Christmas Blessings

“The Word became a human being,

and full of grace and truth lived among us.

 

And He, who came on that first Christmas morning,

gently reminds us of another way,

a pilgrim way,

not distant form struggles, but in the their midst;

 

a way mysteriously calling us

to listen to the cries of the wounded of the world

and to help bear their burdens:

a way which, amazingly,

renews us with the wonder of love,

 

rekindling in our hearts

the possibility that we can move forward with hope-

a people of compassion,

committed to sharing.”

Peter Millar

 

Prayer of St. Patrick

I arise today through the strength of heaven, light of the sun, radiance of the moon, splendor of fire, speed of lightening, swiftness of the wind, depth of the sea, stability of the earth, firmness of the rock.

I arise today through God’s strength to pilot me. God’s might to uphold me, God’s wisdom to guide me, God’s eye to look before me, God’s ear to hear me, God’s word to speak for me, God’s shield to protect me, God’s hosts to save me from the snares of the devil, from everyone who desires me ill, afar and near, or alone or in a multitude.

Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ when I arise, Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me, Christ in the eye that sees me. Christ in the ear that hears me.

Prayer of St. Brigid

I would like the angels of Heaven to be among us. I would like an abundance of peace. I would like full vessels of charity. I would like rich treasures of mercy. I would like cheerfulness to preside over all. I would like Jesus to be present. I would like the three Marys of illustrious renown to be with us. I would like the friends of heaven to be gathered around from all parts. I would like myself to be a rent payer to the Lord; that I should suffer distress, that he would bestow good blessing upon me. I would like a great lake of beer for the King of Kings. I would like to be watching Heaven’s family drinking it through all eternity. St. Brigid

(The three Marys were Mary Magdalene, Mary of Clopas, and Mary Salome the disciple)

Just Faith Ministry Feedback

As a participant in Just Faith Ministry on immigration, I was exposed to the crisis about borders and migrants. As an Irish immigrant I was able to identify with these issues. At the end of the program each participant gave feedback to each other. This feedback was enlightening and much appreciated. I thought I would share a bit of the feedback I received with you.

Your stories of your experience have really made the immigration experience more vivid to me. Your faith is inspiring as is your compassion and concern. You’re easy to talk to.

I have really enjoyed having you in the Just Faith process. You have thought about these issues and bring a real passion to them. We need your insights and humor and depth of caring in Justice Ministry.

What an insightful person you are! You offer genuinely human perspectives that reach into a soul. I think you are a very compassionate person.

You are intense, focused, smart, and yet, a real gentle soul. Sincerely, it was so nice to get to know you and here’s hoping I see you down the road.