Hymn for Easter Friday

Father, God, We Glorify

Father, God, we glorify
Thy love to Adam’s seed;
Love that gave Thy Son to die,
And raised Him from the dead:
Him, for our offenses slain,
That we all might pardon find,
Thou hast brought to life again,
The Savior of mankind.

By Thy own right hand of power
Thou hast exalted Him,
Sent the mighty Conqueror
Thy people to redeem:
King of Saints, and Prince of Peace,
Him Thou hast for sinners giv’n,
Sinners from their sins to bless,
And lift them up to Heav’n.

Father, God, to us impart
The gift unspeakable;
Now in every waiting heart
Thy glorious Son reveal:
Quickened with our living Lord,
Let us in Thy Spirit rise,
Rise to all Thy life restored,
And bless Thee in the skies.

Prayers for Easter Thursday

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Agnes of Montepulciano and Caedwalla; as well as Bls. John Finch, John Payne, and Simon Rinalducci.

For converts, especially those received into the Church this past Easter...

For Jeremy Hand, as well as his family and friends...

For those affected by the bus accident in India...

For Rebecca Huston and her family and friends...

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

For all intentions posted on Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for Easter Thursday

That Eastertide with Joy Was Bright


That Eastertide with joy was bright,
The sun shone out with fairer light,
When, to their longing eyes restored,
The glad apostles saw their Lord.

He bade them see His hands, His side,
Where yet the glorious wounds abide;
The tokens true which made it plain
Their Lord indeed was risen again.

Jesus, the King of gentleness,
Do Thou Thyself our hearts possess
That we may give Thee all our days
The tribute of our grateful praise.

O Lord of all, with us abide
In this our joyful Eastertide;
From every weapon death can wield
Thine own redeemed forever shield.

All praise be Thine, O risen Lord,
From death to endless life restored;
All praise to God the Father be
And Holy Ghost eternally.

Prayers for Easter Wedensday

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Expeditus and Pope Leo IX; as well as Bl. James Duckett.

We also celebrate the first anniversary of the accession of our Holy Father.

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

For deliverymen and couriers...

For those who work under tight deadlines...

For publishers and booksellers...

For peace throughout the world...

For a personal intention...

For all intentions posted on Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for Easter Wedensday

At the Lamb's High Feast We Sing


At the Lamb’s high feast we sing,
Praise to our victorious King,
Who hath washed us in the tide
Flowing from his piercèd side;
Praise we Him, Whose love divine
Gives His sacred blood for wine,
Gives His body for the feast,
Christ the Victim, Christ the Priest.

Where the Paschal blood is poured,
Death’s dark angel sheathes his sword;
Israel’s hosts triumphant go
Through the wave that drowns the foe.
Praise we Christ, Whose blood was shed,
Paschal Victim, paschal Bread;
With sincerity and love
Eat we Manna from above.

Mighty Victim from the sky,
Hell’s fierce powers beneath Thee lie;
Thou hast conquered in the fight,
Thou hast brought us life and light;
Now no more can death appall,
Now no more the grave enthrall;
Thou hast opened Paradise,
And in Thee Thy saints shall rise.

Paschal triumph, Easter joy,
Only sin can this destroy;
From sin’s death do Thou set free
Souls reborn, O Lord, in Thee.
Hymns of glory and of praise,
Father, to Thee we raise;
Risen Lord, all praise to Thee,
Ever with the Spirit be.

Prayers for Easter Tuesday

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Agapitus, Idesbald, Laserian , and Pedro de San Jose Betancur; as well as Bls. James Oldo, Maria Anna Blondin and Marie of the Incarnation.

For the people of Guatemala...

For the Sisters of Saint Anne...

For the Bethlehemite Congregation...

For babies suffering from Colic, and for their parents...

For the repose of the soul of George J. Watkins, III, as well as his family and friends...

For Haleigh Poutre...

For Melanie's grandmother, as well as her family and friends...

For peace throughout the world...

For a personal intention...

For all intentions posted on Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for Easter Tuesday

Mary to Her Savior's Tomb


Mary to her Savior’s tomb
Hasted at the early dawn;
Spice she brought, and sweet perfume,
But the Lord, the Loved, was gone.

For awhile she weeping stood,
Struck with sorrow and surprise;
Shedding tears, a plenteous flood,
For her heart supplied her eyes.

Jesus, Who is always near,
Though too often unperceived
Came, His drooping child to cheer,
And inquired, Why she grieved?

Though at first she knew Him not,
When He called her by her name,
Then her griefs were all forgot,
For she found He was the same.

Grief and sighing quickly fled
When she heard His welcome voice;
Just before she thought Him dead,
Now He bids her heart rejoice:

What a change His Word can make,
Turning darkness into day!
You who weep for Jesus’ sake;
He will wipe your tears away.

He Who came to comfort her,
When she thought her all was lost;
Will for your relief appear,
Though you now are tempest-tossed:

On His Word your burden cast,
On His love your thoughts employ;
Weeping for awhile may last,
But the morning brings the joy.

Prayers for Easter Monday

Today we ask the intercession of St. Robert of Chaise Dieu and Bl. James of Cerqueto.

For all travelling back to their homes on this day...

For all intentions posted on Rerum Novarum...

For peace throughout the world...

For a personal intention...

For all intentions posted on Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for Easter Monday

This Joyful Eastertide


This joyful Easter-tide,
Away with care and sorrow!
My Love, the Crucified,
Hath sprung to life this morrow.

Refrain

Had Christ, that once was slain,
Ne’er burst His three day prison,
Our faith had been in vain;
But now hath Christ arisen,
Arisen, arisen, arisen!

My flesh in hope shall rest,
And for a season slumber;
Till trump from east to west,
Shall wake the dead in number.

Refrain

Death’s flood hath lost his chill,
Since Jesus crossed the river:
Lover of souls, from ill
My passing soul deliver.

Refrain

Prayers for Easter Sunday

On this most festive day, we ask the intercession of the Martyrs of Saragossa; Sts. Benedict Joseph Labre, Bernadette of Lourdes, Drogo, and Fructuosus of Braga; as well as Bl. Joachim Piccolomini.

For all those received into the Church, and for their sponsors and teachers...

For those travelling during this holiday...

For those who spend this day and every day alone...

For those for whom this day is marred by tragedy (remembering especially the families of Purvis Virginia Parker and Quadrevion Henning)

For the homeless...

For the mentally ill, and for their caregivers...

For the owners and patrons of coffeehouses...

For the deaf and all hearing-impaired...

For our Holy Father as he celebrates his 79th birthday...

For peace throughout the world...

For intentions posted on Catholic Fire...

For intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for Easter Sunday

Jesus Christ Is Ris'n Today


Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia!
Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!
Who did once, upon the cross, Alleluia!
Suffer to redeem our loss, Alleluia!

Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia!
Unto Christ, our heavenly King, Alleluia!
Who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia!
Sinners to redeem and save, Alleluia!

But the pains which He endured, Alleluia!
Our salvation hath procured, Alleluia!
Now above the sky He’s king, Alleluia!
Where the angels ever sing, Alleluia!

Sing we to our God above, Alleluia!
Praise eternal as His love, Alleluia!
Praise Him, all you heavenly host, Alleluia!
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Alleluia!

Prayers for Holy Saturday

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Hunna and Ruadhan; as well as Bls. Cesar de Bus and Joseph de Veuster.

For operators of dry cleaning stores and laundromats...

For the people of Hawaii...

For those suffering from Hansen's disease...

For the Doctrinarian Fathers...

For those travelling for the Easter Holiday...

For those being received into the Church this Easter Vigil, and for their sponsors and teachers...

For Shawn McElhinney's prayer intentions...

For persecuted Christians, especially in Egypt...

For the victims of the train accident in Indonesia, and for their families...

For peace in the world...

For the intentions listed in Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for Holy Saturday

Wondrous Love


What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss
To bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul,
To bear the dreadful curse for my soul.

When I was sinking down, sinking down, sinking down,
When I was sinking down, sinking down,
When I was sinking down beneath God’s righteous frown,
Christ laid aside His crown for my soul, for my soul,
Christ laid aside His crown for my soul.

To God and to the Lamb, I will sing, I will sing;
To God and to the Lamb, I will sing.
To God and to the Lamb Who is the great “I Am”;
While millions join the theme, I will sing, I will sing;
While millions join the theme, I will sing.

And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on;
And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on.
And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing and joyful be;
And through eternity, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on;
And through eternity, I’ll sing on.

Prayers for Good Friday

Today we may ask the intercession of Sts. Benezet, Lydwina of Schiedam, Marguerite d'Youville and Peter Gonzalez.

For bridgebuilders...

For the chronically ill...

For skaters...

For the Sisters of Charity...

For our Jewish brothers and sisters as they celebrate Passover...

For those travelling for the Easter holiday...

For all being received into the Church this Easter Vigil...

For the repose of the soul of Carlisle Brewer Morrison, David Morrison's father, as well as his family and friends...

For Sherry Weddell's father, Sherry, and their family and friends...

For Sonya's grandmother, Sonya, 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 Good Friday

Cross of Jesus


Cross of Jesus, cross of sorrow,
Where the blood of Christ was shed,
Perfect Man on thee did suffer,
Perfect God on thee has bled!

Here the King of all the ages,
Throned in light ere worlds could be,
Robed in mortal flesh is dying,
Crucified by sin for me.

O mysterious condescending!
O abandonment sublime!
Very God Himself is bearing
All the sufferings of time!

Evermore for human failure
By His passion we can plead;
God has born all mortal anguish,
Surely He will know our need.

This—all human thought surpassing—
This is earth’s most awful hour,
God has taken mortal weakness!
God has laid aside His Power!

Once the Lord of brilliant seraphs,
Winged with love to do His will,
Now the scorn of all His creatures,
And the aim of every ill.

Up in Heaven, sublimest glory
Circled round Him from the first;
But the earth finds none to serve Him,
None to quench His raging thirst.

Who shall fathom that descending,
From the rainbow circled throne,
Down to earth’s most base profaning,
Dying desolate alone.

From the “Holy, Holy, Holy,
We adore Thee, O most High,”
Down to earth’s blaspheming voices
And the shout of “Crucify.”

Cross of Jesus, cross of sorrow,
Where the blood of Christ was shed,
Perfect Man on thee did suffer,
Perfect God on thee has bled!

Prayers for Holy Thursday

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Hermengild and Pope Martin I; as well as Bls. John Lockwood and Margaret of Castello.

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

For converts, especially those being received into the Church this Easter Vigil...

For the disabled and chronically ill...

For the poor among us...

For those who fight for the right to life....

For those making Confession and seeking Reconciliation...

For those affected by mudslides in Northern California, especially Walter Guthrie and his family and friends...

For Hannah Clark, as well as her family and friends...

For the repose of the soul of a pilot whose helicopter crashed in Wisconsin, as well as 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 previously posted on this site...

Hymn for Holy Thursday

Draw Nigh and Take the Body of the Lord


Draw nigh and take the body of the Lord;
And drink the holy blood for you outpoured.
Saved by that body and that holy blood,
With souls refreshed, we render thanks to God.

Salvation’s Giver, Christ, the only Son,
By His dear cross and blood the victory won.
Offered was He for greatest and for least,
Himself the Victim, and Himself the Priest.

Victims were offered by the law of old,
Which in a type this heavenly mystery told.
He, Ransomer from death, and Light from shade,
Now gives His holy grace His saints to aid.

Approach ye then with faithful hearts sincere,
And take the safeguard of salvation here.
He, that His saints in this world rules and shields,
To all believers life eternal yields.

With heavenly bread makes them that hunger whole,
Gives living waters to the thirsting soul,
Alpha and Omega, to Whom shall bow
All nations at the doom, is with us now.

Prayers for Wedensday of Holy Week

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Pope Julius I and Zeno of Verona; as well as Bls. Alferius, Angelo Carletti di Chivasso, and William Ward.

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

For fishermen and anglers...

For children with developmental disabilities...

For newborn babies and their parents...

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

For a personal intention...

For all intentions posted on Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for Wedensday of Holy Week

When I Survey the Wondrous Cross


When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.

See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

His dying crimson, like a robe,
Spreads o’er His body on the tree;
Then I am dead to all the globe,
And all the globe is dead to me.

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.

Prayers for Tuesday of Holy Week

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Antipas, Gemma Galgani, Godeberta, and Stanislaus of Cracow; as well as Bl. George Gervase.

For the people of Poland...

For all who work in the pharmaceutical field...

For those who have lost their parents at an early age...

For regions suffering from drought...

For all members of the armed forces, especially those serving far from home...

For persecuted Christians throughout the world...

For the victims of a vehicle collision in China...

For a personal intention...

For all intentions posted on Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for Tuesday in Holy Week

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 Monday in Holy Week

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Macarius of Antioch and Michael de Sanctis.

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

For all faithful peoples preparing for the celebration of Easter...

For a personal intention...

For all intentions posted on Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for Monday in Holy Week

Once He Came in Blessing


Once He came in blessing,
All our ills redressing,
Came in likeness lowly,
Son of God most holy;
Bore the cross to save us,
Hope and freedom gave us.

Still He comes within us,
Still His voice would win us
From the sins that hurt us;
Would to truth convert us
From our foolish errors,
Ere He comes in terrors.

Thus if Thou hast known Him,
Not ashamed to own Him,
Nor dost love Him coldly,
But will trust Him boldly,
He will now receive thee,
Heal thee, and forgive thee.

