Let Us Pray

Let Us Pray. . , “They do not cease to intercede with the Father for us, as they proffer the merits which they acquired on earth through the one mediator between God and men, Christ Jesus.” , Catechism of the Catholic Church 956, “On last Sunday he (Fr. McGivney) preached his farewell sermon. ... He said that, like St. Paul, he had been called upon to part. He was before them today to say the sad words ‘goodbye.’ For seven years he had been in this beloved parish of St. Mary’s. He had prepared the little ones for their first communion, and had late and early visited the sick as well as attending to his other duties as a priest. If he had ever been seemingly severe or austere he asked forgiveness. Whatever he had done had been in the interest of morality, in justice to religion, and for the people’s spiritual welfare. He prayed that they would finally all meet in Heaven, where there are no partings, and where none are called upon to say ‘goodbye.’” , Connecticut Catholic, Nov. 15, 1884, Vol. IX, 29, The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) describes “an exchange of spiritual goods” (CCC 955) that exists by the mystery of God, between those who have died, and we who remain as pilgrims on earth. God allows the prayers and sacrifices of those still on pilgrimage, on the way towards eternity, to have efficacy in assisting those who are being purified in order to enter into the presence of God: “Our prayer for them is capable not only of helping them, but also of making their intercession for us effective.” (CCC 958), Conversely, those souls who are in the presence of God , know and love as God knows and loves. As the Catechism speaks about those who are in heaven: “Being more closely united to Christ, those who dwell in heaven fix the whole Church more firmly in holiness [...] They do not cease to intercede with the Father for us, as they proffer the merits which they acquired on earth through the one mediator between God and men, Christ Jesus[...] So by their fraternal concern is our weakness greatly helped.” (CCC 956) , “Do not weep, for I shall be more useful to you after my death and I shall help you then more effectively than during my life.” , Saint Dominic , On earth, Father McGivney labored for all he served: his parishioners and students, widows, orphans, men, prisoners, the addicted, the unemployed, those with cancer, those estranged from their families, young adults, those far from God or far from the practice of the faith. From heaven, Blessed McGivney intercedes still for all those who ask his help, including you. So let us pray. , Authors: Micha³ Luczewski and Krzysztof Noworyta, (prayer) , God, our Father, protector of the poor and defender of the widow and orphan, you called your priest, Blessed Michael McGivney, to be an apostle of Christian family life and to lead the young to the generous service of their neighbor. Through the example of his life and virtue, may we follow your Son, Jesus Christ, more closely, fulfilling his commandment of charity and building up his Body which is the Church. Let the inspiration of your servant prompt us to greater confidence in your love so that we may continue his work of caring for the needy and the outcast. We humbly ask that you glorify Blessed Michael McGivney on earth according to the design of your holy will. Through his intercession, grant the favor I now present (here make your request). Through Christ our Lord. Amen., (Illustration caption) , Chaz Fagan, Knights of Columbus Museum Collection