25th Sunday of Ordinary Time 2026 - Deathbed Repentance (Brideshead Revisited)

 

While on vacation this summer, I reread one of my favorite books: the most well-known novel by Catholic Author Evelyn Waugh titled Brideshead Revisited, the Sacred and Profane Memories of Captain Charles Ryder. The book has had several tv and movie adaptations. I recommend the 1981 tv adaptation. It’s 11 hours, but 11 hours well spent.

The book begins with the titular character, Charles Ryder, a Captain in the British Army during World War II encamped on a large estate—a in the British countryside called Brideshead. This was not his first visit to Brideshead. He had been there many times before in his university days at Oxford, when he had befriended the son of the wealthy English Lord and owner of Brideshead, Lord Marchmain.

Throughout the story Captain Ryder looks back upon the happiness and grief and drama and grace he encountered there. He revisits his memories, hence the title, “Brideshead Revisited”

In the course of the novel Lord Marchmain is revealed to be a real scoundrel. The Lord has estranged himself from his devout Catholic family and was living in Venice, sharing a roof with his Italian mistress—living a truly profane lifestyle, devoid of all religion, focused on the pursuit of carnal pleasure, as if he were intentionally trying to flee from God.

But God’s grace breaks in at the climax of the story, Lord Marchmain, having reached the end of his life, returns to Brideshead and to his family in order to die in his ancestral home and with the people he once cherished.

Marchmain’s devout family sends for a priest to absolve the dying Lord of his sins and to administer the last rites, but Marchmain, still running away from God, sends the priest away. This grieves the family, of course, as this rejection of the priest and rejection of contrition, is akin to rejecting God. And so they worry for Marchmain’s eternal soul. So, the family fasts and prays assiduously. Marchmain grows so weak, he cannot open his eyes.

Hoping for a miracle, the family summons the priest once again. And then the miracle occurs! As the priest offers the final prayers, Marchmain lifts his arm to make the sign of the cross, and he died with God’s mercy. Personally, in my ministry, I have witnessed similar circumstances, where someone who had been unresponsive for days, opens their eyes and prays before dying in Christ’s peace.

I always think of that scene in relation to the Gospel passage for this weekend. For, in the parable of the workers in the vineyard, the Lord conveyed a number of very important lessons about accepting the invitation of God’s grace before the day runs out.

The first lesson is that that grace is available to everyone. This would be a difficult lesson for Jesus’ Jewish audience. For the Jews possessed a very special relationship with God throughout human history, stretching back thousands of years. They were like those workers who had been working in the vineyard since the beginning of the work day. And this parable challenged to accept that God’s grace and full membership in his kingdom would be available to newcomers. Gentiles.

Secondly, the parable reminds us that people accept God’s invitation at different times in their lives. Infants and babies and young children, who are baptized early in life, they are brought into God’s grace in their early years. Some souls accept the invitation only after their rebellious teenage years. For some people, it takes hitting rock bottom due to an addiction, where they realize that God is calling them to break the cycle of self-destruction. For some, conversion comes after a major crisis, like a death of a loved one, that they realize they need to accept God’s invitation before it is too late. And for some, like Lord Marchmain, it is on the death bed, where God, the fisherman, makes that final tug of the line, gives that final opportunity to accept his grace.

Here is a reminder then, that we are to never stop inviting souls to Christ. We shouldn’t assume that just because someone was hardened to God in the past, they remain hardened. The Lord is no doubt working in the lives of all people, to soften their hearts to the invitation.

Thirdly, this parable reminds all of us to ensure that we live and die in God’s friendship. For the work day does in fact come to a close. The sun finally does set. Human life and human history will come to an end. And for those souls who do not accept the invitation to work for God by life’s end, there will be eternal consequences.

Scripture is clear, the Catechism is clear. If we insist on rejecting God’s grace in this life, we condemn ourselves to hell, forever.

One of the great pains of those in hell is that they know they rejected the invitation of God, they know things could have been different, and they know it’s all their fault. So, we should urge souls not to put off conversion, lest death find them unrepentant.

If you have unconfessed serious sins and mortal sins. Please go to confession immediately. Don’t put it off. God is kind and merciful, but He has made known that he wants sins repented of and absolved as soon as possible.