He who well endureth,
Bright reward secureth;
Come, then, O Lord Jesus,
From our sins release us;
Let us here confess Thee,
Till in Heav’n we bless Thee.

Prayers for Palm Sunday

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Casilda of Toledo, Mary of Cleophas, and Waltrude; as well as Bl. Innocent of Berzo.

For couples trying to have children...

For peace throughout the world...

For a personal intention...

For all intentions posted on Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for Palm Sunday

Ride On, Ride On In Majesty!

Ride on, ride on, in majesty!
Hark! all the tribes Hosanna cry;
O Savior meek, pursue Thy road
With palms and scattered garments strowed.

Ride on, ride on, in majesty!
In lowly pomp ride on to die!
O Christ! Thy triumph now begin
Over captive death and conquered sin.

Ride on, ride on, in majesty!
The wingèd squadrons of the sky
Look down with sad and wondering eyes
To see the approaching sacrifice.

Ride on, ride on, in majesty!
Thy last and fiercest strife is nigh;
The Father, on His sapphire throne,
Expects His own anointed Son.

Ride on, ride on, in majesty!
In lowly pomp ride on to die;
Bow Thy meek head to mortal pain,
Then take, O God, Thy power, and reign.

Prayers for 4/8

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Albert of Jerusalem, Herodion, Julia Billiart, and Walter of Pontnoise; as well as Bls. Julian of Saint Augustine and Mary Assunta.

For the poor among us...

For the sick and for their caregivers...

For prisoners of war...

For all of the numerous Carmelite communities...

For the Sisters of Notre Dame...

For those in Tennessee affected by severe weather, especially those who lost their lives to the recent tornadoes...

For the repose of the souls of Lauren White and Nicole Pool, their families and friends, Andréa Strazi, and the people of Baldwin County...

For a personal intention...

For all intentions posted on Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for 4/8

Jesus, Lord and Precious Savior


Jesus, Lord and precious Savior,
All my comfort and my joy!
Graciously extend Thy favor,
Let Thy Word my soul employ.

Refrain

Jesus, come abide with me,
Let me ever be with Thee.

All I do, O let me ever,
Jesus, in Thy Name begin;
Give me success to my endeavor,
Final victory therein.

Refrain

Let my words and thoughts, O Savior,
To Thy praise and glory tend;
Help me, Lord, that I may gather
Treasures that shall never end.

Refrain

When my days on earth are over,
Let me enter into rest.
Bear me home, O blessèd Savior,
When to Thee it seemeth best.

Refrain

Prayers for 4/7

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Henry Walpole and John Baptist de La Salle; as well as Bl. Edward Oldcorne .

For Catholic schools...

For all who work in education...

For the De La Salle Christian Brothers...

For Jeremy Hand, his family and friends...

For peace throughout the world...

For a personal intention...

For all intentions posted on Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for 4/7

O God, My Strength, My Fortitude


O God, my strength and fortitude
In truth I will love Thee;
Thou art my castle and defense
In my necessity.

When I, beset with pain and grief,
Prayed to my God for grace;
Forthwith my God heard my complaint,
Out of His holy place.

The Lord descended from above,
And bowed the heavens high,
And underneath His feet He cast
The darkness of the sky.

On cherub and on cherubim
Full royally He rode;
And on the wings of all the winds
Came flying all abroad.

He brought me forth in open place,
That so I might be free;
And kept me safe, because He had
A favor unto me.

Unspotted are the ways of God,
His Word is truly tried;
He is a sure defense to such
As in His ways abide.

Prayers for 4/6

Today we ask the intercession of the Martyrs of Hadiab and St. William of Eskilsoe; as well as Bls. Pierina Morosini and Zefirino Agostini.

For rape victims...

For the Pious Union of Sisters Devoted to Saint Angela Merici...

For the Congregation of Ursulines, Daughters of Mary Immaculate...

For Joe and Cathy Ward...

For flood victims, especially those in Central Europe...

For personal intentions...

For the intentions posted on Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for 4/6

O Thou, the Eternal Son of God


O Thou, the eternal Son of God,
The Lamb, for sinners slain,
We worship, while Thy head is bowed
In agony and pain.

None tread with Thee the holy place;
Thou sufferest alone;
Thine is the perfect sacrifice
Which only can atone.

Thou great High Priest, Thy glory robes
Today are set aside;
And human sorrows, Son of Man,
Thy Godhead seem to hide.

The cross is sharp, but in Thy woe
This is the lightest part;
Our sin it is which pierces Thee,
And breaks Thy sacred heart.

Who love Thee most, at Thy dear cross,
Will truest, Lord, abide;
Make Thou that cross our only hope,
O Jesus crucified.

Prayers for 4/5

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Maria Crescentia Hoss and Vincent Ferrer.

For construction workers...

For plumbers...

For a personal intention...

For all intentions posted on Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for 4/5

O Thou, Before Whose Presence


O Thou before Whose presence naught evil may come in,
Yet Who dost look in mercy down on this world of sin,
O give us noble purpose to set the sin bound free,
And Christlike tender pity to seek the lost for Thee.

Fierce is our subtle foeman: the forces at his hand
With woes that none can number despoil the pleasant land;
All they who war against them, in strife so keen and long,
Must in their Savior’s armor be stronger than the strong.

So hast Thou wrought among us the great things that we see!
For things that are we thank Thee, and for the things to be.
For bright hope is uplifting faint hands and feeble knees,
To strive beneath Thy blessing for greater things than these.

Lead on, O Love and Mercy, O Purity and Power,
Lead on till peace eternal shall close this battle hour:
Till all who prayed and struggled to set their brethren free,
In triumph meet to praise Thee, most holy Trinity.

Prayers for 4/4

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Benedict the Black, Gaetano Catanoso, Isidore of Seville, and Plato.

For all peoples of African descent...

For parishes in the USA which serve African Americans...

For all students and their teachers...

For all who use the Internet...

For computer programmers and technicians...

For all who work in Information Technology...

For the Congregation of the Holy Face...

For those in the Midwest affected by severe weather, especially those who lost their lives in the storms...

For the victims of the crane collapse in Boston, as well as their families and friends...

For a woman from Bay View, Wisconsin...

For the safe return of Purvis Virginia-Parker and Quadrevion Henning...

For a personal intention...

For all intentions posted on Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for 4/4

Lord, to Our Humble Prayers Attend


Lord, to our humble prayers attend,
Let Thou Thy peace from heaven descend,
And to our souls salvation send,
Have mercy, Lord upon us.

Rule in our hearts, Thou Prince of Peace,
The welfare of Thy Church increase,
And bid all strife and discord cease;
Have mercy, Lord upon us.

