Prayers for 8/31

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Aidan of Lindisfarne, Cyprian of Carthage (Byzantine Calendar), and Raymond Nonnatus; and Bl. Richard Bere.

For expectant mothers...

For midwives and obstetricians...

For Fr. Michael Madden...

For the repose of the soul of John Miesel, and for his family and friends...

For those affected by Hurricane John and Tropical Storm Ernesto...

For a personal intention...

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

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for 8/31

I Will Extol Thee, O My God


I will extol Thee, O my God, and praise Thee, O my King;
Yea, every day and evermore Thy praises will I sing.
Great is the Lord, our mighty God, and greatly to be praised;
His greatness is unsearchable, above all glory raised.

Each generation to the next shall testimony bear,
And to Thy praise, from age to age, Thy wondrous acts declare;
Upon Thy glorious majesty and honor I will dwell,
And all Thy grand and glorious works and all Thy greatness tell.

Thy mighty acts and terrible shall men with awe confess;
Of Thy great goodness they shall sing, and perfect righteousness.
Most gracious and compassionate is God Who reigns above;
His wrath is ever slow to rise, unbounded is His love.

Prayers for 8/30

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Fiacre and Pammachius; and Bls. Alfredo Ildefonso Schuster, Bronislava of Poland, Edward Shelley, Jeanne Jugan, Maria Ragols, Narcisa de Jesus Martillo Moran, Richard Leigh, Richard Martin.

For the Little Sisters of the Poor...

For gardeners...

For florists...

For taxi drivers and their passengers...

For those who suffer from STDs, and for those who care for them...

For couples who have difficulty conceiving...

For Jennifer and her unborn child...

For Joseph and Lisa Shipman, and their unborn child...

For a personal intention...

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

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for 8/30

Blest the Man That Fears Jehovah


Blest the man that fears Jehovah
Walking ever in His ways
By thy toil thou shalt be prospered
And be happy all thy days.
In thy wife thou shalt have gladness,
She shall fill thy home with good,
Happy in her loving service
And the joys of motherhood.

Joyful children, sons and daughters
Shall about thy table meet;
Olive plants in strength and beauty
Full of hope and promise sweet.
Lo, on him that fears Jehovah
Shall this blessedness attend,
For Jehovah out of Zion
Shall to thee His blessing send.

Blest the man that fears Jehovah
Walking ever in His ways.
By thy toil thou shalt be prospered
And be happy all thy days.
Thou shalt see God’s kingdom prosper
All thy days, till life shall cease,
Thou shalt see thy children’s children.
On Thy people, Lord, be peace.

Prayers for the Martyrdom of St. John the Baptist

Besides the Great Forerunner, we also ask the intercession of Bls. Richard Herst and Sanzia Szymkowiak.

For the peoples of Genoa, Jordan, Macau, Puerto Rico, Quebec, and Umbria...

For monastic communities...

For those who work in the publishing industry...

For those preparing for baptism...

For the repose of the soul of Dom Francis Kline, and for Mepkin Abbey...

For the repose of the soul of Fr. Marie-Dominique Philippe, and for the Community of St. John...

For David Alexander's friend...

For Alicia and her family...

For those in the path of Tropical Storm Ernesto...

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

For a personal intention...

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

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for the Martyrdom of St. John the Baptist

In Thee, O Lord, I Put My Trust

In Thee, O Lord, I put my trust;
Shamed let me never be;
O save me in Thy righteousness,
Give ear, and rescue me.
Be Thou my rock, my dwelling place,
Forever mine, as now;
Salvation Thou hast willed for me,
My rock and fortress, Thou.

Deliver me from wicked hands,
Save me from men unjust,
For Thou, Jehovah, art my hope,
From youth Thou art my trust.
Thou hast upheld me in Thy grace,
From childhood’s early days;
To Thee from whom I life received
Will I give constant praise.

Though troubles great o’ershadow me,
Thou art my refuge strong,
My mouth shall praise Thee all the day,
Thine honor be my song.
Cast me not off when hoary age
Becomes my weary lot,
And in the days of failing strength
Do Thou forsake me not.

My foes are strong and confident
For I to them appear
As one forsaken by his God,
With none to help me near.
My God, be Thou not far from me,
Make haste to hear my call;
Ashamed, consumed be all my foes,
Dishonored let them fall.

But I will ever hope in Thee,
My ceaseless praise is Thine;
I will declare Thy countless deeds
Of truth and grace divine.
Yea, I will tell the mighty acts
Performed by God the Lord;
Thy righteousness and Thine alone,
With praise I will record.

Prayers for 8/28

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Augustine of Hippo, Edmund Arrowsmith, Julian of Auvergne, and Moses the Black; and Bls. Alfons Maria Mazurek, Hugh More, James Claxton, John Roche, Margaret Ward, Robert Morton, Thomas Felton, Thomas Holford, William Dean, and William Guntei.

For the peoples of Africa...

For brewers...

For theologians...

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

For a personal intention...

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

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for 8/28

Eternal Son, Eternal Love


Eternal Son, eternal Love,
Take to Thyself Thy mighty power;
Let all earth’s sons Thy mercy prove;
Let all Thy saving grace adore.

The triumphs of Thy love display;
In every heart reign Thou alone;
Till all Thy foes confess Thy sway,
And glory ends what grace began.

