Prayers for 8/1

Today we ask the intercession of the Holy Maccabees; and also Sts. Almedha, Alphonsus Maria de Liguori, Bernard Due, Dominic Van Honh Dieu, and Friard; along with Bl. Thomas Welbourne.

For the Redemptorists...

For confessors and penitents...

For those who suffer from scrupulosity...

For vocations to the priesthood and religious life...

For those who suffer from arthritis...

For the repose of the soul of Fr. Declan A. Madden...

For John Miesel, Sandra Miesel, and their family and friends...

For those affected by severe summer weather...

For a personal intention...

For all intentions posted on Happy Catholic...

For all intentions posted on Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for 8/1

Lord of the Harvest, Once Again

Lord of the harvest, once again,
We thank Thee for the ripened grain;
For crops safe carried, sent to cheer
Thy servants through another year;
For all sweet holy thoughts supplied
By seed time, and by harvest tide.

The bare dead grain, in autumn sown,
Its robe of vernal green it puts on;
Glad from its wintry grave it springs,
Fresh garnished by the King of kings;
So, Lord, to those who sleep in Thee
Shall new and glorious bodies be.

Nor vainly of Thy Word we ask
A lesson from the reaper’s task:
So shall Thine angels issue forth:
The tares be burnt; the just of earth,
To wind and storm exposed no more,
Be gathered to their Father’s store.

Daily, O Lord, our prayers be said,
As Thou hast taught, for daily bread;
But not alone our bodies feed,
Supply our fainting spirits’ need:
O Bread of life, from day to day
Be Thou their Comfort, Food, and Stay.

Prayers for 7/31

Today we ask the intercession of the Marytrs of Syria; along with Sts. Germanus of Auxerre, Helen of Skofde, Ignatius Loyola, Justin de Jacobis, Peter Quy, and Emmanuel Phung; and Bls. John Colombini and Zdenka Schelingova.

For the Society of Jesus and their apostolates...

For the Basque people...

For retreatants and retreat centers...

For the falsely accused...

For the widowed and their families...

For the repose of the soul of Paul Brady, and for his family and friends...

For the repose of the soul of Dominic Schipferling, and for his family and friends...

For peace throughout the world, especially in the Middle East...

For a personal intention...

For all intentions posted on Happy Catholic...

For all intentions posted on Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for 7/31

Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above


Sing praise to God Who reigns above, the God of all creation,
The God of power, the God of love, the God of our salvation.
With healing balm my soul is filled and every faithless murmur stilled:
To God all praise and glory.

What God’s almighty power hath made His gracious mercy keepeth,
By morning glow or evening shade His watchful eye ne’er sleepeth;
Within the kingdom of His might, Lo! all is just and all is right:
To God all praise and glory.

The Lord is never far away, but through all grief distressing,
An ever present help and stay, our peace and joy and blessing.
As with a mother’s tender hand, God gently leads the chosen band:
To God all praise and glory.

Thus, all my toilsome way along, I sing aloud Thy praises,
That earth may hear the grateful song my voice unwearied raises.
Be joyful in the Lord, my heart, both soul and body bear your part:
To God all praise and glory.

Let all who name Christ’s holy Name give God all praise and glory;
Let all who own His power proclaim aloud the wondrous story!
Cast each false idol from its throne, for Christ is Lord, and Christ alone:
To God all praise and glory.

Prayers for 7/30

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Abdon, Leopold Mandic, Peter Chrysologus, Rufinus of Assisi, and Senen; and Bls. Edward Powell, Everard Hanse, Maria Vicenta of Saint Dorothy Chavez Orozco, Richard Featherstone, and Thomas Abel .

For the Servants of the Holy Trinity and the Poor...

For those affected by severe summer weather...

For peace throughout the world, especially in the Middle East...

For a personal intention...

For all intentions posted on Happy Catholic...

For all intentions posted on Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for the Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

One Sole Baptismal Sign

One sole baptismal sign,
One Lord below, above,
Zion, one faith is thine,
One only watchword—love;
From different temples though it rise,
One song ascendeth to the skies.

Our Sacrifice is one,
One Priest before the throne,
The slain, the risen Son,
Redeemer, Lord alone;
And sighs from contrite hearts that spring
Our chief, our choicest offering.

O may that holy prayer,
His tenderest, and His last,
His constant, latest care,
Ere to His throne He passed,
No longer unfulfilled remain,
The world’s offense, His people’s stain.

Head of Thy Church beneath,
The Catholic, the true,
On all her members breathe
Her broken frame renew;
Then shall Thy perfect will be done,
When Christians love and live as one

Prayers for the Memorial of St. Martha

Besides St. Martha, we also ask the intercession of her brother St. Lazarus; Sts. John Baptist Lo, Martha Wang, King Olaf II of Norway, and Pope Urban II; and Bls. Joseph Tshang, Louis Bertran, Mancius of the Holy Cross, Paul Tcheng, and Peter of the Holy Mother of God.

For the Holy Father, and for his personal intentions...

For the people of Norway...

For domestic servants...

For homemakers...

For all who work in the hospitality industry...

For cooks and all who work in restaurants...

For those who work in laundries and dry cleaners...

For travellers...

For couples in difficult marriages, and for their children...

For John and Sandra Miesel and their family...

For Cardinal Francis George, and for the Archdiocese of Chicago...

For Matt and Rachel Watkins and their family...

For Mother Angelica and her community, and for EWTN...

For peace throughout the world, especially in the Middle East and Somalia...

For the victims of the shooting in Seattle, and for their families...

For those affected by hot weather...

For Paul...

For a personal intention...

For the intentions posted on Happy Catholic and Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for the Memorial of St.Martha

Love Divine, All Loves Excelling


Love divine, all loves excelling,
Joy of heaven to earth come down;
Fix in us thy humble dwelling;
All thy faithful mercies crown!
Jesus, Thou art all compassion,
Pure unbounded love Thou art;
Visit us with Thy salvation;
Enter every trembling heart.