To all who meet for worship here
Do Thou in faithfulness draw near;
Inspire with faith and godly fear:
Have mercy, Lord upon us.

O let Thy priests be clothed with might,
To rule within Thy Church aright,
That they may serve as in Thy sight:
Have mercy, Lord upon us.

The sovereign ruler of our land
Protect by Thine almighty hand,
And all around the throne who stand:
Have mercy, Lord upon us.

Let clouds and sunshine bless the earth,
Give flowers and fruits a timely birth,
Our harvests crown with peaceful mirth:
Have mercy, Lord upon us.

Let voyagers by land and sea
In danger’s hour in safety be;
The suffering and the captive free:
Have mercy, Lord upon us.

Around us let Thine arm be cast,
Till wrath and danger are o’erpast
And tribulation’s bitter blast:
Have mercy, Lord upon us.

Prayers for 4/3

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Burgundofara, Irene and her sisters, Richard of Chichester, and Pope Sixtus I.

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

For bus drivers, and those who travel by bus...

For the repose of the soul of Tommaso Onofri, as well as his family and friends...

For the safe return of Quadrevion Hennings and Purvis Virginia-Parker...

For a personal intention...

For all intentions posted on Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for 4/3

The Lord Is My Shepherd


The Lord is my Shepherd, no want shall I know;
I feed in green pastures, safe folded I rest;
He leadeth my soul where the still waters flow,
Restores me when wand’ring, redeems when oppressed.

Through valley and shadow of death though I stray,
Since Thou art my Guardian, no evil I fear;
Thy rod shall defend me, Thy staff be my stay;
No harm can befall, with my Comforter near.

In midst of affliction my table is spread;
With blessings unmeasured my cup runneth o’er;
With perfume and oil Thou anointest my head;
O what shall I ask of Thy providence more?

Let goodness and mercy, my bountiful God,
Still follow my steps till I meet Thee above;
I seek, by the path which my forefathers trod,
Through land of their sojourn, Thy Kingdom of love.

Prayers for 4/2

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Francis of Paola and Urban of Langres; as well as Bls. Pedro Calungsod and Vilmos Apor.

We also remember Pope John Paul II, who died one year ago this day.

For sailors, naval officers, Marines, the Coast Guard, and Merchant Marines...

For all who live, work, and travel on the waters...

For vintners and vinedressers...

For those afflicted by inclement weather...

For Jeremy Hand, as well as his family and friends...

For peace throughout the world...

For a personal intention...

For all intentions posted on Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for the Fifth Sunday of Lent

Jesus Wept! Those Tears Are Over


Jesus wept! those tears are over,
But His heart is still the same;
Kinsman, Friend, and elder Brother,
Is His everlasting Name.
Savior, who can love like Thee,
Gracious One of Bethany?

When the pangs of trial seize us,
When the waves of sorrow roll,
I will lay my head on Jesus,
Refuge of the troubled soul.
Surely, none can feel like Thee,
Weeping One of Bethany!

Jesus wept! and still in glory,
He can mark each mourner’s tear;
Loving to retrace the story
Of the hearts He solaced here.
Lord, when I am called to die,
Let me think of Bethany.

Jesus wept! that tear of sorrow
Is a legacy of love;
Yesterday, today, tomorrow,
He the same doth ever prove,
Thou art all in all to me,
Loving One of Bethany!

Hymn for the Fifth Sunday of Lent (Cycle B)

How Shall I Follow Him I Serve?


How shall I follow Him I serve?
How shall I copy Him I love?
Not from the blessèd footsteps swerve,
Which lead me to His seat above?

Privations, sorrows, bitter scorn,
The life of toil, the mean abode,
The faithless kiss, the crown of thorn,
Are these the consecrated road?

’Twas thus He suffered, though a Son,
Foreknowing, choosing, feeling all,
Until the perfect work was done,
And drunk the bitter cup of gall.

Lord, should my path through suffering lie
Forbid it I should e’er repine;
Still let me turn to Calvary,
Nor heed my griefs, remembering Thine.

O let me think how Thou didst leave
Untasted every pure delight,
To fast, to faint, to watch, to grieve,
The toilsome day, the homeless night.

To faint, to grieve, to die for me!
Thou camest, not Thyself to please;
And, dear as earthly comforts be,
Shall I not love Thee more than these?

Yes, I would count them all but loss,
To gain the notice of Thine eye:
Flesh shrinks and trembles at the cross,
But Thou canst give the victory.

Prayers for 4/1

Today we ask ask the intercession of Sts. Catherine of Palma, Mary of Egypt, and Melito of Sardis; as well as Bl. Ludovico Pavoni.

For the Holy Father, and for his monthly intention...

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

For the Brothers of Mary Immaculate...

For Jeremy Hand, as well as his family and friends...

For the victims of the Brazilian plane crash, as well as their families and friends...

For Purvis Virginia-Parker and Quadrevion Hennings, as well as their families and friends...

For peace throughout the world...

For all intentions posted on Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for 4/1

My Trust Is in My Heavenly Friend


My trust is in my heavenly Friend,
My hope in Thee, my God;
Rise and my helpless life defend
From those that seek my blood.

With insolence and fury they
My soul in pieces tear,
As hungry lions rend the prey
When no deliverer’s near.

If I had e’er provoked them first,
Or once abused my foe,
Then let him tread my life to dust,
And lay mine honor low.

If there be malice found in me,
I know Thy piercing eyes;
I should not dare appeal to Thee,
Nor ask my God to rise.

Arise, my God, lift up Thy hand,
Their pride and power control;
Awake to judgment and command
Deliverance for my soul.

Let sinners and their wicked rage
Be humbled to the dust;
Shall not the God of truth engage
To vindicate the just?

He knows the heart, He tries the reins,
He will defend th’upright:
His sharpest arrows He ordains
Against the sons of spite.

For me their malice digged a pit,
But there themselves are cast;
My God makes all their mischief light
On their own heads at last.

That cruel persecuting race
Must feel His dreadful sword;
Awake, my soul, and praise the grace
And justice of the Lord.

Prayers for 3/31

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Balbina and Benjamin; as well as Bls. Bonaventure Tornielli and Jane of Toulouse.

For Norberto Sanchez his family and friends, and for the repose of the souls of Domenica Sanchez, Maribel Sanchez, Juan Carlos Sanchez, Martha Erane Sanchez, Jasmin Sanchez, and Anai Sanchez...

For Ron Rolling...

For Jeremy Hand, his parents Stephen and Diane, his family and friends...

For the victims of the Bahrain tourist boat capsizing, the survivors, and the families and friends of those affected by this accident...

For the victims of the Iranian earthquake, the survivors, and the families and friends of those affected by this accident...

For the repose of the souls of Wendi Watson and Katie Prosopio, as well as their families and friends...

For the repose of the soul of Cheryl Kaiser, as well as her family and friends...