Today’s Gospel is also a good reminder to make sure your family knows that when you are laying on your deathbed, they should call for a priest. Dear ones, it is not a burden to come to your death bed to offer you the Last Rites. This is why I was ordained. This is why the Bishop sent me to you. So that you could have access to the sacraments. All the other stuff is secondary to ensure that you live and die in God’s friendship, with your sins absolved.

If you are in the hospital, please call for the Catholic priest on duty. If you are in your home, please call your parish.

Finally, our Gospel, along with our first reading urge us, to seek the Lord, and work for the Lord as best as we possibly can at whatever stage we are in life. Whether we are children, teens, young adults, middle age, or seniors. God has work for all of us, no matter our age. If you don’t know what that work is, start with prayer. A good daily prayer for each and everyone of us is “Lord, help me to be faithful in all of the work you have for me today. Help me to be faithful to those opportunities you give me to serve your kingdom. Help me to use my abilities in your service. Show me how I can serve you with more and more of my soul and strength, that at the end of life, I may be counted among your faithful servants, for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.”

September 23 2026 - St. Padre Pio & The White Acura

 

A few days ago, I came across an article relevant to today’s memorial—about a white 1986 Acura Legend which sits beneath a canopy on the grounds of Rosa Mystica House of Prayer in Edmeston, New York.  (https://www.ncregister.com/features/rosa-mystica-place-of-prayer)

On a rainy afternoon in 1997, a man named Anthony Fuina was stopped at a traffic light, in his 1986 Acura Legend when he saw a bearded man approach his car and ask for a ride. He felt compelled to give the bearded man a ride. Now Anthony Fuina had recently undergone a biopsy for a large tumor in his colon. And when the bearded stranger asked if he could place his hand over the area where Fuina had undergone the biopsy, he agreed. As the man prayed Fuina felt an intense warmth and electricity throughout his body.

“You are healed,” the man told him. Later that day, Fuina learned that the tumor was benign. Years later, his daughter gave him a prayer card, bearing a picture of St. Padre Pio. Fuina took one look at the image and broke down in tears. “This is the man I picked up on Hicksville Road.” That was the man who healed him in 1997.

Now Padre Pio died in 1968. But I have heard a number of stories now, where Padre Pio appeared to them and healed, just as he did throughout his earthly life. The miraculous surrounded Padre Pio. God chose this humble capuchin Franciscan Friar to be a reminder of the miraculous, of the saving power of God, of the importance of uniting your life to Jesus Christ, particularly our sufferings, like Padre Pio, who bore the mystical stigmata of our Savior. And even to this day, God continues to employ Padre Pio for miracles, often times for people who had no idea who he was in life, and only later and drawn more deeply to Jesus through him.

By the way, Anthony Fuina, the man who was healed, donated the White Acura Legend to the Rosa Mystica House of Prayer, where Priests hear confessions and people like to sit in the car to pray.

Padre Pio famously urged people to “pray, hope, and don’t worry.” Prayer does not always obtain the answer we want immediately. Sometimes God heals dramatically; sometimes he gives strength to carry the cross; sometimes we pray for years before seeing any fruit at all. But prayer is never wasted. Every prayer offered in faith draws us more deeply into communion with God and can become an instrument of grace for others.

And that is part of the mission of the Church. We are not merely spectators of miracles or admirers of saints. We are called to continue the work of God: to pray for sinners, to encourage the discouraged, to bring people to confession, to invite people back to Mass, to intercede for the sick, and to help souls encounter Jesus Christ.

Padre Pio’s life reminds us that God still acts. Grace is still powerful. Conversion is still possible.

So let us persevere in prayer, even when we do not see immediate results. Let us pray for our families, for those who have fallen away, for the sick, for sinners, and for the mission of the Church. And through the intercession of Saint Padre Pio, may our prayers and sacrifices help bring souls more deeply to Christ, for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

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For the Church, that, following the example of St. Padre Pio, she may be a beacon of Christ’s mercy to all who seek forgiveness and healing . And that priests may imitate the tireless dedication of Padre Pio in their ministry of reconciliation, bringing the love and compassion of Christ to all penitents.

For all Christians, that we may embrace the sufferings and crosses in our lives as opportunities for holiness, trusting that God’s grace will sanctify us and strengthen us to do His will.

For those who are sick and suffering, they may experience healing, both physical and spiritual, and be comforted by the presence of Christ in their trials.

 For all who have fallen away from the faith, that through the mercy of God and the prayers of St. Padre Pio, they may be led to conversion, reconciliation, and a deeper relationship with Christ.