Breathe, O breathe Thy loving Spirit,
Into every troubled breast!
Let us all in Thee inherit;
Let us find that second rest.
Take away our bent to sinning;
Alpha and Omega be;
End of faith, as its Beginning,
Set our hearts at liberty.

Come, Almighty to deliver,
Let us all Thy life receive;
Suddenly return and never,
Never more Thy temples leave.
Thee we would be always blessing,
Serve Thee as Thy hosts above,
Pray and praise Thee without ceasing,
Glory in Thy perfect love.

Finish, then, Thy new creation;
Pure and spotless let us be.
Let us see Thy great salvation
Perfectly restored in Thee;
Changed from glory into glory,
Till in heaven we take our place,
Till we cast our crowns before Thee,
Lost in wonder, love, and praise.

Prayers for 7/28

Today we ask the intercession of St. Pope Innocent I, Celsus, Melchor Garcia Sampedro, Nazarius, Pedro Poveda Castroverde, and Samson; along with Bls. Anthony della Chiesa and John Soreth.

For the Holy Father, and for his personal intentions...

For Alicia's intentions...

For those affected by severe summer weather...

For the repose of the soul of Max Walker, and for his family and friends...

For peace throughout the world, especially in the Middle East...

For a personal intention...

For all intentions posted on Catholic Fire...

For all intentions posted on Happy Catholic...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for 7/28

Almighty God, Your Word Is Cast


Almighty God, Your Word is cast
Like seed into the ground;
Now let the dew of Heav’n descend,
And righteous fruits abound.

Let not the foe of Christ and man
This holy seed remove,
But give it root in ev’ry heart
To bring forth fruits of love.

Let not the world’s deceitful cares
The rising plant destroy.
But let it yield a hundredfold
The fruits of peace and joy.

Nor let Your Word so kindly sent
To raise us to Your throne
Return to You, and sadly tell
That we reject Your Son.

Oft as the precious seed is sown,
Your quick’ning grace bestow,
That all whose souls the truth receive,
Its saving power may know.

Great God, come down and on Your Word
Your mighty power bestow,
That all who hear the joyful sound,
Your saving grace may know.

Prayers for 7/27

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Cunegundes and Pantaleon ; and Bls. Alphonsus Pacheco, Andrew the Catechist, Lucy Bufalari, and Mary Magdelene Martinengo.

For the peoples of Lithuania, Luxembourg, and Poland...

For bachelors...

For physicians...

For those who suffer from tuberculosis...

For torture victims...

For persecuted Christians...

For Cardinal Francis George, O.M.I...

For peace throughout the world, especially in the Middle East...

For a personal intention...

For all intentions posted on Catholic Fire...

For all intentions posted on Happy Catholic...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for 7/27

Thy Mercy and Thy Truth, O Lord


Thy mercy and Thy truth, O Lord,
Transcend the lofty sky;
Thy judgments are a mighty deep,
And as the mountains high.

Lord, Thou preservest man and beast;
Since Thou art ever kind;
Beneath the shadow of Thy wings
We may a refuge find.

With the abundance of Thy house
We shall be satisfied,
From rivers of unfailing joy
Our thirst shall be supplied.

The fountain of eternal life
Is found alone with Thee,
And in the brightness of Thy light
We clearly light shall see.

From those that know Thee may Thy love
And mercy ne’er depart,
And may Thy justice still protect
And bless the upright heart.

The workers of iniquity
Are fallen utterly;
They shall not triumph in their pride,
Or drive my soul from Thee.

Prayers for 7/26

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Joachim and Anne, the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

We also ask the intercession of Sts. Bartholomea Capitanio and Parasceva; along with Bls. George Preca, George Swallowell, John Ingram, and Titus Brandsma.

For the peoples of Brittany and Canada (especailly Quebec)...

For older couples having children...

For couples having difficulties with conceiving...

For childless couples...

For grandparents...

For full-time homemakers...

For the poor...

For lacemakers and embroiderers...

For the poor...

For the Sisters of Charity of Lovere...

For the Society of Christian Doctrine...

For peace throughout the world, especially in the Middle East...

For a personal intention...

For all intentions posted on Happy Catholic...

For all intentions posted on Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for 7/26

Eternal Father, Strong to Save


Eternal Father, strong to save,
Whose arm hath bound the restless wave,
Who biddest the mighty ocean deep
Its own appointed limits keep;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,
For those in peril on the sea!

O Christ! Whose voice the waters heard
And hushed their raging at Thy Word,
Who walked on the foaming deep,
And calm amidst its rage didst sleep;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,
For those in peril on the sea!

Most Holy Spirit! Who didst brood
Upon the chaos dark and rude,
And bid its angry tumult cease,
And give, for wild confusion, peace;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,
For those in peril on the sea!

O Trinity of love and power!
Our family shield in danger’s hour;
From rock and tempest, fire and foe,
Protect us wheresoever we go;
Thus evermore shall rise to Thee
Glad hymns of praise from land and sea.

Prayers on the Feast of St. James

Besides St. James, we also ask the intercession of Sts. Canute Lavard, Christopher, Euphrasia, Thea & Valentina, and Rudolph Acquaviva.

For the peoples of Chile, Galicia, Nicaragua, and Spain...

For the Pueblo Indians...

For all who work in the pharmaceutical industry...

For all members of the Armed Forces, especially those serving far from home...
For travellers and commuters...

For pilgrims...

For veterinarians...

For those who suffer from arthritis...

For all who work in mass transit...

For truck drivers...

For the repose of the soul of Stephen William Castner, and for his family and friends...

For peace throughout the world...

For a personal intention...

For all intentions posted on Happy Catholic...

For all intentions posted on Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn in Honor of St. James

Two Brothers Freely Cast Their Lot


Two brothers freely cast their lot
With David’s royal Son;
The cost of conquest counting not,
They deem the battle won.

