Almighty God, Father of all mankind, who didst walk before Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden: Be thou our constant guide . . . → Read More: The First Moon Landing

Saint Margaret, Martyr at Antioch in Pisidia

St Marina the Martyr hammering a devil

St Marina the Martyr hammering a devil, from a Greek hagiography (1858). Margaret of Antioch is known as Marina the Martyr in the Eastern Church. From Wikipedia.

Almighty and everlasting God, who dost enkindle the flame of thy love in the hearts of thy saints: Grant to our minds the same faith . . . → Read More: Saint Margaret, Martyr at Antioch in Pisidia

Vincent de Paul, Confessor

Vincent de Paul, by Simon François de Tours (1606–1671). From Wikipedia.

Most Gracious God, who hast bidden us to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly before thee; Teach us, like thy servants Vincent and Louise, to see and to serve Christ by feeding the hungry, welcoming the stranger, clothing the naked, . . . → Read More: Vincent de Paul, Confessor

The Sixth Sunday after Trinity

Trinity (celtic knot)

O God, who hast prepared for those who love thee such good things as pass man’s understanding: Pour into our hearts such love toward thee, that we, loving thee above all things, may obtain thy promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

. . . → Read More: The Sixth Sunday after Trinity

William White, Bishop of Pennsylvania

Bishop William White

Bishop William White. From Wikipedia.

O God, who dost ever hallow and protect thy Church: Raise up therein through thy Spirit good and faithful stewards of the mysteries of Christ, as thou didst in thy servant William White; that by their ministry and example thy people may abide in thy favour and . . . → Read More: William White, Bishop of Pennsylvania

Saint Osmund

Celtic Cross

O God of grace, who didst turn the thoughts of thy servant Saint Osmund from the cares of this world to the right ordering of thy worship: We humbly beseech thee that thy people, ever standing in the old paths and guided by the Holy Spirit, may offer unto thee an acceptable sacrifice of . . . → Read More: Saint Osmund