Spirit of grace with health and power,
Fountain of light and love below,
Abroad Thy healing influence shower,
O’er all the nations let it flow.
Inflame our hearts with perfect love;In us the work of faith fulfill,So not Heav’n’s host shall swifter moveThan we on earth, to do Thy will.

Prayers for 8/27

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Caesarius of Arles, David Lewis, Gebhard, Margaret the Barefooted, Monica, Phanurius, and Teresa of Avila, as it is the feast of the transverbration of her heart. We also ask the intercession of Bls. Dominic Barberi, Gabriel Mary, and Roger Cadwallador.

For the Carmelite orders...

For abused spouses...

For couples in difficult marriages...

For the widowed...

For alcoholics, and for those who help them...

For those in the throes of despair...

For the victims of the Kentucky plane crash, and for their families and friends...

For those affected by hurricanes, especially those in the path of Hurricane Ernesto...

For thanksgiving at the release of Steve Centanni and Olaf Wiig...

For the repose of the soul of Edward Domes, and for his family and friends...

For a personal intention...

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

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time

I Need Thee, Precious Jesus


I need Thee, precious Jesus,
For I am full of sin;
My soul is dark and guilty,
My heart is dead within.
I need the cleansing fountain
Where I can always flee,
The blood of Christ most precious,
The sinner’s perfect plea.

I need Thee, precious Jesus,
For I am very poor;
A stranger and a pilgrim,
I have no earthly store.
I need the love of Jesus
To cheer me on my way,
To guide my doubting footsteps,
To be my strength and stay.

I need Thee, precious Jesus,
I need a friend like Thee,
A friend to soothe and pity,
A friend to care for me.
I need the heart of Jesus
To feel each anxious care,
To tell my every trouble,
And all my sorrows share.

I need Thee, precious Jesus,
I need Thee, day by day,
To fill me with Thy fullness,
To lead me on my way;
I need Thy Holy Spirit,
To teach me what I am,
To show me more of Jesus,
To point me to the Lamb.

I need Thee, precious Jesus,
And hope to see Thee soon,
Encircled with the rainbow
And seated on Thy throne.
There, with Thy blood bought children,
My joy shall ever be,
To sing Thy praises, Jesu,
To gaze, O Lord, on Thee.

Prayers for 8/26

Today we ask the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Sts. Adrian of Nicomedia, Alexander of Bergamo, Jeanne Elizabeth des Bichier des Anges, Teresa de Gesu, Jornet y Ibars, and Pope Zephyrinus; and Bl. Thomas Percy.

One erratum from yesterday: I neglected to include those who fall under the patronage of St. Genesius of Rome. They are remembered today.

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

For the Daughters of the Cross...

For the Little Sisters of the Poor...

For all who work in the entertainment industry...

For attorneys...

For epilieptics...

For all who work in corrections and criminal justice...

For areas affected by disease...

For a personal intention...

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

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Marian Prayer for 8/26

Holy Mary,
help those in need,
give strength to the weak,
comfort the sorrowful,
pray for God's people,
assist the clergy,
intercede for religious.
Mary all who seek your help
experience your unfailing protection.
Amen.

Prayers for 8/25

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Ebbe the Elder, Genesius of Arles, Genesius of Rome, Geruntius of Italica, Joseph Calasanz, Louis IX, Maria Michaela Desmaisieres, and Peregrinus; and Bls. Louis Baba, Louis Sasanda, Louis Sotelo, María del Tránsito de Jesús Sacramentado, and Mary of Jesus Crucified.

For the people of France...

For the people of New Orleans...

For the Congregation of the Franciscan Tertiary Missionaries of Argentina...

For the Handmaids of the Blessed Sacrament and of Charity...

For the Piarists...

For our leaders...

For all schools, especially those for poor children...

For barbers and hairstylists...

For construction workers...

For distillers...

For stonemasons...

For prisoners...

For members of the Armed Forces...

For Franciscan tertiaries...

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

For Alicia and her family...

For peace throughout the world...

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

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for 8/25

Heart and Mind, Possessions, Lord


Heart and mind, possessions, Lord,
I offer unto Thee;
All these were Thine, Lord;
Thou didst give them all to me.
Wondrous are Thy doings unto me.
Plans and my thoughts and everything I ever do
Are dependent on Thy will and love alone.
I commit my spirit unto Thee.

Heart and mind, possessions, Lord,
I offer unto Thee;
Thou art the Way, the Truth;
Thou art the Life.
Sinful, I commit myself unto Thee.
Jesus Christ is filling all the heart of me.
He can give me victory o’er all that threatens me.
Jesus Christ is filling all my heart.

Prayers on the Feast of St. Bartholomew

Besides today's saint, we also ask the intercession of Sts. Jane Antide Thouret and Ouen.

For the people of Armenia...

For the Sisters of Charity of St. Joan Antida...

For bookbinders...

For shoemakers and shoe repairers...

For leather workers...

For those who suffer from neurological disorders...

For neurologists...

For the hearing impaired...

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

For Karl and his family...

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

For a personal intention...

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

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for the Feast of St. Bartholomew

O Jesus, King Most Wonderful


O Jesus, King most wonderful,
Thou Conqueror renowned,
Thou Sweetness most ineffable,
In Whom all joys are found!

When once Thou visitest the heart,
Then truth begins to shine,
Then earthly vanities depart,
Then kindles love divine.