For our parish community, that inspired by Padre Pio’s life of prayer and devotion, we may grow in holiness, seek God’s will in all things, and extend His mercy to others.

For all the faithful departed, that through the mercy of God they may be welcomed into the fullness of eternal life.

Incline your merciful ear to our prayers, we ask, O Lord. listen in kindness to the supplications of those who call on you, and through the intercession of St. Padre Pio and all the saints, grant us what we truly need. Through Christ our Lord.

 

September 16 2026 - Saints Cornelius and Cyprian, martyrs - Courage and Humility

 

Around the year 250, there was a very intentional attempt on the part of the Roman Empire to root out Christians. The vehemently anti-Christian emperor Decius mandated that all citizens had to prove their loyalty to the empire by offering incense to the Roman Gods. The emperor was well aware that Christians could not commit this act because for us it was both an act of idolatry—worshipping a false God—and apostasy—publicly denying our belief in Jesus Christ.

Some Christians tried to skirt around the mandate by bribing authorities to obtain a document which stated that they offered the pagan sacrifice without actually having to offer it. But that document still marked them as apostates.  

There were several notable martyrs of this persecution, including the Pope, Pope Fabian. Others went into hiding to avoid both martyrdom and having to commit this act.

A new Pope was elected, Pope Cornelius, whom we honor today. And Pope Cornelius had a challenging question to answer: can those Christian who committed apostasy be returned to Holy Communion? After all, they denied Christ publicly, they publicly separated themselves from the Church.

So, in the year 251, Pope Cornelius called a synod in Rome to discuss this matter. After hearing from his bishops and theologians, he declared that, yes, the apostates could be restored to communion, as long as they underwent what he called “the usual medicines of repentance”.  He affirmed that through penance and firm purpose of amendment, a sinner could be readmitted to Communion again.

Pope Cornelius was supported in this pronouncement by many bishops, but especially St. Cyprian, whom we also honor today, the most important bishop in North Africa, and one of the most important theologians and writers of the time.

All these centuries later, we still have a letter St. Cyprian wrote to Pope Cornelius describing how they would likely undergo their own struggles, and prayed that they would keep the faith through them. And he was right, two years later, Pope Cornelius was martyred when Decius’ successor, the emperor Trebonianus Gallus fired upon the persecutions again. Eventually, the persecutions reached Carthage in North Africa, and Cyprian was martyred under the Emperor Valerian in 258.

I love this story because it is such a vivid picture of the Church trying to be faithful amidst the hostility of the world both to the seriousness of the Gospel and to the mercy of Christ—the Church at her best: uncompromising about the truth, but never despairing of the sinner.

We are all to seek to be faithful to God as we possibly can, knowing that our witness is powerful. And yet, we are also to repent and seek God’s mercy when we fail, knowing that God is full of love, kindness, and mercy for the sinner.

Through the intercession of the saints, may we be serious about avoiding sin, and serious about repentance, courageous in witnessing to the Gospel and humble in seeking mercy, for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

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That the Pope and all the clergy may be effective instruments of mercy, and for the grace and strength to seek out the lost, last, and least.

That through the intercession of the martyrs Cornelius and Cyprian, lapsed Catholics will be moved to return to the Sacraments.

For an end to government corruption and politically motivated violence, and all forms of greed which breed hatred and war.

For all the needs of the sick and the suffering, the homebound, those in nursing homes and hospitals, the underemployed and unemployed, victims of natural disaster, war, and terrorism, for all those who grieve the loss of a loved one, and those who will die today, for their comfort, and the consolation of their families.

For the repose of the souls of our beloved dead, for all of the poor souls in purgatory, for the deceased members of our families, friends, and parish, for the deceased priests, deacons and religious of the diocese of Cleveland, and for those who have fought and died for our freedom.

Incline your merciful ear to our prayers, we ask, O Lord, and listen in kindness to the supplications of those who call on you. Through Christ our Lord.

 

September 14 2026 - Exaltation of the Holy Cross - Our Only Hope

 

Today marks the celebration of what Pope Saint John Paul II called the symbol of Christianity. Most of us marked ourselves with it upon entering the church today; we began Mass with it, and we will end Mass with it. Essentially, every time Catholics pray, we begin and end our prayer with it. Many of our bedrooms and dining rooms have one. People of all sorts wear it around their necks. The priest holds his arms in this shape during the Eucharistic Prayer. It is the central focal point of every Catholic church. Of course, I am speaking of the Cross.