For Quadrevion Hennings and Purvis Virginia-Parker, as well as 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 3/31

Lord, When We Bend Before Thy Throne


Lord, when we bend before Thy throne,
And our confessions pour,
Teach us to feel the sins we own,
And hate what we deplore.

Our broken spirits, pitying see;
True penitence impart;
And let a kindling glance from Thee
Beam hope upon the heart.

When our responsive tongues essay
Their grateful hymns to raise,
Grant that our souls may join the lay
And mount to Thee in praise.

When we disclose our wants in prayer,
May we our wills resign;
And not a thought our bosoms share
That is not wholly Thine.

Let faith each weak petition fill
And waft it to the skies,
And teach our hearts ’tis goodness still
That grants it, or denies.

Prayers for 3/30

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Caedmon, John Climacus, Leonard Murialdo, and Zozimus of Syracuse; as well as Bl. Joachim of Fiore.

For apprentices and interns...

For the Society of St. Joseph of Turin...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for 3/30

God of the Nations, Who From the Dawn of Days


God of the nations, Who from dawn of days,
Hast led Thy people in their widening ways,
Through Whose deep purpose stranger thousands stand
Here in the borders of our promised land.

Thine ancient might rebuked the Pharaoh’s boast
Thou wast the shield for Israel’s marching host,
And, all the ages through, past crumbling throne
And broken fetter, Thou hast brought Thine own.

Thy hand has led across the hungry sea
The eager peoples flocking to be free,
And, from the breeds of earth, Thy silent sway
Fashions the nation of the broadening day.

Then, for Thy grace to grow in brotherhood,
For hearts aflame to serve Thy destined good,
For faith, and will to win what faith shall see,
God of Thy people, hear us cry to Thee.

Prayers for 3/29

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Armosgastes, Gladys, Gwynllyw, and Saturus; as well as Bl. Jeanne Marie de Maille.

For torture victims and the deliverance of their torturers...

For the poor among us...

For Jeremy Hand, Stephen Hand's son, as well as their family and friends...

For families who care for their elderly and disabled relatives...

For the safe return of Quadrevion Hennings and Purvis Virginia-Parker...

For the recovery of Nicole Reit, as well as 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 3/29

Zion Mourns in Fear and Anguish


Zion mourns in fear and anguish,
Zion, city of our God.
“Ah,” she says, “how sore I languish,
Bowed beneath the chast’ning rod!
For my God forsook me quite
And forgot my sorry plight
Mid these troubles now distressing,
Countless woes my soul oppressing.

“Once,” she mourns, “He promised plainly
That His help should e’er be near;
Yet I now must seek Him vainly
In my days of woe and fear.
Will His anger never cease?
Will He not renew His peace?
Will He not show forth compassion
And again forgive transgression?”

“Zion, surely I do love thee,”
Thus to her the Savior saith,
“Tho’ with many woes I prove thee
And thy soul is sad to death.
For My troth is pledged to thee;
Zion, thou art dear to Me.
Deep within My heart I’ve set thee,
That I never can forget thee.

“Let not Satan make thee craven;
He can threaten but not harm.
On My hands thy name is graven,
And thy shield is My strong arm.
How, then, could it ever be
I should not remember thee,
Fail to build thy walls, My city,
And look down on thee with pity?

“Ever shall Mine eyes behold thee;
On My bosom thou art laid.
Ever shall My love enfold thee;
Never shalt thou lack Mine aid.
Neither Satan, war, nor stress
Then shall mar thy happiness:
With this blessèd consolation
Be thou firm in tribulation.”

Prayers for 3/28

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Guntramnus and Pope Sixtus III.

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

For those in need of healing in body and mind...

For Christina, her unborn child and husband, as well as her family and friends...

For the safe return of Quadrevion Hennings and Purvis Virginia-Parker...

For peace throughout the world...

For all intentions posted on Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for 3/28

My Blessed Savior, Is Thy Love


My blessèd Savior, is Thy Love
So great, so full, so free?
Behold, I give my love, my heart,
My life, my all to Thee.

I love Thee for the glorious worth
In Thy great self I see:
I love Thee for that shameful cross
Thou hast endured for me.

No man of greater love can boast
Than for his friend to die:
But for Thy enemies Thou wast slain:
What love with Thine can vie!

O Lord, I’ll cherish in my soul
The memory of Thy love:
And Thy dear Name shall still to me
A priceless treasure prove.

Prayers for 3/27

Today we ask the intercessions of Sts. Augusta of Treviso, John Damascene, and John of Lycopolis.

For an increase in the virtue of hope...

For Rosemarie's sister-in-law, as well as their family and friends...

For Jeremy Hand, Stephen Hand's son, as well as their family and friends...

For the safe return of Purvis Virginia-Parker and Quadrevion Hennings, as well as their families and friends...

For the safe return of Shamaleta Nash, as well as her family and friends...

For the people of Wyoming affected by the blizzard, especially the six who lost their lives in a car accident...

For peace throughout the world...

For all intentions posted on Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for 3/27

Hark! Hark, My Soul!


Hark! hark, my soul! angelic songs are swelling,
O’er earth’s green fields and ocean’s wave-beat shore:
How sweet the truth those blessèd strains are telling
Of that new life when sin shall be no more.

Refrain

Angels of Jesus, angels of light,
Singing to welcome the pilgrims of the night!

Darker than night life’s shadows fall around us,
And like benighted men we miss our mark:
God hides Himself, and grace hath scarcely found us,
E’er death finds out his victims in the dark.

Refrain

Far, far away, like bells at evening pealing,
The voice of Jesus sounds o’er land and sea;
And laden souls, by thousands meekly stealing,
Kind Shepherd, turn their weary steps to Thee.

Refrain

Onward we go, for still we hear them singing,
“Come, weary souls, for Jesus bids you come”;
And through the dark, its echoes sweetly ringing,
The music of the Gospel leads us home.

Refrain

Rest comes at length: though life be long and dreary,
The day must dawn, and darksome night be past;
Faith’s journeys end in welcome to the weary,
And Heaven, the heart’s true home, will come at last.

Refrain

Cheer up, my soul! faith’s moonbeams softly glisten
Upon the breast of life’s most troubled sea,
And it will cheer thy drooping heart to listen
To those brave songs which angels mean for thee.

Refrain

Angels, sing on, your faithful watches keeping;
Sing us sweet fragments of the songs above,
Till morning’s joy shall end the night of weeping,
And life’s long shadows break in cloudless love.

Refrain

Prayers for the Fourth Sunday of Lent

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Braulio, Ludger, and Margaret Clitherow ; as well as Bl. Maddalena Caterina Morano.

For the peoples of Germany and Frisia...

For Rosemarie's sister-in-law, as well as their family and friends...

For Jeremy Hand, Stephen Hand's son, as well as their family and friends...