O Jesus, Light of all below,
Thou Fount of life and fire,
Surpassing all the joys we know,
And all we can desire!

Thy wondrous mercies are untold,
Through each returning day;
Thy love exceeds a thousand fold,
Whatever we can say.

May every heart confess Thy Name;
And ever Thee adore;
And seeking Thee, itself inflame,
To seek Thee more and more.

Thee may our tongues forever bless;
Thee may we love alone;
And ever in our lives express
The image of Thine own.

Prayers for 8/23

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Ebba, Eonagh, Philip Benizi, and Rose of Lima; and Bl. James of Mevania.

For the peoples of Latin America, especially Peru...

For the peoples of the West Indies...

For the people of the Phillipines...

For gardeners...

For florists...

For embroiderers...

For John Miesel...

For Michael and Claude...

For peace throughout the world...

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

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for 8/23

The King of Love My Shepherd Is


The King of love my Shepherd is,
Whose goodness faileth never,
I nothing lack if I am His
And He is mine forever.

Where streams of living water flow
My ransomed soul He leadeth,
And where the verdant pastures grow,
With food celestial feedeth.

Perverse and foolish oft I strayed,
But yet in love He sought me,
And on His shoulder gently laid,
And home, rejoicing, brought me.

In death’s dark vale I fear no ill
With Thee, dear Lord, beside me;
Thy rod and staff my comfort still,
Thy cross before to guide me.

Thou spread’st a table in my sight;
Thy unction grace bestoweth;
And O what transport of delight
From Thy pure chalice floweth!

And so through all the length of days
Thy goodness faileth never;
Good Shepherd, may I sing Thy praise
Within Thy house forever.

Prayers for 8/22

We ask the intercession of Mary Our Queen, Sts. Andrew the Scot, John Kemble, John Wall, and Symphorian of Autun; and Bls. John Wall, Richard Kirkman, and William Lacey.

For the peoples of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria, the Pacific Island nations, and Uganda...

For the visually impaired...

For those who suffer from STDs...

For students and teachers...

For Donna Tepe's father...

For the victims of the plane crash in Ukraine, and for their families and friends...

For the rescued Mexican fishermen, and for the repose of the souls of the two who died...

For the victims of the train accident in Spain...

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

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for the Queenship of Mary

Hail Queen Of Heaven

Hail Queen of heav'n the ocean star
Guide of the wand'rer here below!
Thrown on life's surge we claim thy care
Save us from peril and from peril and from woe
Mother of Christ Star of the sea
Pray for the wanderer
pray for me!

O gentle chaste and spotless maid
We sinners make our prayers thro' Thee
Remind thy Son that He has paid
The price of our iniquity Virgin most pure
Star of the sea Pray for the sinner
O pray for me!

Prayers for 8/21

Today we ask the intercession of Our Lady of Knock. We also ask the intercession of Sts. Apollinaris Sidonius, Bernard Tolomeo, Joseph Nien Vien, and Pope Pius X.

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

For the people of Ireland...

For the Olivetan Congregation of the Benedictines...

For those preparing for their First Communion...

For Alicia and her family...

For the victims of the Moscow bombing...

For the victims of the train accident in Egypt...

For peace throughout the world...

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

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for 8/21

I Sought the Lord


I sought the Lord, and afterward I knew
He moved my soul to seek Him, seeking me.
It was not I that found, O Savior true;
No, I was found of Thee.

Thou didst reach forth Thy hand and mine enfold;
I walked and sank not on the storm vexed sea.
’Twas not so much that I on Thee took hold,
As Thou, dear Lord, on me.

I find, I walk, I love, but oh, the whole
Of love is but my answer, Lord, to Thee!
For Thou were long beforehand with my soul,
Always Thou lovest me.

Prayers for 8/20

Today we ask the intercession of the Prophet Samuel, the Marytrs of Thrace; Sts. Bernard of Clairvaux, Oswin, and Ronald; and Bl. James Bell.

For the people of Gibralter...

For the Cistercians of the Common Observance and the Trappists...

For beekeepers...

For Karl Kohlhase and his family...

For the safety of Fr. Hanna Saad Sirop...

For all persecuted Catholics and Christians throughout the world...

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

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

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time

O Food of Men Wayfaring


O Food of men wayfaring,
The bread of angels sharing,
O Manna from on high!
We hunger; Lord, supply us,
Nor Thy delights deny us,
Whose hearts to Thee draw nigh.

O stream of love past telling,
O purest fountain, welling
From out the Savior’s side!
We faint with thirst; revive us,
Of Thine abundance give us,
And all we need provide.

O Jesus, by Thee bidden,
We here adore Thee, hidden
’Neath forms of bread and wine.
Grant when the veil is riven,
We may behold, in heaven,
Thy countenance divine.

Prayers for 8/19

Today we ask the intercession of the Matriarch Sarah; Sts. Andrew theTribune, Ezekiel Moreno Y Diaz , Guerricus, John Eudes, Louis of Toulouse, Magnus, and Sebaldus; and Bl. Hugh Green; as well as a number of Japanese martyrs.

For the peple of Bavaria...

For the Eudists...

For seafood vendors...

For those enduring inclement winter weather in the Southern Hemisphere...

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

For persecuted and mocked Christians throughout the world...

For a personal intention...

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

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for 8/19

A children's hymn, in keeping with today's Gospel

Jesus, Friend of Little Children


Jesus, Friend of little children,
Be a friend to me;
Take my hand, and ever keep me
Close to Thee.