Brothers in heart, they hope to gain
An undivided joy,
That man may one with man remain,
As boy was one with boy.

Christ heard; and willed that James should fall
First prey of Satan’s rage;
John linger out his fellows all,
And die in bloodless age.

Now they join hands once more above
Before the Conqueror’s throne!
Thus God grants prayer; but in His love
Makes times and ways His own.
All glory to the Father be,All glory to the Son,All glory, Holy Ghost, to TheeWhile endless ages run.

Prayers for 7/24

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Declan, John Boste, and Menefrida; as well as Bl. Maria Pilar Martinez Garcia & Companions and Bl. Joseph Fernandez.

For Karl and his family...

For those affected by summer heat...

For peace throughout the world, especially in the Middle East...

For a personal intention...

For all intentions posted on Catholic Fire...

For all intentions posted on Happy Catholic...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for 7/24

O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee


O Master, let me walk with Thee,
In lowly paths of service free;
Tell me Thy secret; help me bear
The strain of toil, the fret of care.

Help me the slow of heart to move
By some clear, winning word of love;
Teach me the wayward feet to stay,
And guide them in the homeward way.

O Master, let me walk with Thee,
Before the taunting Pharisee;
Help me to bear the sting of spite,
The hate of men who hide Thy light.

The sore distrust of souls sincere
Who cannot read Thy judgments clear,
The dullness of the multitude,
Who dimly guess that Thou art good.

Teach me Thy patience; still with Thee
In closer, dearer, company,
In work that keeps faith sweet and strong,
In trust that triumphs over wrong.

In hope that sends a shining ray
Far down the future’s broadening way,
In peace that only Thou canst give,
With Thee, O Master, let me live.

Prayers for 7/23

Today we ask the intercession of the Martyrs of Bulgaria; and Sts. Apollinaris, Bridget of Sweden, John Cassian, and Phocas the Gardener.

For the people of Sweden...

For sailors, merchant marines, and all who make their living on the waters...

For the Greydanus family...

For peace in the world, especially in the Middle East...

For all affected by the tsunami in Indonesia...

For all affected by flooding, especially in Japan and China...

For a personal intention...

For intentions posted on Happy Catholic...

For intentions posted on Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for the Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Come Ye Yourselves Apart

Come ye yourselves apart and rest awhile;
Weary, I know it, of the press and throng,
Wipe from your brow the sweat and dust of toil,
And in My quiet strength again be strong.

Come ye aside from all the world holds dear,
For converse which the world has never known,
Alone with Me and with My Father here,
With Me and with My Father not alone.

Come, tell Me all that ye have said and done,
Your victories and failures, hopes and fears.
I know how hardly souls are wooed and won:
My choicest wreaths are always wet with tears.

Come ye and rest: the journey is too great,
And ye will faint beside the way and sink:
The Bread of Life is here for you to eat,
And here for you the Wine of Love to drink.

Then, fresh from converse with your Lord, return
And work till daylight softens into ev’n;
The brief hours are not lost in which ye learn
More of your Master and His rest in Heav’n.

Prayers on the Memorial of St. Mary Magdalene

Besides St. Mary Magdalene, we also ask the intercession of Sts. Philip Evans & John Lloyd.

For those who work in pharmacies and the pharmaceutical industry...

For those who make and sell cosmetics and perfumes...

For barbers and hairdressers...

For the deliverance of prostitutes and all who exploit them...

For those subjected to sexual temptations...

For converts...

For contemplatives...

For those living a life of penance...

For those affected by summer heat, especially those without power...

For the repose of the soul of Glenn Kelly, and for his family and friends...

For peace throughout the world, especially in the Middle East...

For a personal intention...

For all intentions posted on Happy Catholic...

For all intentions posted on Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for the Memorial of St. Mary Magdalene

Happy Magdalene, to Whom

Happy Magdalene, to whom
Christ the Lord vouchsafed t’appear!
Newly risen from the tomb,
Would He first be seen by her?
Her by seven devils possessed,
Till His Word the fiends expelled;
Quenched the hell within her breast,
All her sins and sickness healed.

Yes, to her the Master came,
First His welcome voice she hears:
Jesus calls her by her name,
He the weeping sinner cheers,
Lets her the dear task repeat,
While her eyes again run o’er;
Lets her wash His bleeding feet,
Kiss them, and with joy adore.

Highly favored soul! To her
Farther still His grace extends,
Raises the glad messenger,
Sends her to His drooping friends;
Tidings of their living Lord
First in her report they find:
She must spread the Gospel word,
Teach the teachers of mankind.

Who can now presume to fear?
Who despair his Lord to see?
Jesus, wilt Thou not appear,
Show Thyself alive to me?
Yea, my God, I dare not doubt,
Thou shalt all my sins remove;
Thou hast cast a legion out,
Thou wilt perfect me in love.

Surely Thou hast called me now!
Now I hear the voice divine,
At Thy wounded feet I bow,
Wounded for whose sins but mine!
I have nailed Him to the tree,
I have sent Him to the grave:
But the Lord is ris’n for me,
Hold of Him by faith I have.

Here for ever I would lie,
Didst Thou not Thy servant raise,
Send me forth to testify
All the wonders of Thy grace.
Lo! I at Thy bidding go,
Gladly to Thy followers tell
They their rising God may know,
They the life of Christ may feel.

Hear, ye brethren of the Lord,
(Such as He vouchsafes to call)
O believe the Gospel word,
Christ hath died, and rose for all:
Turn ye from your sins to God,
Haste to Galilee, and see
Him, Who bought Thee with His blood,
Him, Who rose to live in Thee.

Prayers for 7/21

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Arbogast, Lawrence of Brindisi, Praxides, andVictor; along with Bls. Francis de Montmorency Laval and Oddino Barrotti.

For woodworkers and builders...

For the deliverance of torture victims...

For single women...

For the repose of the soul of Monsignor William Costello, and for his family and friends...