The early Christians called the Cross Spes Unica—our only hope. O Crux ave, spes unica: Hail, O Cross, our only hope. Grant increase of grace to believers, and remove the sins of the guilty.

Without the Cross, we would have no hope of heaven. Without the Cross, sin would remain unconquered, death would remain undefeated, and the gates of paradise would remain closed. That is why the Cross is our only hope. God has done for us what we were incapable of doing ourselves.

On the Cross, the Lord entered into suffering, humiliation, abandonment, and death, into human hopelessness. But that means, God is present in our crosses. There is no circumstance of human suffering where God cannot be found. Our sufferings, illnesses, griefs, temptations, and humiliations, when united to Christ, become places of grace, purification, conversion, and deeper union with God. There is no situation so dark, that God’s light cannot be found.

Today’s feast is called the Exaltation of the cross.  Literally, from the greek, exaltation means, ‘to bring to light’.  The Christian is charged with bringing the light of the cross to the world and bringing the world to the light of the cross. We are to lift high the cross in our speech and actions. But that often means going out to those who suffer, those who despair, those who have lost sight of God, and helping them to seek the light of Christ in their sufferings.

Yes, we are to fashion crosses for our homes and churches, but we are also to seek out those who feel crucified, alone, forsaken, to help them find hope, healing, and salvation in Christ.

Today is certainly a feast where we focus on the one whom we worship. But the one whom we worship sends us out, to find him, in the crosses of others. The saving grace of the cross impels us to bring the light of God’s love to world grown most dim, for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

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For special blessings upon Pope Leo, on this his birthday—that he may continue to be sustained by the grace of the cross in body and soul.

That the Church may lift high the Cross of Christ, proclaiming salvation in Christ in our words and deeds.

That world leaders may look upon the Son of God, believe in him, and take hold of the peace and justice that only he can bring.

That all whose lives are marked by suffering may discover the saving power of the cross of Christ, and be victorious in all their trials.

For those who struggle because of addiction, mental illness, chronic sickness, unemployment, or ongoing trials of any kind. May Christ, the Divine Physician, bring healing to all of the suffering.

 

That all who have died may experience the eternal life won by the cross of Christ, especially the deceased members of our families, friends, and parish, for my dear priest friend Father Robert Wendelken on the anniversary of his death, and all who have departed this life in faith.

Almighty ever-living God, comfort of mourners, strength of all who toil, may the prayers of those who cry out in any tribulation come before you, that all may rejoice, because in their hour of need your mercy was at hand. Through Christ our Lord. (From Good Friday Petitions)

 

24th Sunday in Ordinary Time 2026 - To forgive is divine

 

 As you listened to the Gospel parable on forgiveness just now did anyone come to mind from your life that you’ve had a hard time forgiving? Someone that hurt you, or offended you, or acted unjustly towards you? Someone that you’ve forgiven several times in the past, and the thought of forgiving them again causes you weariness? Having someone pop into your mind like that, especially at Mass, might be a sign that forgiveness is needed.

Forgiveness. The Lord teaches about forgiveness throughout the Gospels, both plainly and also in parables. In the Lord’s prayer, he teaches us to ask to be forgiven by God as we forgive those who trespass against us. In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus teaches plainly, “forgive and you will be forgiven”. In Mark, he says, “When you stand to pray, forgive anyone against whom you have a grievance, so that your heavenly Father may in turn forgive you your transgressions.”

As he healed the Paralytic man, he said, “Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’ But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he then said to the paralytic, “Rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home.”

And of course from the cross, he cried out, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do”.

In the Gospel today, we hear a parable of the importance of forgiveness and also the consequences of failing to forgive. There was a king who forgave a servant. But when it was that servant’s time to forgive his fellow servant, he refused, and was therefore punished by the king for not following his example of mercy.

We need to practice forgiveness from the heart, meaning not just alleviating people from contractual obligations when they ask for it, but refusing to return evil for evil when we’ve been wounded.

Whether, someone’s face popped into your head or not as you heard this parable about forgiveness, I encourage you to examine your heart toward all people, to ensure that you forgive all people. And if you find the smallest speck of unforgiveness, pray to be delivered from it. Lord, grant me the desire to forgive, and the strength to forgive. Loosen the bonds of unforgiveness in my life.