Teach me how to grow in goodness,
Daily as I grow;
Thou hast been a child, and surely
Thou dost know.

Step by step O lead me onward,
Upward into youth;
Wiser, stronger, still becoming
In Thy truth.

Never leave me, nor forsake me;
Ever be my friend;
For I need Thee, from life’s dawning
To its end.

Prayers for 8/18

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Alberto Hurtado Cruchaga, Daig Maccairaill, Helena, Jeanne de Chantal, and Macarius the Wonder Worker ; and Bls. Aimo Taparelli, James Guengoro, Mary Guengoro, and Thomas Guengoro.

For the Visitation Sisters...

For converts to the Faith...

For couples in difficult marriages...

For archaelogists...

For our leaders...

For those affected by the eruption of Tungarahua in Ecuador...

For peace in the world...

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

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for 8/18

Praise Ye Jehovah!

Praise ye Jehovah! praise the Lord most holy,
Who cheers the contrite, girds with strength the weak!
Praise Him Who will with glory crown the lowly,
And with salvation beautify the meek.

Praise ye Jehovah! for His lovingkindness,
And all the tender mercy He hath shown;
Praise Him Who pardons all our sin and blindness,
And calls us sons, and takes us for His own.

Praise ye Jehovah! source of all our blessings:
Before His gifts earth’s richest boons wax dim;
Resting in Him, His peace and joy possessing,
All things are ours, for we have all in Him.

Praise ye the Father! God, the Lord, Who gave us,
With full and perfect love, His only Son;
Praise ye the Son! Who died Himself to save us;
Praise ye the Spirit! praise the Three in One!

Prayers for 8/17

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Clare of Montefalco, Donatus, Frances Bizzocca, Hyacinth, Jeanne Delanoue, and Mamas; and Bls. Francis Kuloi, Francis Kurobiove, Louis Someyon, Luke Kiemon, Martin Gomez, and Michael Kiraiemon.

For the people of Poland...

For the Sisters of Saint Anne of Providence of Samur...

For orphans and those who take care of them...

For the Taize Community, and for the repose of the soul of Brother Roger...

For areas suffering from drought, especially Southwestern China...

For peace in the world...

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

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for 8/17

Remember Christ, Our Savior

Remember Christ, our Savior
Who paid the debts you owed
To God the Heavenly Father
And to you mercy showed.
When others sin against you
Be ready to forgive.
Since you have been forgiven
With them in peace now live.

Go first to find your brother,
Your sister or your friend.
Do not reveal to others
The hurt you need to mend.
Confront in humble spirit
The one whose sin caused pain
That he might seek forgiveness
And you a friend regain.

When bitter anger tempts you
To nurse your broken heart
With brooding thoughts of hatred
And vows of vengeance start.
Pray to the Lord of Pardon
For power to release
Each selfish act against you
That rage might in you cease.

O Father, Son, and Spirit,
O Patient Trinity,
Who lifts from us sin’s burden
And from its debt sets free.
Grant us the will to pardon
All those who us offend
That we might enter heaven
With them when ages end.

Prayers for 8/16

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Beatrix da Silva, Roch, and Stephen of Hungary; and Bls. Angelus Agostini Mazzinghi, John of Saint Martha, and Mary Magdalen Kiota.

For the people of Hungary...

For our leaders...

For construction workers...

For parents who have lost children...

For single men...

For areas afflicted by epidemic...

For the sick and shut-in...

For dog owners and the animals in their care...

For the Leonardi family...

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

For areas affected by floods, especially Ethiopia...

For peace throughout the world...

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

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for 8/16

Servants of God, in Joyful Lays

Servants of God, in joyful lays,
Sing ye the Lord Jehovah’s praise;
His glorious Name let all adore,
From age to age, forevermore.

Blest be that Name, supremely blest,
From the sun’s rising to its rest;
Above the heav’ns His pow’r is known,
Through all the earth His goodness shown.

Who is like God? so great, so high,
He bows Himself to view the sky;
And yet, with condescending grace,
Looks down upon the human race.

He hears the uncomplaining moan
Of those who sit and weep alone;
He lifts the mourner from the dust;
In Him the poor may safely trust.

O then, aloud, in joyful lays,
Sing to the Lord Jehovah’s praise;
His saving Name let all adore,
From age to age, forevermore

Prayers for the Solemnity of the Assumption

Besides Our Lady, we also ask the intercession of Sts. Athanasia of Aegina and Tarcisius; and Bls. Claudio Granzotto and Isidore Bakanja.

For the peoples of France, India, Jamaica, Slovakia and South Africa...

For all relgious orders and association under the patronage of Our Lady of the Assumption...

For altar servers...

For those who bring Communion to the sick and homebound, and for those to whom they minister...

For the repose of the soul of David J. Farrell, and for his family and friends...

For persecuted Christians, and persecuted religious throughout the world...

For a personal intention...

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

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 Solemnity of the Assumption

Hail, Holy Queen Enthroned Above

Hail, holy Queen enthroned above, O Maria.
Hail, Queen of mercy and of love, O Maria.
Triumph, all ye cherubim,
Sing with us, ye seraphim,
Heaven and earth resound the hymn:
Salve, salve, salve Regina!