For the repose of the soul of Decon Doug Sliger, and for his family and friends...

For the repose of the soul of Jeffrey Phillips, and for his family and friends...

For peace throughout the world, especially in the Middle East and North Korea...

For a personal intention...

For all intentions posted on Catholic Fire...

For all intentions posted on Happy Catholic...

For all intentions posted on Jimmy Akin's blog...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for 7/21

Lord God of Hosts, Whose Mighty Hand


Lord God of hosts, Whose mighty hand
Dominion holds on sea and land,
In peace and war Your will we see
Shaping the larger liberty;
Nations may rise and nations fall,
Your changeless purpose rules them all.

For those who weak and broken lie
In weariness and agony,
Great Healer, to their beds of pain
Come, touch and make them whole again.
O hear a people’s prayers, and bless
Your servants in their hour of stress!

For those to whom the call shall come,
We pray Your tender welcome home;
The toil, the bitterness, all past,
We trust them to Your love at last.
O hear a people’s prayers for all
Who, nobly striving, nobly fall!

For those who minister and heal,
And spend themselves, their skill, their zeal,
Renew their hearts with Christlike faith,
And guard them from disease and death;
And in Your own good time, Lord, send
Your peace on earth till time shall end.

Prayers for 7/20

Today we ask the intercession of the Prophet Elijah, and Sts. José María Díaz Sanjurjo and Joseph Barsabas.

For Mike from Singapore...

For all affected by summer heat...

For peace throughout the world, especially in the Middle East and North Korea...

For all intentions posted on Happy Catholic...

For all intentions posted on Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for 7/20

My Spirit Longs for Thee

My spirit longs for Thee,
Within my troubled breast,
Though I unworthy be
Of so divine a Guest.

Of so divine a Guest
Unworthy though I be,
Yet has my heart no rest
Unless it come from Thee.

Unless it come from thee,
In vain I look around;
In all that I can see
No rest is to be found.

No rest is to be found
But in Thy blessèd love;
O let my wish be crowned
And send it from above.

Prayers for 7/19

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Arsenius, Epagaphras, John Plessington, and Macrina the Younger.

For those affected by summer heat...

For the people of Indonesia and Jakarta, affected by earthquakes and tsunamis...

For peace throughout the world, especially in the Middle East and North Korea...

For a personal intention...

For all intentions posted on Happy Catholic...

For all intentions posted on Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for 7/19

O Lord, Thou Judge


O Lord, Thou Judge of all the earth,
To Whom all vengeance doth belong,
Arise and show Thy glory forth,
Requite the proud, condemn the wrong.

How long, O Lord, in boastful pride
Shall wicked men triumphant stand?
How long shall they afflict thy saints
And scorn Thy wrath, Thy dreadful hand?

The widow and the fatherless
They slay, and helpless strangers smite;
The faithful God they do not fear,
They say the Lord will not requite.

Be wise, ye fools and brutish men;
Shall not He see Who formed the eye?
Shall not He hear Who formed the ear,
And judge, Who reigneth, God most high?

The Lord will judge in righteousness,
From Him all truth and knowledge flow;
The foolish thoughts of wicked men,
How vain they are the Lord doth know.

That man is blest whom Thou, O Lord,
With chastening hand dost teach Thy will,
For in the day when sinners fall
That man in peace abideth still.

The Lord will not cast off His own,
Nor His inheritance forsake;
Just judgment shall at length prevail,
And upright hearts shall courage take.

Who will arise for my defense
Against the wicked in the land?
Against iniquity and wrong
What main for me will valiant stand?

Unless the Lord had been my Help,
My life had quickly passed away;
But when my foot had almost slipped,
O Lord, Thy mercy was my stay.

Amid the doubts that fill my mind
Thy comforts, Lord, bring joy to me;
Can wickedness, though throned in might,
Have fellowship, O Lord, with Thee?

The wicked, in their might arrayed,
Against the righteous join their power,
But to the Lord I flee for help,
He is my Refuge and my Tower.

Our God, the Refuge of His saints,
Will fight against iniquity;
Avenger of the innocent
The Lord omnipotent will be.

Prayers for 7/18

RToday we ask the intercession of Sts. Arnold, Bruno of Segni, Dominic Nicholas Dat, Frederick of Utrecht, and Theneva.

For those affected by the Indonesian tsunami...

For those affected by flooding in China...

For peace throughout the world, especially in the Middle East and North Korea...

For a personal intention...

For all intentions posted on Happy Catholic...

For all intentions posted on Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for 7/18

Within Thy Temple's Sacred Courts


Within Thy temple’s sacred courts,
With loving and adoring thought,
We contemplate Thy grace, O God,
And all Thy deeds with mercy fraught.

Where’er Thy Name, O God, is known,
Where’er Thy glorious fame extends,
There also is Thy praise proclaimed,
Far as the earth’s remotest ends.

This mighty God forever lives
Our God and Savior to abide,
And till our pilgrim days shall end
Will ever be our faithful Guide.

Prayers for 7/17

Today we ask the intercession of the Carmelite Martyrs of Compiegne and the Sicilian Martyrs. We also ask the intercession of Sts. Alexius, Clement of Ohrid, and Pope Leo IV; as well as Bls. Ceslas Odrowaz and Pavol Gojdic.

For the Holy Father and his intentions...

For all who work in health care...

For travellers...

For the Alexian Brothers...

For Karl and his family...

For the people of Indonesia affected by the tsunami...

For the repose of the souls of Justin Geiger, Amber Carlson, and Adam Towler and for their families and friends...

For peace throughout the world, especially in the Middle East and North Korea...

For those affected by summer heat...

For a personal intention...

For all intentions posted on Catholic Fire...

For all intentions posted on Happy Catholic...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for 7/17

Savior, Sprinkle Many Nations


Savior, sprinkle many nations;
Fruitful let Thy sorrows be;
By Thy pains and consolations
Draw the Gentiles unto Thee!

