11 Aug 2011

Prayer in time of economic trouble



Father, times are hard.
They say many people will lose their jobs.
No one can tell how long this crisis shall last.
No assurance can be given
to all who grope in the dark.
But we believe, dear Father
that this too, shall pass,
and there is no trial we cannot be able to conquer
with faith in our spirits
and courage in our hearts.

Protect us dear God
first of all from despair.
Let not our minds be anxious
but let our spirits have peace
that surpasses all understanding.
May we never lose our hope.

May we never lose sight of our awaited morning
when milk and honey
shall flow into our land once again.
May we walk with steadfast feet.
May we work with steady hands.
And may we always believe
that miracles still happen,
for they do happen
even now as we pray.

Let your abounding Grace cloak us with blessings
and may your strength
keep us from every harm.
Vanquish the fear that wishes only
to cast doubt and hopelessness.
Replace it with the loving heart of Jesus Christ,
a love that never fails,
a love that heals and prevails,
a love to keep us warm
as we hold on to each other
in this time of economic worry and uncertainty.

Help those of us who have the means
to be generous to those in need,
especially those who have lost their jobs,
their homes, their peace of mind.

May your Holy Spirit guide and protect us from all evil.
Amen.

H/T to Bishop Chris Coyne who blogs at Let us walk together: thoughts of a Catholic Bishop

9 Aug 2011

World Youth Day 2011 - Madrid Spain

Join John and the team on this weeks programme where we have a discussion with young pilgrims from Limerick diocese that are heading to Madrid to participate in World Youth Day 2011.

World Youth Day (or in short 'WYD') was initiated by Blessed Pope John Paul II in 1985. It is celebrated diocesan level annually, and at a week-long international level every two to three years at different locations Rome (2000), Toronto (2003), Cologne (2006) Sydney (2008). The international level events attract hundreds of thousands of youth from almost every country on the planet.

This year WYD 2011 is being hosted in Madrid and the theme is "Rooted and built up in Jesus Christ, firm in faith" (Col 2:7). Spain becomes the first country aside from Italy and Vatican City to host WYD twice. The last time WYD was in Spain was in 1989 in Santiago de Compestella

Each WYD has its own theme song which is a reflection on the overall theme of the celebration. This year's song is "Firm in Faith" (click to listen and it will open in a seperate tab).

This years WYD has the following patron saints:
  • St John of the Cross (Carmelite saint and mystic)
  • St Ignatious of Loyola (founder of the Jesuits)
  • St Francis Xavier (Missionary extraordinaire)
  • St Isidore the Worker
  • St Maria of the Head
  • St Rafael Arnaiz
  • St John of Avila
  • St Teresa of Avila (re-founder of the Carmelite order and mystic)
  • St Rose of Lima
  • Blessed Pope John Paul II
You can read about the saints and their lives here at the official WYD website.

Pope Benedict XVI will be attending WYD and will lead the Vigil and final Mass of the celebration. But, he reminds us all that "I am not the star......I am only the vicar. I point beyond myself to the Other who is in our midst."




8 Aug 2011

8th August 2011 - Feast of St Mary of the Cross (MacKillop) (and St Dominic!)


Today is the first feast day of an old friend of Sacred Space 102fm, St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, Australia's first saint who was canonized in September 2010 by Pope Benedict XVI. (Well technically in Ireland it is an optional memorial, but I think for today we will move to Australia and celebrate it as a feast :D).


Last year we had an interview with Sr Margaret O'Sullivan RSJ in advance of the canonisation which you can read about here and podcast here.


Mary MacKillop was born in Melbourne Australia on 15th January 1842 and died in Sydney on 8th August 1909. The years in between saw one of Australia's most remarkable women demonstrate incredible strength, devotion, inspiration and absolute trust in God
Prayer through the intercession of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop
God of Compassion,

You filled the heart of Saint Mary MacKillop with a deep trust in Your Providence and trust in Your Will.
Help me like her to renew my trust in Your loving plan for me. Deepen my faith, so that like her I may bear the Cross and follow her example of kindness.
Through her intercession I pray especially for ____________________.

I make this prayer through Jesus, my Way, my Truth, my Life.
Amen.
Various reflections and articles about St Mary:
 From Pope Benedict XVI's homily at the canonisation:


""Remember who your teachers were from these you can learn the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus". For many years countless young people throughout Australia have been blessed with teachers who were inspired by the courageous and saintly example of zeal, perseverance and prayer of Mother Mary MacKillop. She dedicated herself as a young woman to the education of the poor in the difficult and demanding terrain of rural Australia, inspiring other women to join her in the first women's community of religious sisters of that country. She attended to the needs of each young person entrusted to her, without regard for station or wealth, providing both intellectual and spiritual formation. Despite many challenges, her prayers to St Joseph and her unflagging devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, to whom she dedicated her new congregation, gave this holy woman the graces needed to remain faithful to God and to the Church. Through her intercession, may her followers today continue to serve God and the Church with faith and humility!"

**********

Of course August 8th is also the feast day of St Dominic, founder of the Order of the Preachers more familiarly known as the Dominicans. To all our Dominican friends, happy feast day!