Our life, our sweetness, here below, O Maria!
Our hope in sorrow and in woe, O Maria!
Triumph, all ye cherubim,
Sing with us, ye seraphim,
Heaven and earth resound the hymn:
Salve, salve, salve Regina!

To thee we cry, poor sons of Eve, O Maria!
To thee we sigh, we mourn, we grieve, O Maria!
Triumph, all ye cherubim,
Sing with us, ye seraphim,
Heaven and earth resound the hymn:
Salve, salve, salve Regina!

Turn then most gracious Advocate, O Maria!
Toward us thine eyes compassionate, O Maria!
Triumph, all ye cherubim,
Sing with us, ye seraphim,
Heaven and earth resound the hymn:
Salve, salve, salve Regina!

The cause of joy to men below, O Maria!
The spring through which all graces flow, O Maria!
Angels, all your praises bring,
Earth and heaven, with us sing,
All creation echoing:
Salve, salve, salve Regina!

Prayers for 8/14

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Arnulf of Soissons, Fachanan, Maximilian Kolbe, and Werenfridus; and Bls. Juliana Puricelli and Sanctes Brancasino.

For those who work in the brewing industry...

For drug addicts and those who help in their recovery...

For prisoners, especially those under sentence of death...

For political prisoners...

For all who work in mass media...

For all who work in the pro-life movement...

For the Militia of the Immaculata...

For Alicia and her family...

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

For the victims of the house fire in Michigan City, Indiana...

For the victims of Typhoon Saomai, and for all coming to their aid...

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

For all inentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for 8/14

Praise to the Holiest in the Height


Praise to the Holiest in the height,
And in the depth be praise;
In all His words most wonderful,
Most sure in all His ways.

O loving wisdom of our God!
When all was sin and shame,
A second Adam to the fight
And to the rescue came.

O wisest love! that flesh and blood,
Which did in Adam fail,
Should strive afresh against the foe,
Should strive and should prevail.

And that a higher gift than grace
Should flesh and blood refine,
God’s Presence and His very Self,
And Essence all divine.

O generous love! that He, Who smote,
In Man for man the foe,
The double agony in Man
For man should undergo.

And in the garden secretly,
And on the Cross on high,
Should teach His brethren, and inspire
To suffer and to die.

Praise to the Holiest in the height,
And in the depth be praise;
In all His words most wonderful,
Most sure in all His ways.

Prayers for 8/13

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Benildus, Cassian of Imola, Hippolytus, Maximus the Confessor, Pontian, Radegunde, and William Freeman; and Bls. Gertrude of Altenberg, Jakob Gapp, John of Alvernia, Mark of Aviano, and Otto Neururer.

For teachers and their students...

For those who work in correctional institutions...

For mothers, especially those who nurse, and for their children...

For the physically and mentally ill...

For peace throughout the world...

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

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for the Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Godhead Here in Hiding

Godhead here in hiding, whom I do adore,
Masked by these bare shadows, shape and nothing more,
See, Lord, at thy service low lies here a heart
Lost, all lost in wonder at the God thou art.

Seeing, touching, tasting are in thee deceived:
How says trusty hearing? that shall be believed;
What God's Son has told me, take for truth I do;
Truth himself speaks truly or there's nothing true.

On the cross thy godhead made no sign to men,
Here thy very manhood steals from human ken:
Both are my confession, both are my belief,
And I pray the prayer of the dying thief.

I am not like Thomas, wounds I cannot see,
But can plainly call thee Lord and God as he;
Let me to a deeper faith daily nearer move,
Daily make me harder hope and dearer love.

O thou our reminder of Christ crucified,
Living Bread, the life of us for whom he died,
Lend this life to me then: feed and feast my mind,
There be thou the sweetness man was meant to find.

Bring the tender tale true of the Pelican;
Bathe me, Jesu Lord, in what thy bosom ran---
Blood whereof a single drop has power to win
All the world forgiveness of its world of sin.

Jesu, whom I look at shrouded here below,
I beseech thee send me what I thirst for so,
Some day to gaze on thee face to face in light
And be blest for ever with thy glory's sight.
Amen

Prayers for 8/12

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Anthony Peter Dich, James Nam, Michael My, and Murtagh; and Bls. Innocent XI and Karl Leisner.

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

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

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Note and Apologies

Do to a household problem, we will be posting just the saints of the day and any intentions related to their patronages. All other intentions will be posted for Sunday.

Thank you.

Hymn for 8/12

The Lord in Zion Reigneth


The Lord in Zion reigneth, let all the world rejoice,
And come before His throne of grace with tuneful heart and voice;
The Lord in Zion reigneth, and there His praise shall ring,
To Him shall princes bend the knee and kings their glory bring.

The Lord in Zion reigneth, and who so great as He?
The depths of earth are in His hands; He rules the mighty sea.
O crown His Name with honor, and let His standard wave,
Till distant isles beyond the deep shall own His power to save.

The Lord in Zion reigneth, these hours to Him belong;
O enter now His temple gates, and fill His courts with song;
Beneath His royal banner let every creature fall,
Exalt the King of heaven and earth, and crown Him Lord of all.

Prayers for 8/11

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Alexander the Charcoal Burner, Attracta, Clare of Assisi, Francis of St. Mary, Gaugericus, Philomena, and Susanna; and Bls. John Becchetti and Lawrence Nerucci.

For the Poor Clares...

For those who suffer from eye diseases...

For optometrists and opthamologists...

