June

June 1
Saint Justin
martyr

Jesus, the Christ,
We thank You and praise You
     for suffering, dying and rising to new life.
Help us to understand the message of Saint Justin,
     that God’s favor rests on all who lead good lives.
Like our honored saint,
     may we seek the truth
     and be faithful to our beliefs.
Bless us with the wisdom of Your cross
     this day and every day
     both now and forever.
          AMEN.
Saint Justin, PRAY FOR US.

June 5
Saint Boniface
monk & apostle to Germany

Ever-living and ever-loving God,
In every land You show Your divine guidance and care.
May we, like Saint Boniface, witness and proclaim
     the saving love of Jesus.
Create a Spirit of Hospitality in our hearts
     to welcome even the stranger
     and the estranged in our midst
May we help to nurture health of all
     in body, mind and spirit.
In the name of the Father,
     and of the Son,
     and of the Holy Spirit.
          AMEN.
Saint Boniface, PRAY FOR US.

June 6
Saint Norbert
monk & martyr

Christ, the Good Shepherd,
Your loving care extends to the lost and forgotten ones.
As Saint Norbert was converted from wealth and luxury
     to spiritual renewal, send Your Spirit of love
     to gently soften the hardness of our hearts.
Help us to value a simple lifestyle
     and become messengers of Your peace.
May Gospel values be our guide
     both now and forever.
          AMEN.
Saint Norbert, PRAY FOR US.

June 11
Saint Barnabas
disciple, preacher

Great and wonderful God of the Universe,
In every age, You call disciples to proclaim Your Good News.
Strengthen our faith,
     so that, like Saint Barnabas,
     we may give encouragement to others.
Bless us this day with a Spirit of Zeal,
     to listen to Your Word of love
     especially in the people that we meet.
This we ask in the name of the Father,
     and of the Son,
     and of the Holy Spirit.
          AMEN.
Saint Barnabus, PRAY FOR US.

June 13
Saint Anthony of Padua
priest

Glorious God of all time,
Your goodness extends to all peoples and nations.
May Saint Anthony help us to find ourselves
     and anything that is lost or forgotten.
May our words teach and our actions speak
     with kindness and gentleness.
Help us to be patient with all of our problems.
This we ask through Jesus, the Christ, our Lord,
     in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
     now and forever.
          AMEN.
Saint Anthony, PRAY FOR US.

June 21
Saint Aloysius Gonzaga
religious

God of all seasons,
Your many gifts are as varied
     as spring, summer, fall and winter.
May Saint Aloysius be our model
     of prayerful faith and purity of heart.
Keep us ever young in spirit.
May we care for each other
     as Saint Aloysius cared for the sick.
This we ask in Jesus’ name.
          AMEN.
Saint Aloysius, PRAY FOR US.

June 22
Saint John Fisher & Saint Thomas More
Martyrs

Holy God of Mystery,
You inspire goodness, truth and beauty.
Give us courage to proclaim our faith
     by the witness of our lives.
As Saints John Fisher and Thomas More
     stood by their convictions,
     may we live by the guidance
     of our conscience.
     both now and forever.
          AMEN.
Saint John Fisher, PRAY FOR US.
Saint Thomas More, PRAY FOR US.

June 24
The Birth of John the Baptist

Great God of the Covenant,
You always find ways to be in the midst of Your people.
You sent Saint John the Baptist
     to call people to prayer and penance,
     preparing the way for Jesus, the Messiah.
Save us from doubts and confusion.
Prepare our hearts for the coming of the Holy One.
Bless us with strong faith, enduring hope
     and abiding love
     all the days of our life.
This we ask through Christ, our Lord.
          AMEN.
Saint John the Baptist, PRAY FOR US.

June 27
Saint Cyril of Alexandria
Bishop

Merciful God,
You can reveal Your loving kindness even in controversy.
Keep us faithful to your commandments,
     like Saint Cyril.
Brighten our day with the presence of dedicated people.
Help us to lift the burdens of others
     with a smile and a good word.
This we ask through Christ, our Lord.
          AMEN.
Saint Cyril, PRAY FOR US.

June 28
Saint Irenaeus
bishop & martyr

God of Truth,
We praise and thank you for Your wonderful revelation to us.
May we seek unity and peace like Saint Irenaeus,
     and guard against all falsehood and lies.
At the beginning of this new day,
     fill us with joy and peace.
Renew us in faith
     and help us to honor You with our lives.
We ask this through Jesus, the Christ,
     in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
     both now and forever.
          AMEN.
Saint Irenaeus, PRAY FOR US.

June 29
Saints Peter & Paul
apostles

Jesus, the Messiah of God,
You called ordinary people to be your special friends.
May Saint Peter and Saint Paul teach us
     how to follow You in love.
Give us a clear understanding of our own faults,
     and help us to tolerate those of other people.
Fill us with enthusiasm for Your divine Word.
Bless us with a spirit of zealous mission
     proclaiming that You are the Lord God.
In Your holy name we pray.
          AMEN.
Saint Peter, PRAY FOR US.
Saint Paul, PRAY FOR US.