World Day of Prayer

[public domain]

The Angel, by Carl Timoleon von Neff, 19th Century

A Prayer for Mercy

Almighty and everlasting God,
you do not will that a single sinner should perish,
and so you gave the world your Son Jesus,
who is Mercy Itself.
Make me a mirror of Divine Mercy.
Through prayer, the Sacraments,
and works of charity,
grant me the grace to seek your forgiveness,
even as I forgive others.
Inspire me to offer my sufferings in union
with the Passion of Jesus,
and thereby share in the redemption of the world.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with You,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God,
for ever and ever.
Amen.

Composed by: The Reverend Bernard J. Ezaki, M.Div., M.A.
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Monsignor James J. Mulligan, S.T.L., Censor Librorum
Imprimatur: Most Reverend John O. Barres, D.D.

Saint Katharine Drexel

[public domain]

St. Katharine Drexel

“If we wish to serve God and love our neighbor well, we must manifest our joy in the service we render to Him and them. Let us open wide our hearts. It is joy which invites us. Press forward and fear nothing.”

St. Katharine Drexel

Presidents’ Day

[public domain]

United States Capitol, Washington, D.C., Print by Currier and Ives, 1872-1874

Prayer for Society
By Pope John XXIII

O Jesus, come back into our society,
our family life, our souls
and reign there as our peaceful sovereign.
Enlighten with the splendor of faith
and the charity of your tender heart
the souls of those who work
for the good of the people, for your poor.
Impart in them your own spirit,
a spirit of discipline, order and gentleness,
preserving the flame of enthusiasm
ever alight in their hearts.
May that day come very soon,
when we shall see you
restored to the center of civic life,
borne on the shoulders of your joyful people.
Amen.