For those who work in mass media and mass communication...

For embroiderers and needle workers...

For couples having difficulty with conceiving...

For those who have been forgotten by the world...

For priests...

For our youth...

For a personal intention...

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

For all intentions posted on Catholic Fire...

For all intentions posted on Happy Catholic...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for 8/11

Take Up Thy Cross

“Take up thy cross,” the Savior said,
“If thou wouldst My disciple be;
Deny thyself, the world forsake,
And humbly follow after Me.”

Take up thy cross, let not its weight
Fill thy weak spirit with alarm;
His strength shall bear thy spirit up,
And brace thy heart and nerve thine arm.

Take up thy cross, nor heed the shame,
Nor let thy foolish pride rebel;
Thy Lord for thee the cross endured,
And saved thy soul from death and hell.

Take up thy cross then in His strength,
And calmly sin’s wild deluge brave,
’Twill guide thee to a better home,
It points to glory o’er the grave.

Take up thy cross and follow Christ,
Nor think til death to lay it down;
For only those who bear the cross
May hope to wear the glorious crown.

To Thee, great Lord, the One in Three,
All praise forevermore ascend:
O grant us in our home to see
The heavenly life that knows no end.

Prayers on the Feast of St. Lawrence

Besides today's saint, we also ask the intercession of St. Blane.

For the people of Sri Lanka...

For deacons...

For the poor and marginalized among us...

For archivists, librarians, and record keepers...

For brewers...

For all who work in food services...

For all who work in the entertainment industry...

For students and their teachers and parents...

For vintners...

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 Feast of St. Lawrence

Lord, Thou Lov'st the Cheerful Giver


Lord, Thou lov’st the cheerful giver,
Who with open heart and hand
Blesses freely, as a river
That refreshes all the land.
Grant us then the grace of giving
With a spirit large and free,
That our life and all our living
We may consecrate to Thee.

We are Thine, Thy mercy sought us,
Found us in death’s dreadful way,
To the fold in safety brought us,
Nevermore from Thee to stray.
Thine own life Thou freely gavest
As an off’ring on the cross
For each sinner whom Thou savest
From eternal shame and loss.

Blest by Thee with gifts and graces,
May we heed Thy church’s call:
Gladly in all times and places
Give to Thee Who givest all.
Thou hast bought us, and no longer
Can we claim to be our own;
Ever free and ever stronger,
We shall serve Thee, Lord, alone.

Savior, Thou hast freely given
All the blessings we enjoy.
Earthly store and bread of heaven,
Love and peace without alloy;
Humbly now we bow before Thee,
And our all to Thee resign;
For the kingdom, pow’r and glory,
Are, O Lord, forever Thine.

Prayers for 8/9

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Nathy, Phelim, Roman, and Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein); and Bls. Ceferino Jimenez Malla, Falco, Florentino Asensio Barroso, John of Rieti, John of Salerno, and Thomas Palaser.

For the peoples of Europe...

For converts...

For persecuted Christians throughout the world...

For the victims of flooding in Ethiopia...

For those affected by the eruption of Mayon...

For peace throughout the world, especially the Middle East and Sri Lanka...

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

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for 8/9

Not Worthy, Lord, to Gather Up the Crumbs

Not worthy, Lord, to gather up the crumbs
With trembling hand that from Thy table fall,
A weary, heavy laden sinner comes
To plead Thy promise and obey Thy call.

I am not worthy to be thought Thy child,
Nor sit the last and lowest at Thy board;
Too long a wanderer and too oft beguiled;
I only ask one reconciling word.

One word from Thee, my Lord, one smile, one look,
And I could face the cold, rough world again;
And with that treasure in my heart could brook
The wrath of devils and the scorn of men.

And is not mercy Thy prerogative—
Free mercy, boundless, fathomless, divine?
Me, Lord, the chief of sinners, me forgive,
And Thine the greater glory, only Thine.

I hear Thy voice; Thou bidd’st me come and rest;
I come, I kneel, I clasp Thy piercèd feet;
Thou bidd’st me take my place, a welcome guest
Among Thy saints, and of Thy banquet eat.

My praise can only breathe itself in prayer,
My prayer can only lose itself in Thee;
Dwell Thou forever in my heart, and there,
Lord, let me sup with Thee; sup Thou with me.

Prayers for 8/8

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Altman, Cyriacus, Dominic de Guzman, Famianus, and Myron the Wonder Worker; and Bls. Bonifacia Rodriguez Castro, Joan of Aza , John Felton, Mary MacKillop, and Peter Faber.

For the peoples of the Dominican Republic and Australia...

For the Dominican Friars and Sisters, and all communities and individuals who follow Dominican spirituality...

For the Congregation of the Sisters Servants of Saint Joseph...

For the Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart...

For scientists, especially astronomers...

For those who suffer from eye diseases...

For the deliverance of those involved with the occult...

For JMT's friend and her unborn child...

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

For all intentions posted on Catholic Fire...

For all intentions posted on Happy Catholic...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for 8/8

Jesus, Help Me


Jesus, help me, I am weary,
Let me hold Thy hand in mine;
For the stream of living water,
In a thirsty land I pine;
O my Father, do not leave me,
In this dark and dreadful hour,
Fold me in Thy arms of mercy,
Keep me from the tempter’s pow’r.

