june 3
saint charles lwanga
and companions
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
prayer
O God, Charles and his companions chose martyrdom rather than betray you. In their name we pray for all those who suffer religious persecution. Give them strength to respond to their oppressors with courage and charity. Uphold them in their sufferings and reward them with eternal life. We ask this through Jesus who suffered for our sake. Amen.
june 13
saint anthony of padua
O Blessed Mary, you have your Son in common with God.
prayer
Jesus, Saint Anthony refuted heresy by preaching that you, though divine, became fully human. Through our refection on this mystery help us to embrace our humanity and to find in our daily lives the opportunity to draw closer to you. May we imitate your example and thus re-create your presence in our world today. We ask this through Anthony’s intercession. Amen.
june 21
saint aloysius gonzaga
Come, you blessed, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
prayer
Jesus, we honor Aloysius Gonzaga as the patron of Catholic youth. Through his intercession we pray for young people. May they have strong role models in their parents and teachers. As they grow in age may they also grow in wisdom and grace. With you as companion may they come to adulthood confirmed in their identity and in their Christian beliefs. We ask this in your name. Amen.
june 24
the birth of john the baptist
Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that God had shown great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her.
prayer
Jesus, John was a voice in the wilderness; you are the Word. John prepared the way; you are the Way. Through his example, may we come to know more clearly the role each of us is to play in your plan of salvation. May we be grateful for our own gifts, using them fully for the building up of your kingdom; may we rejoice when the gifts of others further your designs. We ask this, knowing that you hear and answer our prayers. Amen.
June 27
our lady of perpetual help
Blessed is she who believed that what was spoken to her would be fulfilled.
prayer
Jesus, you have given us Mary as Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Through her intercession, we ask your blessing on all those for whom we have promised to pray – the members of our families and our community, our friends and benefactors, those who have entrusted to us their pain and sorrow. Be with each of them and let them know your saving love. We ask this in Mary’s name. Amen.
june 29
saint peter and paul
Christ appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.
prayer
Jesus, you called Peter and Paul to be among the first to proclaim your message and establish your church. As we celebrate their 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.