For the safe return of Purvis Virginia-Parker and Quadrevion Hennings...

For the safe release of Abdul Rahman, and all persecuted Christians throughout the world...

For those killed in a car accident in Nevada, as well as their family and friends...

For peace throughout the world...

For a personal intention...

For all intentions posted on Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for the Fouth Sunday of Lent (Cycle A)

Lord, I Was Blind

Appropriate for RCIA catechumens and candidates

Lord, I was blind: I could not see
In Thy marred visage any grace;
But now the beauty of Thy face
In radiant vision dawns on me.

Lord, I was deaf: I could not hear
The thrilling music of Thy voice;
But now I hear Thee and rejoice,
And all Thine uttered words are dear.

Lord, I was dumb: I could not speak
The grace and glory of Thy Name;
But now, as touched with living flame,
My lips Thine eager praises wake.

Lord, I was dead: I could not stir
My lifeless soul to come to Thee;
But now, since Thou hast quickened me,
I rise from sin’s dark sepulcher.

Lord, Thou hast made the blind to see,
The deaf to hear, the dumb to speak,
The dead to live; and lo, I break
The chains of my captivity.

Hymn for the Fourth Sunday of Lent (Cycle B)

Almighty God, Whose Only Son


Almighty God, Whose only Son
O’er sin and death the triumph won,
And ever lives to intercede
For souls who Thy sweet mercy need;

In His dear Name to Thee we pray
For all who err and go astray,
For sinners, wheresoe’er they be,
Who do not serve and honor Thee.

There are who never yet have heard
The tidings of Thy blessèd Word,
But still in heathen darkness dwell,
Without one thought of Heav’n or hell.

And some within Thy sacred fold
To holy things are dead and cold,
And waste the precious hours of life
In selfish ease, or toil, or strife;

And many a quickened soul within
There lurks the secret love of sin,
A wayward will, or anxious fears,
Or lingering taint of bygone years.

O give repentance true and deep
To all Thy lost and wandering sheep,
And kindle in their hearts the fire
Of holy love and pure desire.

That so from angel hosts above
May rise a sweeter song of love,
And we, with all the blest, adore
Thy Name, O God, for evermore.

Prayers on the Annunciation

Today we may also ask the intercession of Sts. Dismas, Humbert of Pelagius, and Lucia Filippini; as well as Bl. James Bird.

For the acceptance of God's will in our lives...

For prisoners, especially those awaiting execution...

For funeral directors...

For the Religious Teachers Filippini...

For Rosemarie's sister-in-law, Rosemarie and their family and friends...

For Jeremy Hand, Stephen Hand's son, and their family and friends...

For the victims of the Seattle shooting, as well as their families and friends...

For the safe return of Purvis Virginia-Parker and Quadrevion Hennings, as well as their families and friends...

For peace throughout the world...

For a personal intention...

For all intentions posted on Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for the Solemnity of the Annunciation

The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came


The angel Gabriel from Heaven came,
His wings as drifted snow, his eyes as flame;
“All hail,” said he, “thou lowly maiden Mary,
Most highly favored lady,” Gloria!

“For know a blessèd mother thou shalt be,
All generations laud and honor thee,
Thy Son shall be Emmanuel, by seers foretold,
Most highly favored lady,” Gloria!

Then gentle Mary meekly bowed her head,
“To me be as it pleaseth God,” she said,
“My soul shall laud and magnify His holy Name.”
Most highly favored lady, Gloria!

Of her, Emmanuel, the Christ, was born
In Bethlehem, all on a Christmas morn,
And Christian folk throughout the world will ever say—
“Most highly favored lady,” Gloria!

Prayers for 3/24

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Catherine of Sweden and Macartan.

For all involved in the pro-life movement...

For women who are considering abortion, and for their unborn children...

For the deliverance of those who work in or are associated with abortion clinics...

For families who have suffered miscarriages...

For Tanya Kach, her family and friends...

For Jeremy Hand, Stephen Hand's son, as well as their family and friends...

For the victims of the cruise fire, as well as their family and friends...

For the repose of the soul of Raheim Patrick, as well as his family and friends...

For the safe return of Purvis Virginia Parker and Quadrevion Henning...

For the repose of the souls of Trisha Bergeman and her unborn child and James Butler...

For peace throughout the world...

For a personal intention...

For all intentions posted on Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for 3/24

Oh, 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 3/23

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Joseph Oriel, Rafqa, and Turibius of Mogroveio; as well as Bls. John Baptist Spagnuolo, Metod Dominik Trcka, and Sibyllina Biscossi.

For the people of Peru...

For the Indian tribes of the Americas...

For the chronically ill...

For the children of unmarried parents...

For Jeremy Hand, Stephen Hand's son, as well has their family and friends...

For the safe return of Purvis Virginia Parker and Quadrevion Henning, as well as their family and friends...

For peace throughout the world...

For a personal intention...

For all intentions posted on Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for 3/23

I Have Heard Thy Voice, Lord Jesus


I have heard Thy voice, Lord Jesus,
Saying in Thy grace divine:
“Fear thou not, I have redeemed thee;
I have called thee, thou art Mine.”
Lord, I bring Thee full allegiance!
Therefore now to Thee I sing,
Answ’ring, “Yea, Thou hast redeemed me;
I am Thine, my Lord, my King!”

I have nothing worth Thy taking,
Thou, Whom heav’nly hosts adore,
But my heart is longing, yearning,
To be Thine forevermore.
So I come to Thee, Lord Jesus,
Laying in surrender meet
All I am, and have, and hope for,
All I love, at Thy dear feet.

Yet the off’rings here are humble,
Which Thy children bring to Thee,
And their best and sweetest praises
Are but rendered falt’ringly.
But our song shall be triumphant,
When Thy glory we shall see:
“All for Jesus!” All for Jesus!
Now and through eternity.

Prayers for 3/22

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Darerca and Deogratias of Carthage; as well as Bls. Hugolinus Zefferini and Isnard de Chiampo.

For Jeremy Hand, Stephen Hand's son, as well as his family and friends...

For Claire...

For the safe return of Pervis Virginia Parker and Quadrevion Henning, as well as their family and friends...

For peace throughout the world...

For a personal intention...

For all intentions posted on Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for 3/22

Lord Jesus, Think on Me


Lord Jesus, think on me
And purge away my sin;
From earthborn passions set me free
And make me pure within.

Lord Jesus, think on me,
With many a care oppressed;
Let me Thy loving servant be
And taste Thy promised rest.

Lord Jesus, think on me
Amid the battle’s strife;
In all my pain and misery
Be Thou my Health and Life.

Lord Jesus, think on me
Nor let me go astray;
Through darkness and perplexity
Point Thou the heavenly way.