Jesus, help me, I am fainting,
’Neath the desert’s burning sky;
Lead to pastures cool and fragrant,
There my every want supply;
Shade me with Thy wings eternal,
Let me feel Thee ever near;
Thou canst whisper words of comfort,
Thou canst dry the falling tear.

Jesus, help me, I am sinking,
In the cold and chilly wave;
Give me strength, my faith increasing,
Thou alone hast power to save.
Let my soul be filled with rapture,
Let my hope be stayed in Thee,
Let me bear my cross with patience,
Till I sleep and wake with Thee.

Prayers for 8/7

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Albert of Sicily, Cajetan, Donatus of Arezzo, Donatus of Besancon, and Pope Sixtus II with his companions; and Bls. Agathangelus Nourry, Cassian Vaz Lopez-Neto, Edmund Bojanowski, Edward Bamber, Jordan Forzatei, and Thomas Whitaker.

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

For the Congregation of the Servants of the Immaculate Virgin Mary...

For the unemployed and underemployed...

For those seeking a new job...

For Alicia and her family...

For the repose of the soul of Tina Rowe, and for her family, especially her daughter...

For peace throughout the world...

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

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for 8/7

Father, Who Dost Thy Children Feed


Father, Who dost Thy children feed
With manna rainèd from above;
Who dost the saving chalice give,
Filled by Thy hand in wondrous love:
We praise Thee for Thy mercies sent
To us in this great sacrament.

O Word made flesh, Whom we adore,
The living Bread sent down from Heav’n,
Whose wondrous passion here shown forth
Is the great pledge of sin forgiven;
We praise Thee for Thy mercies sent
To us in this great sacrament.

O Holy Spirit, Who dost reign
These earthly elements to bless,
Making the bread His flesh to be,
The wine His blood, as we confess;
We praise Thee for Thy mercies sent
To us in this great sacrament.

Ye holy angels, who, with us,
Around God’s altar lowly bow,
Adoring there the Crucified,
Whose precious death is pleaded now,
O praise Him for His mercies sent
To us in this great sacrament!

Ye blessèd saints, enthroned on high,
Who once the paths of earth did tread,
Who reached in safety God’s abode,
As strengthened by this living bread;
O praise Him for His mercies sent
To us in this great sacrament!

O Holy Father, Holy Son,
And Holy Spirit, Whom we love,
Guide, strengthen, save us here below,
And bring us to our home above,
To praise Thee for Thy mercies sent
To us in this great sacrament!

Prayers for the Feast of the Transfiguration

Today we ask the intercession of the Martyrs of Cardena; Sts. Hormisdas, Justus, and Pastor; and Bls. Maria Francesca Rubatto and Octavian.

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

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 Feast of the Transfiguration

'Tis Good, Lord, to Be Here


’Tis good, Lord, to be here,
Thy glory fills the night;
Thy face and garments, like the sun,
Shine with unborrowed light.

’Tis good, Lord, to be here,
Thy beauty to behold
Where Moses and Elijah stand,
Thy messengers of old.

Fulfiller of the past,
Promise of things to be,
We hail Thy body glorified
And our redemption see.

Before we taste of death,
We see Thy kingdom come;
We fain would hold the vision bright
And make this hill our home.

’Tis good, Lord, to be here.
Yet we may not remain;
But since Thou bidst us leave the mount,
Come with us to the plain.

Prayers for the Feast of the Dedication of St. Mary Major

Today we ask Mary's intercession under two of her titles: Our Lady of Copacabana and Our Lady of the Snows.

We also ask the intercession of Sts. Addai, Afra, Aggai, Emidius, Mari, Nonna, and Oswald of Northumbria.

For the peoples of Bolivia and Italy...

For regions affected by earthquakes...

For converts...

For persecuted Christians...

For parents who have lost children...

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...

For the Feast of the Dedication of Saint Mary Major

Taken from Inter Mirifica


ARK OF THE COVENANT

(1) MARY, in the Old Testament the ark of Noe was a symbol of you. When God decided to destroy the human race because of its many sins, He ordered Noe to build an ark for himself and his family. After the deluge came, all mankind, except Noe and his family, perished.

You are in a more perfect sense an ark of safety than was Noe's ark, for through you we have received the Redeemer who saved not only a few persons, but all mankind from destruction. As by the ark of Noe men were rescued from death, so through you all mankind has been rescued from the shipwreck of sin. Under your protecting mantle the just and sinners find refuge.
I take you, a spiritual ark, as my model. The waters of sin have never destroyed your pure soul. Help me to avoid every mortal sin and even those venial sins which I frequently commit. As you receive all, the just and the unjust, and reveal yourself to them as a loving, merciful Mother, help me to be kind toward all, and do good whenever an opportunity presents itself.

(2) MARY, the ark of the covenant was also a symbol of you. At the command of God, Moses built the ark of gold and precious wood and put into it the two stone tablets containing the ten commandments, the blooming rod of Aaron, and a golden vessel with manna. This ark, the most sacred object of the Mosaic Law, was placed in the Holy of Holies. Afterwards it was brought to the temple of Solomon where it remained for over four hundred years till the destruction of the temple.