Of Thy cross the wondrous story,
Be it to the nations told;
Let them see Thee in Thy glory
And Thy mercy manifold.

Far and wide, though all unknowing,
Pants for Thee each mortal breast,
Human tears for Thee are flowing,
Human hearts in Thee would rest.

Thirsting as for dews of even,
As the new mown grass for rain
Thee they seek as God of heaven,
Thee as Man for sinners slain.

Savior, lo! the isles are waiting
Stretched the hand and strained the sight,
For Thy Spirit, new creating,
Love’s pure flame, and wisdom’s light.

Give the word, and of the preacher
Speed the foot and touch the tongue,
Till on earth by every creature
Glory to the Lamb be sung!

Prayers for 7/16

Today we ask the intercession of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

We also ask the intercession of Sts. Marie Madeline Postel, Bl. Bartholomeo Fernandez dos Martires, and the Martyrs of Brazil.

For the Carmelites...

For all who wear the Scapular of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel...

For the Sisterhood of Christian Schools of Mercy...

For those affected by summer heat...

For peace throughout the world, especially in the Middle East and North Korea...

For a personal intention...

For all intentions posted on Happy Catholic...

For all intentions posted on Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for 7/16

My Soul, Repeat His Praise


My soul, repeat His praise,
Whose mercies are so great;
Whose anger is so slow to rise,
So ready to abate.

God will not always chide;
And when His strokes are felt,
His strokes are fewer than our crimes,
And lighter than our guilt.

High as the heav’ns are raised,
Above the ground we tread,
So far the riches of His grace
Our highest thoughts exceed.

His power subdues our sins;
And His forgiving love
Far as the east is from the west,
Doth all our guilt remove.

The pity of the Lord,
To those that fear His Name,
Is such as tender parents feel;
He knows our feeble frame.

Our days as are the grass,
Or like the morning flower;
If one sharp blast sweep o’er the fieldI
t withers in an hour.

But Thy compassions, Lord,
To endless years endure;
And children’s children ever find
Thy words of promise sure.

Prayers for 7/15

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Bonaventure, Plechelm, Pompeius Maria Pirotti, and Vladimir; along with Bls. Anne Mary Javhouhey, Antoni Beszta-Borowski, and Ignatius de Azevedo and his companions.

For the people of Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus...

For those suffering from gastrointestinal disorders...

For Alicia...

For peace throughout the world, especially in the Middle East...

For the intentions posted on Happy Catholic...

For the intentions posted on Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for 7/15

Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee;
Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessèd Trinity!

Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore Thee,
Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee,
Who was, and is, and evermore shall be.

Holy, holy, holy! though the darkness hide Thee,
Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see;
Only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee,
Perfect in power, in love, and purity.

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All Thy works shall praise Thy Name, in earth, and sky, and sea;
Holy, holy, holy; merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessèd Trinity!

Prayers for 7/14

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Camillus of Lellis, Francis Solano, Toscana of Verona, and Ulric of Zell; as well as Bl. Kateri Tekakwitha.

For the peoples of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, and Peru...

For the Native American peoples...

For the Order of St. Camillus...

For Karl and his family...

For the Schmiedicke/Doman family...

For peace throughout the world, especially in the Middle East and North Korea...

For a personal intention...

For all intentions posted on Happy Catholic...

For all intentions posted on Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for 7/14

O It Is Hard to Work for God

Oh, it is hard to work for God,
To rise and take His part
Upon this battlefield of earth,
And not sometimes lose heart!

He hides Himself so wondrously,
As though there were no God;
He is least seen when all the pow’rs
Of ill are most abroad.

Ah, God is other than we think,
His ways are far above,
Far beyond reason’s height, and reached
Only by childlike love.

Workman of God! O lose not heart,
But learn what God is like,
And in the darkest battlefield
Thou shalt know where to strike.

Then learn to scorn the praise of men,
And learn to lose with God;
For Jesus won the world through shame,
And beckons thee His road.

For right is right, as God is God,
And right the day must win;
To doubt would be disloyalty,
To falter were to sin.

Prayers for 7/13

Today we ask the intercession of the Prophet Joel; Sts. Clelia Barbieri, Henry II of Bavaria, Mildred, Silas, and Terese of the Andes; and Bls. Carlos Manuel Cecilio Rodriguez Santiago, Ferdinand Mary Baccilleri, James of Voragine, Mariano de Jesus Euse Hoyos, and Thomas Tunstal.

For those ridiculed for their faith...

For the Congregation of Minims of the Sorrowful Mother...

For the disabled...

For Benedictine Oblates...

For our youth...

For Ma Beck's intention...

For the people in California affected by wildfires...

For peace throughout the world, especially in the Middle East and North Korea...

For a personal intention...

For all intentions posted on Catholic Fire...

For all intentions posted on Happy Catholic...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for 7/13

Great Shepherd Who Leadest Thy People in Love

Great Shepherd, Who leadest Thy people in love,
’Mid cherubim dwelling, shine Thou from above;
In might come and save us, Thy people restore,
And we shall be saved when Thy face shines once more.

O haste, Lord, to hear us and pity our woes,
Afflictions our portion, despised by our foes;
O Lord God Almighty, in mercy restore,
And we shall be saved when Thy face shines once more.

A place for Thy people, Thou, Lord, didst prepare,
Thy vine deeply rooted rewarded Thy care;
Its branches like cedars, majestic and free,
Spread over the mountains from river to sea.

Thy vineyard no longer Thy tender care knows,
Defenseless, the victim and spoil of her foes;
O turn, we beseech Thee, all glory is Thine,
Look down in Thy mercy and visit Thy vine.

The branch of Thy planting is burned and cut down,
Brought nigh to destruction because of Thy frown;
The man of Thy right hand with wisdom endue,
The son of man strengthen Thy pleasure to do.

When Thou shalt revive us Thy Name we shall praise,
And nevermore turning, depart from Thy ways;
O Lord God Almighty, in mercy restore,
And we shall be saved when Thy face shines once more.