Lord Jesus, think on me
When floods the tempest high;
When on doth rush the enemy,
O Savior, be Thou nigh!

Lord Jesus, think on me
That, when the flood is past,
I may th’eternal brightness see
And share Thy joy at last.

Lord Jesus, think on me
That I may sing above
To Father, Spirit, and to Thee
The strains of praise and love.

Prayers for 3/21

Today we ask the intercessions of Sts. Benedicta Cambiagio Frassinello, Enda of Arran, Nicholas of Flue, and Serapion the Scholastic.

For the people of Swizerland...

For the Benedictine Sisters of Providence...

For the Swiss Guards...

For those enduring difficulties in their marriages...

For separated spouses...

For large families...

For government officials...

For mediators and arbitrators...

For Stephen Hand's son, Stephen, his family and friends...

For the repose of the souls of the victims of the Missouri plane crash, as well as their family and friends...

For the repose of the soul of Matthew Kruziki, as well as 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 previously posted on this site...

Hymn for 3/21

Lord, to Me Thy Ways Make Known


Lord, to me Thy ways make known,
Guide in truth and teach Thou me;
Thou my Savior art alone,
All the day I wait for Thee.

Lord, remember in Thy love
All Thy mercies manifold,
Tender mercies from above,
Changeless from the days of old.

Just and good the Lord abides,
He His way will sinners show,
He the meek with justice guides,
Making them His way to know.

Grace and truth shall mark the way
Where the Lord His own will lead.
If His Word they still obey
And His testimonies heed.

Prayers for the Solemnity of Saint Joseph

Besides St. Joseph, we may also ask the intercession of Sts. Archippus, Cuthbert, Herbert, and Wulfram of Sens; as well as Bls. Ambrose Sansedoni of Siena and Hippolytus Galantini.

For the peoples of the Americas, Austria, Bohemia, Canada, China, Croatia, Korea, Mexico, Peru, Sicily, Vietnam, and all other places under St. Joseph's patronage...

For the many religious communities under St. Joseph's patronage...

For carpenters, woodworkers, and homebuilders...

For all working people...

For immigrants and refugees...

For those in doubt...

For those looking for a home...

For expectant mothers and their unborn children...

For all fathers...

For a blessed death...

For engaged couples...

For shepherds...

For sailors, merchant marines, and all who work on the waters...

For deliverance from epidemics...

For Stephen Hand's son, and for Stephen, his wife, and their family...

For those affected by the cyclone in northeastern Australia...

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

For a personal intention...

For all intentions posted on Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn in Honor of Saint Joseph

O Blessed Saint Joseph


O blessed Saint Joseph, how great was thy worth,
The one chosen shadow of God upon earth,
The father of Jesus! Ah, then, wilt thou be,
Sweet spouse of our Lady! a father to me?

For thou to the pilgrim art father and guide,
And Jesus and Mary felt safe by thy side;
Ah, blessed Saint Joseph, how safe I should be,
Sweet spouse of our Lady! if thou wert with me!

When the treasures of God were unsheltered on earth,
Safekeeping was found for them both in thy worth:
O father of Jesus, be father to me,
Sweet spouse of our Lady! and I will love thee.

Prayers for 3/19

We will be celebrating St. Joseph's feast tomorrow.

However, we may ask the intercession of Sts. Alkmund, Andrea Gallerani, and John the Syrian of Pinna.

For RCIA catechumens and candidates, their sponsors, and their teachers...

For sacristans, church custodians, and all tho assist them...

For all who seek the truth with a sincere heart...

For those affected by the house fire in Philadelphia, especially for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives...

For peace in France...

For peace in the Middle East...

For a personal intention...

For all intentions posted on Catholic Fire...

For all intetions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for the Third Sunday of Lent (Cycle A)

This is appropriate for parishes with RCIA candidates...

I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say


I heard the voice of Jesus say, “Come unto Me and rest;
Lay down, thou weary one, lay down Thy head upon My breast.”
I came to Jesus as I was, weary and worn and sad;
I found in Him a resting place, and He has made me glad.

I heard the voice of Jesus say, “Behold, I freely give
The living water; thirsty one, stoop down, and drink, and live.”
I came to Jesus, and I drank of that life giving stream;
My thirst was quenched, my soul revived, and now I live in Him.

I heard the voice of Jesus say, “I am this dark world’s Light;
Look unto Me, thy morn shall rise, and all thy day be bright.”
I looked to Jesus, and I found in Him my Star, my Sun;
And in that light of life I’ll walk, till traveling days are done.

Hymn for the Third Sunday of Lent (Cycle B)

The Heavens Declare Thy Glory


The heavens declare Thy glory,
The firmament Thy power;
Day unto day the story
Repeats from hour to hour;
Night unto night replying,
Proclaims in every land,
O Lord, with voice undying,
The wonders of Thy hand.

The sun with royal splendor
Goes forth to chant Thy praise;
And moonbeams soft and tender
Their gentler anthem raise;
O’er every tribe and nation
That music strange is poured,
The song of all creation,
To Thee, creation’s Lord.

How perfect, just, and holy
The precepts Thou hast given;
Still making wise the lowly,
They lift the thoughts to heaven;
How pure, how soul restoring
Thy Gospel’s heavenly ray,
A brighter radiance pouring
Than noon of brightest day.

All heaven on high rejoices
To do its Maker’s will;
The stars with solemn voices
Resound Thy praises still;
So let my whole behavior,
Thoughts, words, and actions be,
O Lord, my Strength, my Savior,
One ceaseless song to Thee.

Prayers for 3/18

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Alexander of Jerusalem, Anselm of Lucca, Braulico, Cyril of Jerusalem, Edward the Martyr, Frigidian, and Salvator of Horta; as well as Bl. Fra Angelico.

For detachment from worldly things...

For the deliverance of those engaged in hedonistic pursuits...

For artists...

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

For the repose of the souls of Viviana Terrazas, David Rodriguez, and Janet Lockhart Rodriguez; and for their families and friends...

For Christina and Tony...

Continued prayers for Dale Price and his family...

For the prayer intentions listed in Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for 3/18

Th'Abyss of Many a Former Sin


Th’abyss of many a former sin
Encloses me and bars me in;
Like billows my transgressions roll:
Be Thou the Pilot of my soul,
And to salvation’s harbor bring
Thou Savior and Thou glorious King.

My Father’s heritage abused,
Wasted by lust, by sin misused;
To shame and want and misery brought,
The slave to many a fruitless thought,
I cry to Thee, Who lovest men,
O pity and receive again!

In hunger now, no more possessed,
Of that my portion bright and blest,
The exile and the alien see,
Who yet would fain return to Thee,
And save me, Lord, who seek to raise
To Thy dear love the hymn of praise!

With that blest thief my prayer I make,
“Remember” for Thy mercy’s sake!
With that poor publican I cry,
“Be merciful,” O God most high!
With that lost prodigal I fain
Back to my home would turn again!

