Tomorrow we celebrate the feast of St Anthony of Padua. He is perhaps the most well known, if not best love Saint in the Church. He is the one we pray to when we have lost something - the Finder of Lost things.
The lily flower has always been associated with Saint Anthony as a symbol of his purity. There is a lovely tradition of blessing lilies in his honour on his feast day.
At the end of the 12:15 Mass tomorrow we will bless lilies in his honour. If you see this post in time and want to come along then you will be most welcome.
The Prayer of Blessing is as follows:
O God, Who art the Creator and Preserver of all mankind, the Lover of spotless purity, the Giver of all grace and everlasting life, sanctify by Thy holy benediction these lilies, which in thanksgiving, and in honour of St. Anthony, Thy Confessor, we present for Thy blessing. Pour down upon them, by the sacred sign of the holy Cross, Thy heavenly dew, Thou Who didst so kindly create them to gladden man by their beauty and fragrance; enrich them with such power, that to whatsoever disease they may be applied, or in whatsoever home they may be kept, or on whatsoever person they may be borne with devotion, through the intercession of Thy servant, Anthony, they may cure every sickness, repel the attacks of Satan, preserve holy chastity, and bring peace and grace to all who serve Thee. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
[Spare a little prayer for me too as I celebrate the anniversary of my ordination to the Priesthood]
O God, Who art the Creator and Preserver of all mankind, the Lover of spotless purity, the Giver of all grace and everlasting life, sanctify by Thy holy benediction these lilies, which in thanksgiving, and in honour of St. Anthony, Thy Confessor, we present for Thy blessing. Pour down upon them, by the sacred sign of the holy Cross, Thy heavenly dew, Thou Who didst so kindly create them to gladden man by their beauty and fragrance; enrich them with such power, that to whatsoever disease they may be applied, or in whatsoever home they may be kept, or on whatsoever person they may be borne with devotion, through the intercession of Thy servant, Anthony, they may cure every sickness, repel the attacks of Satan, preserve holy chastity, and bring peace and grace to all who serve Thee. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
[Spare a little prayer for me too as I celebrate the anniversary of my ordination to the Priesthood]
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| The MC gives the command Hold up your lilies!!! |
1 comment:
That MC, bless him, would say that! Father would be delighted he did!!
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