I know I cannot just strive “to save my soul.” Your call of love compels me to be open to all creation and especially to those who have less in life, the poor, the homeless, the refugee, the hungry, the imprisoned, the sick, all those in need. This seems overwhelming. Yet each act of kindness and generosity no matter how simple is important. Please bear with my reluctance and limits. Inspire my heart to burn with a freeing love for others. Amen. – Columban Fr. John Comiskey
April 27, 2016
Oh God, In Saint Peregrine You give us the example Of patient suffering, Of fidelity to prayer in spite of pain, And of dedication to helping the sick. I humbly ask That through Peregrine’s love for the sick You will comfort me in my illness, Through the help of his prayers You will strengthen me in my weakness, And through the example of his patience You will enable me to cope with my cancer. Though his intercession help me To open my heart to your healing love, And so come closer to you. Amen.
April 20, 2016
Grant me, O Lord, good digestion, and also something to digest. Grant me a healthy body, and the necessary good humor to maintain it. Grant me a simple soul that knows to treasure all that is good and that doesn't frighten easily at the sight of evil, but rather finds the means to put things back in their place. Give me a soul that knows not boredom, grumblings, sighs and laments, nor excess of stress, because of that obstructing thing call "I". Grant me, O Lord, a sense of good humor. Allow me the grace to be able to take a joke to discover in life a bit of joy, and to be able to share it with others. Amen - St. Thomas More
April 13, 2016
Lord, give us missionaries who have enthusiasm for the Gospel, zeal for the salvation of your people, courage in leadership, humility in service, hunger for justice, and a love of community with one another and with all their brothers and sisters in You.
April 6, 2016
Dear Jesus, you met Mary Magdalene after you rose from the dead but at first she did not recognize you. She thought you were the gardener. At times I fail to realize your presence in my life. I get too busy making plans and doing things. I may get so concerned in my own worries that I forget the healing your presence gives. I am not attentive to you as you show yourself in the poor or those in need. Open my eyes, open my mind, open my heart. Amen – Fr. John Comiskey
March 30, 2016
Blessed are the merciful, those who remember how much has been forgiven them, and are able to extend this forgiveness into the lives of others. For they too shall receive God’s mercy.
March 23, 2016
To feel for the hurt of others, to know how they feel because you’ve felt that way before, to want to help others who are in trouble.
March 10, 2016
We Will Think of Them Changed Into Glory Even though I feel the loss, and sadness presses heavy down, yet memories linger on, a melody of flowers to ease the pain of parting. Lord, one little flower that perishes is clothed by you in splendor and glory, and how much more then we, we who are made imperishable, who are loved by you eternally.
February 25, 2016
The Lord is faithful in all his words, and gracious in all his deeds. The Lord upholds all who are falling, and raises up all who are bowed down.
February 10, 2016
Lord, by the power Of your holy cross, Take away From my heart All hatred All bitterness, All false pride, All manipulation Of others. Fill my heart With your love, Heal all painful memories, Free me from all my sins And from every evil. Amen
January 28, 2016
Dear Jesus, Your loving mercy touches our hearts and gives us new life. Your example challenges us to be merciful in turn. While forgiving forms part, mercy involves much more. A deep seated compassion for all peoples and creatures sets the foundation for the living signs of mercy. Teach us to see as you see, to feel as you feel, to judge as you judge, and to love as you love. Amen
January 20, 2016
Help Me Grow Strong Again It’s wonderful after illness to feel your strength returning to feel your old self again, to start getting on top of things. But it takes time and patience, just getting back into routine, into the swing of things can seem like a mountain to climb, a challenge too far. Lord, help me grow strong again, help me each step of the way so that taking one step at a time, with your help I will come out on top.
The Columbans are a society of missionaries, including priests and lay people, who minister to people of various cultures as a way of witnessing to the universal love of God.