For the Lord speaks about unforgiveness as a sort of prison today. The one who fails to forgive is imprisoned. Unforgiveness is a form of spiritual imprisonment, restricting us from living in the way that God desires us to live. So, unforgiveness is to have no place in our lives. The refusal to forgive can even keep us from heaven. There is not a single unforgiving soul in heaven. Every soul in heaven is one who has let go of all unforgiveness. You must let go of unforgiveness if you want to go to heaven. For “the measure with which you measure will be measured out to you” as the Lord teaches.

Forgiveness can be challenging when we have not developed the habit of forgiveness. Just as chastity is hard when we have not developed that habit of it, or patience is hard when we have not developed that habit of it.

When we encounter the Lord’s command to forgive, our ego’s might present some resistance. There is a part of us that resists forgiveness because we don’t want to be hurt again. Also, hatred is a powerful drug. It makes you feel powerful where once you experienced powerlessness and victimhood. There’s a thrill in plotting revenge.

Unforgiveness is also hard because the devil does not want us practicing forgiveness, and so he does what he can to tempt us to hold on to hatred. He might flood our imagination with examples of how that person hurt you or might hurt you again in the future, and the pain they caused you. He’ll whisper to you that you are weak  and shame you for turning away from vengeance. For he wants us to harbor resentment, bitterness, and poisonous thoughts and emotions, ungodly, violent and hateful impulses. Why?

Because when we forgive, we are imitating Jesus, who forgave all sins from the cross, loosening us from the devil’s grasp. The Devil hates forgiveness because he hates God. And “To forgive is divine” to quote the poet Alexander Pope. The Catechism says it almost more poetically when it states forgiveness “transfigures the disciple by configuring him to his Master.”

And so the enemy will cloud our intellect and weaken our resolve. He’ll also likely attempt the familiar tactic of procrastination, telling you, you can forgive tomorrow, or some time in the future. And then he fills your tomorrows with enough distractions that you forget about what you heard in Church and read in Scripture.

So, what DOES it mean to forgive? Forgiveness does not mean pretending evil is not evil, or simply forgetting about past wrongs or allowing someone to continue to abuse us. It doesn’t mean we abandon justice. We can forgive someone from the heart while still supporting the societal need for criminals to be punished. Rather, forgiveness means that I refuse to let hatred, bitterness, and resentment to rule my life, to affect how I treat people. It certainly means refusing to return evil for evil.

For the Christian is never to be motivated by evil, but by love, for God, neighbor and enemy. When we forgive we are free to love as we should, but not only that. When we forgive, Wounds from the past are healed. Hatred is replaced with peace. And that peace is a foretaste of heaven. Jesus teaches to forgive because God wants to make his dwelling in our souls.

Now sometimes anger takes such root in the soul that it takes a lot of effort, multiple acts of forgiveness to overcome a deep wound.  After an initial act of forgiveness, little tinges of hatred remain. But as we practice forgiveness more and more, and we ask the Lord to help us to forgive as he forgives, eventually the wound is healed. The part of us that hates is transformed into an instrument of peace.

May the Holy Spirit help us to practice Christ-like forgiveness, may he help us to remember this teaching when we are tempted to forget it, that we may know the peace and joy of Christ in this life and in heaven for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

September 9 2026 - St. Peter Claver - "Slave of slaves"

 

In the age of the explorers and conquistadors, many young men left Europe for the Americas in order to seek out a fortune. St. Peter Claver, a young Jesuit priest, left his native Spain for the Americas for a different reason—not to buildup earthly treasure, but to build up treasure in heaven.

In Cartegena, a port city in modern day Columbia, St. Peter Claver ministered to the African slaves who were brought there to work in the fields and the mines.

When the slave ships entered the port, Peter Claver would board the ships to care for the sick and malnourished. And when the slaves were herded to the slave-market, Peter, would bring them medicine, food, bread, and other items that would help them survive in this new land. 

With the help of interpreters, he gave the slaves basic instructions in the faith; he assured them of their human dignity and the salvation that awaited them in God's kingdom.  During the 40 years of his ministry in Columbia, it is estimated that Claver baptized more 300,000 slaves. 

Peter Claver remarked more than once how it took everything in him at times to go down into the disgusting conditions of the slave-ships filled with filth and stench.  He reminds us that true loving service isn’t always pretty, neat and clean—we might even experience revulsion at the conditions in which the destitute live.  