Mourn, mourn, my soul, with earnest care,
And raise to Christ the contrite prayer;
“O Thou, Who freely wast made poor,
My sorrows and my sins to cure,
Me, poor of all good works, embrace,
Enriching with Thy boundless grace!”

Prayers for 3/17

Besides St. Patrick, we also ask the intercession of Sts. Gertrude of Nivelles, Jan Sarkander, and Joseph of Arimathea; as well as Bls. Guido Maria Conforti, Juan Nepomuceno Zegrí y Moreno, and Peter Lieou.

For the peoples of Ireland and Nigeria...

For those dealing with infestations of rodents...

For pet owners, especially those who keep cats...

For gardeners...

For the mentally ill, and for their caregivers...

For travellers and those who accomodate them...

For funeral directors and casket manufacturers...

For miners...

For engineers...

For those afflicted by snakebite...

For a personal intention...

For all intentions posted on Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn in Honor of St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick's Breastplate


I bind unto myself today
The strong Name of the Trinity,
By invocation of the same
The Three in One and One in Three.

I bind this today to me forever
By power of faith, Christ’s incarnation;
His baptism in Jordan river,
His death on Cross for my salvation;
His bursting from the spicèd tomb,
His riding up the heavenly way,
His coming at the day of doom
I bind unto myself today.

I bind unto myself the power
Of the great love of cherubim;
The sweet ‘Well done’ in judgment hour,
The service of the seraphim,
Confessors’ faith, Apostles’ word,
The Patriarchs’ prayers, the prophets’ scrolls,
All good deeds done unto the Lord
And purity of virgin souls.

I bind unto myself today
The virtues of the star lit heaven,
The glorious sun’s life giving ray,
The whiteness of the moon at even,
The flashing of the lightning free,
The whirling wind’s tempestuous shocks,
The stable earth, the deep salt sea
Around the old eternal rocks.

I bind unto myself today
The power of God to hold and lead,
His eye to watch, His might to stay,
His ear to hearken to my need.
The wisdom of my God to teach,
His hand to guide, His shield to ward;
The word of God to give me speech,
His heavenly host to be my guard.

Against the demon snares of sin,
The vice that gives temptation force,
The natural lusts that war within,
The hostile men that mar my course;
Or few or many, far or nigh,
In every place and in all hours,
Against their fierce hostility
I bind to me these holy powers.

Against all Satan’s spells and wiles,
Against false words of heresy,
Against the knowledge that defiles,
Against the heart’s idolatry,
Against the wizard’s evil craft,
Against the death wound and the burning,
The choking wave, the poisoned shaft,
Protect me, Christ, till Thy returning.

Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me.
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all that love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.

I bind unto myself the Name,
The strong Name of the Trinity,
By invocation of the same,
The Three in One and One in Three.
By Whom all nature hath creation,
Eternal Father, Spirit, Word:
Praise to the Lord of my salvation,
Salvation is of Christ the Lord!

Prayers for 3/16

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Abraham Kidunaia, Aristolubus, Heribert of Cologne, and John Sordi; as well as Bls. John Amias, Robert Dalby, and William of Hart.

For detachment from worldly things...

For the poor and less fortunate among us...

For areas suffering from drought...

For the six men in England affected by a trial drug test...

For the repose of the souls of Margaret Meyer and Earl Meyer, 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 3/16

Dives and Lazarus


As it fell out upon one day,
Rich Divès made a feast,
And he invited all his friends,
And gentry of the best.

Then Lazarus laid him down and down
And down at Divès’ door:
“Some meat and drink, brother, Diverus,
Bestow upon the poor.”

“Thou’rt none of my brothers, Lazarus,
That liest begging at my door;
No meat, nor drink will I give thee,
Nor bestow upon the poor.”

Then Lazarus laid him down and down,
All under Divès’ wall:
“Some meat, some drink, brother Diverus,
For hunger starve I shall.”

“Thou’rt none of my brothers, Lazarus,
That liest begging at my gate;
No meat, no drink will I give thee,
For Jesus Christ His sake.”

Then Divès sent out his hungry dogs,
To bite him as he lay;
They hadn’t the power to bite one bite,
But licked his sores away.

Then Divès sent to his merry men,
To worry poor Lazarus away;
They’d not the power to strike one stroke,
But flung their whips away.

As it fell out upon one day,
Poor Lazarus sickened and died;
There came two angels out of heaven,
His soul therein to guide.

“Rise up! rise up! brother Lazarus,
And go along with me;
For you’ve a place prepared in heaven,
To sit on an angel’s knee.”

As it fell out upon one day,
Rich Divès sickened and died;
There came two serpents out of hell,
His soul therein to guide.

“Rise up! rise up! brother Diverus,
And come along with me;
There is a place provided in hell
For wicked men like thee.”

Then Divès looked up with his eyes
And saw poor Lazarus blest;
“Give me one drop of water, brother Lazarus,
To quench my flaming thirst.”

“O, was I now but alive again
The space of one half hour!
O, that I had my peace again
Then the devil should have no power.”

Prayers for 3/15

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Clement Mary Hofbauer, Longinus, Louise de Marillac, and Pope Zachary; as well as Bls. Artemide Zatti and John Adalbert Balicki.

For the Holy Father...

For the Redemptorists...

For the Daughters of Charity...

For the Vincentian Service Corps...

For healthcare administrators...

For social workers and their clients...

For the people of Hawaii affected by floods...

For the people of Texas affected by wildfires...

For the repose of the soul of Lance Cpl. Nicholas Anderson...

For Jen M's father, her family, and the medical professionals overseeing her father's care...

For a personal intention...

For all intentions posted on Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for 3/15

Oh! What, If We Are Christ's


Oh! what, if we are Christ’s,
Is earthly shame or loss?
Bright shall the crown of glory be
When we have borne the cross.

Keen was the trial once,
Bitter the cup of woe,
When martyred saints, baptized in blood,
Christ’s sufferings shared below:

Bright is their glory now,
Boundless their joy above,
Where, on the bosom of their God,
They rest in perfect love.

Lord, may that grace be ours,
Like them in faith to bear
All that of sorrow, grief or pain
May be our portion here.

Enough if Thou at last
The word of blessing give,
And let us rest beneath Thy feet,
Where saints and angels live.

All glory, Lord, to Thee,
Whom Heav’n and earth adore;
To Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
One God forevermore.

Prayers for 3/14

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Leobinus and Matilda, as well as Bl. Giacomo Cusmano.

For the desire to serve others and expect nothing in return...

For parents who have suffered the loss of a child...

For Fr. Jeffrey Keyes' sister, Kathy...

For the people of Dafur and Chad...

For peace in the Middle East...

For all intentions posted on Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...