Prayers for 7/12

Today we ask the intercesion of Sts. Fortunatus,Hermagorus, Ignatius Delgado, Jason, John Gualbert, John Jones, Paulinus of Antioch, Peter Khanh, and Veronica.

We also ask the intercession of several Japanese Martyrs: Bls. John Naisen, John Tanaca , Louis Naisen, Matthias Araki, Monica Naisen, and Peter Araki Kobjoje.

For foresters...

For those who work in public parks...

For laundry workers...

For photographers...

For Ma Beck and her intention...

For the victims of the Bombay train bombings, and for their family and friends...

For a personal intention...

For all intentions posted on Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for 7/12

I Look to Thee in Every Need

I look to Thee in every need, and never look in vain;
I feel Thy strong and tender love, and all is well again.
The thought of Thee is mightier far than sin and pain and sorrow are.

Discouraged in the work of life, disheartened by its load,
Shamed by its failures or its fears, I sink beside the road.
But let me only think of Thee and then new heart springs up in me.

Thy calmness bends serene above, my restlessness to still;
Around me flows Thy quickening life, to nerve my faltering will.
Thy presence fills my solitude, Thy providence turns all to good.

Enfolded deep in Thy dear love, held in Thy law, I stand;
Thy hand in all things I behold, and all things in Thy hand.
Thou leadest me by unsought ways, and turn my mourning into praise.

Prayers for 7/11

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Benedict, Drostan, Olga, and Oliver Plunkett.

For all of Europe...

For the people of Italy...

For all Benedictine and Western monastic communities...

For agricultural workers...

For the deliverance of all who are involved in the occult...

For those suffering from kidney diseases and gallstones...

For students...

For the dying...

For the Schmiedicke family...

For Alicia...

For the repose of the soul of Fr. Aidan Kavanaugh, OSB, and for his family and friends...

For the repose of the soul of Jasmine Grant, and for her family and friends...

For a personal intention...

For all intentions posted on Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for 7/11

Jesus, My Savior, Look on Me

Jesus, my Savior, look on me,
For I am weary and oppressed;
I come to cast myself on Thee:
Thou art my Rest.

Look down on me, for I am weak;
I feel the toilsome journey’s length;
Thine aid omnipotent I seek:
Thou art my Strength.

I am bewildered on my way,
Dark and tempestuous is the night;
O send Thou forth some cheering ray:
Thou art my Light.

I hear the storms around me rise;
But when I dread th’impending shock,
My spirit to the Refuge flies:
Thou art my Rock.

Standing alone on Jordan’s brink,
In that tremendous latest strife,
Thou will not suffer me to sink:
Thou art my Life.

Thou wilt my every want supply,
E’en to the end, whate’er befall;
Through life, in death, eternally,
Thou art my All.

Prayers for 7/10

Today we ask the intercession of the Martyrs of Damascus, Amalburga, Peter Tu, Rufinus and Secundus.

For those suffering muscular pains in the arms...

For Mark Shea's mother, and for her family and friends...

For the repose of the souls of victims of the Pakistani plane crash, and for their families and friends...

For a personal intention...

For all intentions posted on Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for 7/10

Glorious Majesty

Glorious Majesty, before Thee
We bow to worship and adore Thee;
With grateful hearts to Thee we sing,
Earth and heaven tell the story
Of Thine eternal might and glory,
And all Thy works their incense bring.
Lo, hosts of cherubim and countless seraphim
Sing hosanna, holy is God
Almighty God, all merciful and all wise God!

God of light, exalted, holy!
Thy tender care protects the lowly,
Nor leaves Thy children to their fate.
Gracious art Thou, God our Father,
Thy chosen people Thou dost gather,
Within Thine arms compassionate,
Thou gavest us Thy Son, through whom Thy grace is won,
And Thy Spirit dwelleth within to cleanse from sin
Whom Thine own Son hath died to win.

Bless and keep, O Lord, Thy creatures,
Reveal to us Thy gracious features,
O turn to us Thy face with peace
Here our songs we humbly tender,
Til glorified our tongues shall render
To Thee our praise without surcease,
Where hosts of cherubim and countless seraphim
Sing holy is God, almighty God,
All merciful and all wise God!

Prayers for 7/9

Today we ask the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary under two of her titles: Our Lady of Chiquinquira and Our Lady of Peace.

We also ask the intercession of the Martyrs of Gorkum, Sts. Antonino Fantosati, Augustine Tchao, Francesco Fogolla, Mary Hermina Grivot, Paulina do Coração Agonizante de Jesus, and Veronica Giuliani; along with Bls. Adrian Fortescue, Fidelis Chojnacki, and Jane Scopelli.

For the people of Colombia...

For the Congregation of the Little Sisters of the Immaculate Conception...

For the Congregation of the Daughters of Mercy...

For the repose of the souls of the victims of the plane crash in Russia, for the recovery of the injured, and for their families and friends...

For Mark Shea's mother, and for her family and friends...

For peace throughout the world, especially in the Middle East and North Korea...

For a personal intention...

For all intentions posted on Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for the Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

With Joy We Lift Our Eyes


With joy we lift our eyes,
To those bright realms above,
That glorious temple in the skies,
Where dwells eternal Love.

Before Thy throne we bow,
O Thou almighty King;
Here we present the solemn vow
And hymns of praise we sing.

While in Thy house we kneel,
With trust and holy fear,
Thy mercy and Thy truth reveal,
And lend a gracious ear.

Lord, teach our hearts to pray,
And tune our lips to sing,
Nor from Thy presence cast away,
The sacrifice we bring.

Prayers for 7/8

Today we ask the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

We also ask the intercession of the Abrahamite Monks, the Martyrs of Shanxi, Sts. Pope Adrian III, Aquila, Colman, Edgar the Peaceful, Killian, Priscilla, Sunniva and Totnan; and Bl. Pope Eugene III.