On this Memorial we read from Matthew 25, the Lord’s teaching on the final judgment, a reminder that service of those in need is never a waste of time. In each slave, to whom he ministered, Peter Claver ministered to Christ himself. And for this, he is counted among the blessed. In the words of Mother Theresa: "At the end of life we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received, how much money we have made, how many great things we have done. We will be judged by "I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was naked and you clothed me.”

We might not be called to enter into the filth of slave-ships, but we are certainly called to enter into the lives of others to help someone other than ourselves today. Again, in the words of Mother Theresa, “If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one."

The saints challenge us, don’t they, out of our comfort, to not be afraid to get our hands dirty and smelly for the sake of the kingdom, to bring the love of Christ to those whom the world discards.

The collect prayer said that St. Peter Claver became a slave of slaves. Each of us does well to prayerfully consider how God is calling us to follow his example of charity, courage, and devotion for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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That all Christians may be diligent in bringing the truth and goodness of the Gospel into every sphere of society.

For an end to slavery, human trafficking, and all forms of inhumane oppression; and for the protection and respect of all human life.

For those whose lives are marked by suffering, illness, or grief, that they may find hope in the promises of Christ.

For the repose of the souls of our beloved dead, for all of the poor souls in purgatory, and for N., for whom this mass is offered.

Heavenly Father, hear the prayers of your pilgrimage Church, through the intercession of St. Peter Claver and all the saints, grant us what we truly need to remain faithful to your Son in all things. Through Christ Our Lord.

September 8 2026 - Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary - Joy and Light

 

Two themes pervade the readings and prayers of this feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary: joy and light.

The Entrance Antiphon gives us the tone of the whole celebration: “Let us celebrate with joy the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, for from her arose the sun of justice, Christ our God.” We rejoice today because Mary’s birth in history announced that the coming of Christ was near. Her nativity was like the first light on the horizon before sunrise. The world was still waiting for the Savior, but already the darkness was beginning to break.

Justice, and our desire for God to set things right, to heal what was wounded by sin, to save us from the mortal wound of sin, to restore what was lost by sin, was about to be fulfilled. And there is joy in that—like a flood of light washing over a world drowning in darkness.

The Prayer after Communion today will repeat those themes of joy and light. We’ll pray, “May your Church exult, O Lord…as she rejoices in the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which was the hope and the daybreak of salvation for all the world.”

And yet, today, we celebrate not just an event that happened millennia ago, but also for our individual souls.

Where Mary is honored, faith in Christ is strengthened. Imitating her virtues, opens our souls more fully to the grace of her Son. She, who bore Christ in her womb, teaches us how to become a dwelling place for God: through humility, purity, obedience, and prayer.

We celebrate joyfully, but also this feast calls to mind our need to turn to our lady’s assistance in overcoming the darkness and selfishness that still afflict us.

Mary will always help those who turn to her assistance to overcome vice, and to know the peace and joy of living more fully for God, as she did. Are you having a hard time seeing the light of God amidst the darkness in your life? Turn to Mary. Are you experiencing the darkness of lonliness or shame? Turn to Mary. Are you confused about what path God wants for you for your future? Turn to Mary.

Turn to Mary that the light of Christ may rise ever more fully in your lives, families, relationships, and in our world, for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

 

That Pope Leo and all members of the Church, like the Virgin Mary, may magnify the goodness of God through word and deed.

That all Christians may find in Mary the paramount example of faithfulness in living out our vocations. May devotion to Mary sanctify families, protect young people from the evils of error and sin, and bring peace to our troubled world.

For an end to indifference to God and human dignity in our communities, institutions, businesses, and personal attitudes. Let us pray to the Lord.

 

During this month of September, dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows, we pray for all those who grieve, and that we may grieve sufficiently for our sins. Let us pray to the Lord.

 

For those who struggle because of addiction, mental illness, chronic sickness, unemployment, or ongoing trials of any kind. May Christ, the Divine Physician, bring healing to all of the suffering. Let us pray to the Lord.

 

For the deceased members of our family and friends, for all of the poor souls in purgatory…

 

We pray, O Lord our God, that the Virgin Mary, who merited to bear God and man in her chaste womb, may commend the prayers of your faithful in your sight. Through Christ our Lord.