The ark was made of precious setim-wood, which owing to its durability never decays. It is a symbol of the truth that your soul remained untouched by the corruption of sin, and that your body also did not see corruption, but, united with your soul soon after your death, was assumed into heaven. The gold, with which the ark of the covenant was overlaid within and without, is a symbol of your virtues, especially your love of God and purity of intention, the foundation of all your actions. In the ark of the covenant, the two stone tablets of the Law were deposited; in you, the living ark of the covenant, the Law Giver and Savior Himself dwelt for nine months. The blooming rod of Aaron was a symbol of Christ, the eternal High Priest, who became Man in your womb. The vessel containing manna reminds me that you bore under your heart the spiritual Manna, Jesus Christ, who called Himself "the living bread that has come down from heaven" (John 6,51)

Help me to be like an ark of the covenant. May my life resemble setim-wood-pure and untouched by the corruption of sin. May my heart be of gold so that divine love may burn in it, and so that I may do all things for the love of God. Make me a living ark: to keep the commandments of God in my heart and have no other desire than that of fulfilling the holy will of God. Keep in my heart a most fervent desire for the heavenly Manna of Holy Communion, so that I may receive this Sacrament frequently and worthily.

(3) MARY, you are the ark of the covenant because you support us in the struggles against the enemies of our salvation. The ark of the covenant was the most sacred object among the Jews. From its golden covering God spoke to them and gave them His blessings. Because of it He worked many miracles to protect them. You not only protect us from evil, but also intercede with God to obtain for us grace and mercy.

Ark of the Covenant, I beg for your protection against the enemies of my soul—the world, the flesh, and the devil. Plead to God in my behalf if I should have the misfortune of offending Him. Ever be to me a Mother of Mercy and the source of all the graces I need to find Jesus and salvation.

PRAYER

O Lord, abide with Your people who are refreshed by receiving Your Body and Blood, that by the help of Your most holy Mother we may be freed from all evil and be protected in every good work. Who live and reign forever. Amen.

Prayers for 8/4

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Aristarchus of Thessalonica, John Mary Vianney, and Sithney; and Bl. William Horne.

For priests...

For an increase of vocations to the priesthood...

For those who suffer from rabies...

For the repose of the soul of Roger Weddell, and for his family and friends...

For persecuted Catholics everywhere, especially in China, Lebanon, and Iraq...

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 8/4

Save Me, O God, the Swelling Floods


Save me, O God, the swelling floods
Break in upon my soul;
I sink, and sorrows o’er my head
Like mighty waters roll.

I cry till all my voice be gone,
In tears I waste the day:
My God, behold my longing eyes,
And shorten Thy delay.

They hate my soul without a cause,
And still their number grows
More than the hairs around my head,
And mighty are my foes.

’Twas then I paid that dreadful debt
That men could never pay,
And gave those honors to Thy law
Which sinners took away.

Thus in the great Messiah’s name,
The royal prophet mourns;
Thus he awakes our hearts to grief,
And gives us joy by turns.

Now shall the saints rejoice, and find
Salvation in My Name;
For I have borne their heavy load
Of sorrow, pain, and shame.

Grief, like a garment, clothed Me round,
And sackcloth was My dress,
While I procured for naked souls
A robe of righteousness.

Amongst My brethren and the Jews
I like a stranger stood,
And bore their vile reproach, to bring
The Gentiles near to God.

I came in sinful mortals’ stead,
To do My Father’s will;
Yet when I cleansed My Father’s house,
They scandalized My zeal.

My fasting and My holy groans
Were made the drunkard’s song;
But God, from His celestial throne,
Heard My complaining tongue.

He saved Me from the dreadful deep,
Nor let My soul be drowned;
He raised and fixed My sinking feet
On well-established ground.

’Twas in a most accepted hour
My prayer arose on high;
And for My sake my God shall hear
The dying sinner’s cry.

Prayers for 8/3

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Abibas, Gamaliel, Lydia Purpuraria, and Nicodemus; and Bls. Augustine Kazotic and Waltheof of Melrose.

For Montana Crosby, and her family...

For the repose of the soul of Jimmy Akin's friend...

For the Argentine Catholic University...

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

For persecuted Christians...

For those affected by severe summer weather...

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 8/3

Praise Thou the Lord, O My Soul

Praise thou the Lord, O my soul, sing praises,
Praise Him from morn till fall of night.
While o’er my life His strong arm He raises,
I shall sing thanks to God, my Light.
Who life and soul hath given me,
Be magnified eternally.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

Sing, all ye nations, exalt the glory
Of Him Whose arm doth valiantly
All that hath life and breath, tell the story
In accent strong, with voices free.
Ye servants of the Triune God,
Father and Son and Spirit laud!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

Prayers for 8/2

Today we ask the intercession of Our Lady of the Angels; along with Sts. Eusebius of Vercelli, Peter Julian Eymard, and Pope Stephen I.

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

For the people of Costa Rica...

For the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament...

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 Catholic Fire...

For all intentions posted on Happy Catholic...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for 8/2

I've Found the Pearl of Greatest Price


I’ve found the Pearl of greatest price,
My heart doth sing for joy;
And sing I must, for Christ is mine;
Christ shall my song employ.

Christ is my Prophet, Priest and King;
A Prophet full of light,
My great High Priest before the throne,
My King of heav’nly might.

For He indeed is Lord of lords,
And He the King of kings;
He is the Sun of righteousness,
With healing in His wings.

Christ is my Peace; He died for me,
For me He gave His blood;
And as my wondrous Sacrifice,
Offered Himself to God.

Christ Jesus is my All in all,
My Comfort and my Love,
My Life below, and He shall be
My Joy and Crown above.