For the Holy Father, and for his personal intentions...

For the people of Bavaria...

For sufferers of arthritis and gout...

For Mark Shea's mother, and for her family and friends...

For the people of Mexico and Felipe Calderon...

For Annie Schoenfield, her son Luke, and her family and friends...

For the repose of the soul of 1st Sgt. Jeffrey McLochlin, and for his family and friends...

For peace throughout the world, especially in the Middle East and North Korea...

For large families...

For a personal intention...

For all intentions posted on Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Marian Antiphon for 7/8

Byzantine Hymn

More honorable than the Cherubim,
and more glorious beyond compare than the Seraphim,
thou who without stain barest God the Word,
and art truly Theotokos,
we magnify thee.

Prayers for 7/7

On this First Friday, we ask the intercession of Sts. Illidius, Palladius, Syrus of Genoa, and Willibald; along with Bls. Pope Benedict XI, Lawrence Humphrey, Maria Romero Meneses, and Ralph Milner.

For the Holy Father, and for his intentions...

For the people of Scotland...

For the people of London, especially the repose of the souls of those killed in last year's bombings, and those who were injured, as well as their family and friends...

For the repose of the soul of Desiree Honegger, and for her family and friends...

For a personal intention...

For all intentions posted on Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for 7/7

Thy Wondrous Testimonies, Lord


Thy wondrous testimonies, Lord,
My soul will keep and greatly praise;
Thy Word, by faithful lips proclaimed,
To simplest minds the truth conveys.

I thirst for Thy commandments, Lord,
And for Thy mercy press my claim;
O look on me, and show the grace
Displayed to all who love Thy Name.

Direct my footsteps in Thy Word,
From sin’s dominion save my soul,
From man’s oppression set me free,
That I may yield to Thy control.

O make Thy face to shine on me,
And teach me all Thy laws to keep;
Because Thy statutes are despised,
With overwhelming grief I weep.

Prayers for 7/6

Today we ask the intercession of the Prophet Isaiah; Sts. Goar, Godelieve, and Maria Goretti; and Bls. Mary Rose de Loye and Thomas Alfield.

For all who work in the hospitality trade...

For vintners...

For abused spouses...

For rape victims...

For young women...

For peace throughout the world, especially in the Middle East and North Korea...

For Hu Jingxuan and Hu Jingni, and for their parents and family...

For a personal intention...

For all intentions posted on Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for 7/6

Thy Word, O Lord, Like Gentle Dews


Thy Word, O Lord, like gentle dews,
Falls soft on hearts that pine;
Lord, to Thy garden ne’er refuse
This heavenly balm of Thine.
Watered by Thee, let every tree
Then blossom to Thy praise,
By grace of Thine bear fruit divine
Through all the coming days.

Thy Word is like a flaming sword,
A wedge that cleaveth stone;
Keen as a fire, so burns Thy Word,
And pierceth flesh and bone;
Let it go forth o’er all the earth
To cleanse our hearts within,
To show Thy power in Satan’s hour,
And break the night of sin.

Thy Word, a wondrous guiding star,
On pilgrim hearts doth rise,
Leads those to God who dwell afar,
And makes the simple wise.
Let not its light e’er sink in night,
But in each spirit shine,
That none may miss Heaven’s final bliss,
Led by Thy light divine.

Prayers for 7/5

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Anthony Mary Zaccaria, Athanasius the Athonite, Grace, Modwenna, Probus, Stephen of Reggio, and Zoe of Rome; as well as Bl. Elias of Bourdeilles.

For the Barnabites...

For peace throughout the world, especially in the Middle East and North Korea...

For a personal intention...

For all intentions posted on Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for 7/5

The Lord, the Sovereign, Sends His Summons Forth


The Lord, the Sovereign, sends His summons forth,
Calls the south nations and awakes the north;
From east to west the sounding orders spread,
Through distant worlds and regions of the dead:
No more shall atheists mock His long delay;
His vengeance sleeps no more: behold the day!

Behold, the Judge descends, His guards are nigh;
Tempest and fire attend Him down the sky:
Heav’n, earth, and hell, draw near; let all things come
To hear His justice, and the sinner’s doom:
“But gather first My saints,” the Judge commands,
“Bring them, ye angels, from their distant lands.

“Behold, My cov’nant stands for ever good,
Sealed by th’ eternal Sacrifice in blood,
And signed with all their names; the Greek, the Jew,
That paid the ancient worship or the new,
There’s no distinction here; come, spread their thrones,
And near Me seat My fav’rites and My sons.

“I, their Almighty Savior and their God,
I am their Judge: ye heav’ns, proclaim abroad
My just eternal sentence, and declare
Those awful truths that sinners dread to hear:
Sinners in Zion, tremble and retire;
I doom the painted hypocrite to fire.

“Not for the want of goats or bullocks slain
Do I condemn thee; bulls and goats are vain
Without the flames of love; in vain the store
Of brutal off’rings that were Mine before;
Mine are the tamer beasts and savage breed,
Flocks, herds, and fields and forests where they feed.

“If I were hungry, would I ask thee food?
When did I thirst, or drink thy bullocks’ blood?
Can I be flattered with thy cringing bows,
Thy solemn chatt’rings and fantastic vows?
Are My eyes charmed thy vestments to behold,
Glaring in gems, and gay in woven gold?

“Unthinking wretch! how couldst thou hope to please
A God, a Spirit, with such toys as these,
While, with My grace and statutes on thy tongue,
Thou lov’st deceit, and dost thy brother wrong?
In vain to pious forms thy zeal pretends,
Thieves and adulterers are thy chosen friends.

“Silent I waited with long-suff’ring love,
But didst thou hope that I should ne’er reprove?
And cherish such an impious thought within,
That God, the Righteous, would indulge thy sin?
Behold My terrors now: My thunders roll,
And thy own crimes affright thy guilty soul.”

