july 3
saint thomas the apostle
Jesus said to Thomas, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”
prayer
Jesus, you called Thomas to be among the first to proclaim your message and establish your church. As we celebrate his feast we pray for their successors – the pope, the bishops and the leaders of faith communities. May all be faithful to your gospel, loving in their leadership and courageous in proclaiming the good news. Amen.
July 4
saint elizabeth of portugal
Give her a share in the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the city gates.
prayer
O compassionate God, Saint Elizabeth showed her love for you by her acts of mercy and peace-making. Inspired by her example may we be channels of your generous love to those in need. May we be a healing presence in times of conflict so that your peace and goodness may abound. We ask this through her intercession. Amen
July 13
saint teresa de los andes
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
prayer
O God, Saint Teresa de los Andes edified the members of the Carmelite community in Chile through a life of virtue and heroic endurance in suffering. May we, like her, lead lives worthy of our calling and embrace the cross in whatever shape it presents itself in our lives. We ask this through her intercession. Amen
july 14
blessed kateri tekakwitha
There was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples, standing before the Lamb.
prayer
God of all peoples, on this feast of Kateri Tekakwitha we pray especially for the native peoples of the Americas. We ask forgiveness for the persecution and disrespect they have suffered at the hands of those who settled these lands. May we learn to appreciate one another’s beliefs and cultures and celebrate the rich diversity among us. We ask this through Kateri’s intercession. Amen.
july 14
saint camillus de lellis
They brought to Jesus all the sick, those who were afflicted with various diseases and pains, and be cured them.
prayer
The sick were Saint Camillus’s special concern, O healing God. As we celebrate his feast we pray for those in the ministry of health care. Give them compassion and mercy, gentleness and patience. May those who come to them for care know your restoring love. We ask this in the name of Jesus who healed those who were brought to him. Amen.
july 16
our lady of mount carmel
Then 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 Chile claim Our Lady of Mount Carmel 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.
july 16
our lady of the triumph of the cross
Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed.
prayer
Through their devotion of Our Lady of the Triumph on the Cross, O God, you extend your loving protection to the people of the Philippines. May their devotion strengthen their faith; may their faith sustain their hope in your promises. We ask this through the intercession of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Amen
july 22
saint mary magdalene
Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord.”
prayer
Jesus, Mary Magdalene experienced your healing and your friendship. We ask for the grace to know that we, too, are invited to enjoy a special relationship with your. Enable us humbly to receive and fulfill the great mission of announcing your living presence in our world. Amen.
july 25
saint james
Jesus appointed twelve, whom he also named apostles, to be with him, and to be sent out to proclaim the message.
prayer
Jesus, you called James to be among the first to proclaim your message and establish your church. As we celebrate his feast we pray for their successors – the pope, the bishops and the leaders of faith communities. May all be faithful to your gospel, loving in their leadership and courageous in proclaiming the good news. Amen
july 26
saint joachim and ann
Be mindful of your mercy, O God, and of your steadfast love, for they have been from of old.
prayer
God of our ancestors, you gave to Joachim and Ann the responsibility of being the parents of Mary, the mother of your Son. We honor them by praying for all parents who strive to raise their children with gentleness and love. Give them the blessings they need to create families who grow together in wisdom, age and grace. We ask this through the intercession of Joachim and Ann. Amen
july 31
saint ignatius of loyola
All for the greater honor and glory of God.
prayer
O God, I offer you my liberty, my memory, my understanding and my entire will. You have given everything to me, now I return it to you. Everything I have is yours. Dispose of it entirely according to your will. Give me only your love and your grace. They are enough for me; I desire nothing else. Amen.