Community Prayers
Prayer to the Holy Face
O my Jesus, cast a look of mercy on us:
Turn Your Face toward each of us as You did Veronica, not that we may see it with our bodily eyes, for this we do not deserve, but turn It toward our hearts so that remembering You we may ever draw from this Fountain of Strength the vigor necessary to bear the combats of life. Amen.
Prayer for Increased Love of the Cross
Virgin Mother of God, you suffered so much pain, and you loved the pain because you loved Jesus. Help me not to be forced to love Jesus’ Cross as Simon of Cyrene did, but gladly to share the bitter gall of life’s pain, given Jesus on Calvary; then I will truly love Jesus.
Intercede for me that I may overcome my weakness, my sensitivity, and the natural abhorrence I have for the cross. Let my heart, mind, and all that is in me show that I love my Lord and my God.
You were the holiest and the most afflicted of Virgins. I want to share your sorrows, provided I can share your love.
Teach me to love the Cross of Jesus and to find my delight in it, so that at the moment of my death the crucified Jesus may be my strength and consolation. Amen.
Prayer For Those in Pain
O God, when I in happy health can run and breathe and sleep without thinking it might be otherwise, do not let me forget those for whom each step is a fight with pain. O God, help them! Make the unbearable bearable and soften the constant hurt. Give them hope for the future, courage for the present and comfort from knowing You. Amen!
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, I implore that I may ever love Thee more and more!
O Sacred Heart of Jesus, convert sinners, save the dying, deliver the Holy Souls in Purgatory.
For Peace in Families
Lord Jesus, countless families need Your help today. They are searching for tranquility and peace, and an end to discord. Give them strength and compassion to understand each other; wisdom and love to help each other; and the trust and patience they need to live peacefully together.
Grant that through the intercession of Your mother, Mary, and St. Joseph, these families may each become a holy family - a family that works together as one; a family that whole-heartily embraces peace and love; a family whose members are dedicated to each other and to God; a family who cares and shares with any needy family anywhere on earth. Amen.
That They May have Life
Mother Mary, as you carried your Divine Child in your womb, you rejoiced and glorified the Lord.
Touch with pity the hearts of those women, pregnant in our world today, who think of murder, not motherhood.
Help them to see that the child they carry is made to God’s image - as well as theirs, and is made for eternal life.
Dispel their fear and selfishness. Give them true womanly hearts to love their babies and give them birth…and all the needed care that a mother alone can give.
Mary, Mother of Christ and of us, show us all one day the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus. Amen.