Sinners, awake betimes; ye fools, be wise;
Awake before this dreadful morning rise;
Change your vain thoughts, your crooked works amend,
Fly to the Savior, make the Judge your friend
Lest, like a lion, His last vengeance tear
Your trembling souls, and no deliv’rer near.

Prayers for 7/4

We ask the intercession of Mary Immaculate, on behalf of the people of the United States.

We also ask the intercession of the Prophets Haggai and Hosea; Sts. Andrew of Crete, Bertha of Blangy, Elizabeth of Portugal, Procopius, and Ulric; and Bls. Catherine Jarrige, Edward Fulthrop, John Carey, John Cornelius, Joseph Kowalski, Patrick Salmon, Pier Giorgio Frassati, Thomas Bosgrave, Thomas Warcop, and William Andleby.

For the peoples of the United States and the Czech Republic...

For charitable organizations, and all who work for them...

For marriages hurt by infidelity...

For expectant mothers (especially those dealing with difficult pregnancies) and their preborn babies...

For a personal intention...

For Cathy Ward's father...

For Sister Jean Bernadette...

For a personal intention...

For all intentions posted on Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for 7/4

This is based on the readings for today's regular Mass.

I Feel the Winds of God Today

I feel the winds of God today; today my sail I lift,
Though heavy, oft with drenching spray, and torn with many a rift;
If hope but light the water’s crest, and Christ my bark will use,
I’ll seek the seas at His behest, and brave another cruise.

It is the wind of God that dries my vain regretful tears,
Until with braver thoughts shall rise the purer, brighter years;
If cast on shores of selfish ease or pleasure I should be;
Lord, let me feel Thy freshening breeze, and I’ll put back to sea.

If ever I forget Thy love and how that love was shown,
Lift high the blood red flag above; it bears Thy Name alone.
Great Pilot of my onward way, Thou wilt not let me drift;
I feel the winds of God today, today my sail I lift.

Hymn in honor of Independence Day

God of Our Fathers

God of our fathers, Whose almighty hand
Leads forth in beauty all the starry band
Of shining worlds in splendor through the skies
Our grateful songs before Thy throne arise.

Thy love divine hath led us in the past,
In this free land by Thee our lot is cast,
Be Thou our Ruler, Guardian, Guide and Stay,
Thy Word our law, Thy paths our chosen way.

From war’s alarms, from deadly pestilence,
Be Thy strong arm our ever sure defense;
Thy true religion in our hearts increase,
Thy bounteous goodness nourish us in peace.

Refresh Thy people on their toilsome way,
Lead us from night to never ending day;
Fill all our lives with love and grace divine,
And glory, laud, and praise be ever Thine.

Prayers for the Feast of St. Thomas

Besides St. Thomas the Apostle, we also ask the intercession of Sts. Pope Leo II, Anatolius of Alexandria, Joseph Peter Uyen, Philip Minh, and Rumold.

For the peoples of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the East Indies...

For architects...

For all who work in construction...

For stonecutters and masons...

For those who doubt their faith...

For peace throughout the world, especially in the Middle East...

For the people of Mexico, as they undergo a time of election...

For Fr. Ross Shecterle and for those workers he serves this week...

For a personal intention...

For all intentions posted on Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for the Feast of St. Thomas

O Thou, Who Didst with Love Untold


O Thou, Who didst with love untold
Thy doubting servant chide,
Bidding the eye of sense behold
Thy wounded hands and side.

Grant us, like him, with heartfelt awe
To own Thee God and Lord,
And from this hour of darkness draw
Faith in the incarnate Word.

And while that wondrous record now
Of unbelief we hear,
O let us only lowlier bow
In self-distrusting fear.

And grant that we may never dare
Thy loving heart to grieve,
But, at the last, their blessing share
Who see not, yet believe.

Prayer for 7/2

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Acestes, Bernadine Realino, Martinian, Otto of Bamberg, Processus, and Swithun.

For those affected by drought...

For those suffering from rabies...

For Oswaldo Paya...

For those traveling this weekend...

For baby Mirielle, as well as her parents, and their family and friends...

For a personal intention...

For all intentions posted on Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for the Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

We Praise Thee, O God, Our Redeemer, Creator

We praise Thee, O God, our Redeemer, Creator,
In grateful devotion our tribute we bring;
We lay it before Thee, we kneel and adore Thee,
We bless Thy holy Name, glad praises we sing.

We worship Thee, God of our fathers, we bless Thee;
Through life’s storm and tempest our guide have Thou been;
When perils overtake us, escape Thou will make us,
And with Thy help, O Lord, our battles we win.

With voices united our praises we offer,
To Thee, great Jehovah, glad anthems we raise.
Thy strong arm will guide us, our God is beside us,
To Thee, our great Redeemer, forever be praise.

Prayers for 7/1

Today we ask the intercession of St. Servan, along with Bls. Junipero Serra and Nazju Falzon.

For the people of the Orkney Islands...

For the repose of the soul of Cecilia Roberts Leslie, and for her family and friends...

For Baby Mirielle and her family...

For Jude Ambrose Josemaria and his family...

For the flooded areas of the Eastern USA...

For the intentions posted on Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Marian Prayer for 7/1

by St. Cyril of Alexandria

Hail, Mary, Mother of God, venerable treasure of the whole universe, lamp that is never extinguished, crown of virginity, support of the true faith, indestructible temple, dwelling of him whom no place can contain, O Mother and Virgin! Through you all the holy Gospels call blessed the one whom comes in the name of the Lord.

Hail, Mother of God. You enclosed under your heart the infinite God whom no space can contain. Through you the Most Holy Trinity is adored and glorified, the priceless cross is venerated throughout the universe. Through you the heavens rejoice, and the angels and archangels are filled with gladness. Through you the demons are banished, and the tempter fell from heaven. Through you the fallen human race is admitted to heaven.

Hail, Mother of God. Through you kings rule, and the only-begotten Son of God has become a star of light to those who were sitting in darkness and in the shadow of death.