February 1
SAINT BRIGID

Mary’s son, my friend, comes. May we have abundance with him.

PRAYER
O God, according to Celtic tradition, the Abbess Brigid was blessed and honored as a bishop. As we celebrate her feast day we pray for all women who devote their energies to building up your kingdom. May the blessings flowing from their ministry enrich our church. With them, may we come to know the joy and power of collaboration. We ask this through Saint Brigid’s intercession. Amen.

February 2
OUR LADY DE LA CANDELARIA

Blessed is she who believed that what was spoken to her would be fulfilled.

PRAYER
Through their devotion to Our Lady de la Candelaria, O God, you extend your loving protection to the people of Peru. May their devotion strengthen their faith; may their faith sustain their hope in your promises. We ask this through the intercession of Mary, whom they honor as the mother of Jesus. Amen.

February 3
OUR LADY OF SUYAPA

Mary said, “Here I am, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.”

PRAYER
O God, the people of Honduras claim Our Lady of Suyapa as their patron. May she who bore your Son to the world continue to show them your protection and loving kindness. May all who honor her know your blessing in their lives. We ask this through Mary’s intercession. Amen.

February 5
SAINT AGATHA

If any of you suffer as a Christian, do not consider it a disgrace, but glorify God because you bear this name.

PRAYER
For the sake of preserving her chastity, O God, Agatha accepted martyrdom. Inspired by her example, may we accept you as our first and all-encompassing love and give ourselves in love to our companions in community, to those in need and to our families and friends. We ask this in the name of Jesus whose love is our model. Amen.

February 6
SIANT PAUL MIKI AND COMPANIONS

Rejoice insofar as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, so that you may also be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed.

PRAYER
Jesus, Saint Paul Miki and his companions followed you in the way of crucifixion, dying for the sake of the Gospel. May all who suffer persecution for their religious beliefs be strengthened by their example and encouraged to remain steadfast in their faith. We ask this through the intercession of all who have died for the sake of your reign. Amen.

February 10
SAINT SCHOLASTICA

A woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

PRAYER
As we celebrate the feast of Saint Scholastica, O God, we pray for those who follow the Benedictine way of life. May the monastic ideals of work and prayer in which their lives are rooted engender in them stability and holiness. Inspired by both Scholastic and Benedict, may they and we carry on the work of building your kingdom. Amen.

February 11
OUR LADY OF LOURDES

The Mighty One has done great things for me. Holy is God’s name.

PRAYER
Jesus, your mother showed herself to Bernadette Soubirous in order to call us to conversion and to urge the church to deeper prayer and greater charity toward those who are in need. Mindful of her message, we pray for wisdom and courage that we may heed the prompting of your Spirit and accept conversion to your will. We make this prayer in the name of Mary, your mother. Amen.