Prayers to Mercedarian Saints
PRAYERS TO OUR MERCEDARIAN SAINTS
BLESSED MARY ANN OF JESUS NAVARRO, VIRGIN
Patroness of devotion to the blessed Sacrament and of the Lay Fraternities
(Feast: April 17th).
O God, who through your virgin Blessed Mary Ann, has given us a model of fervent devotion to your Son, present in the Blessed Sacrament, grant us the grace we need, that we too, may always receive the Holy Eucharist worthily. In Blessed Mary Ann, you have given us an example of profound devotion to the Mother of your Son, a witness to fasting in her honor on Saturdays and the vigils of her feasts. You graced her to remain centered on you in her conversation, prayer, and work. Nurture within us that same childlike devotion and discipline with which you blessed Mary Ann, so that others will come to know and love your Son in the Holy Eucharist and our holy Mother Mary. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
SAINT PETER ARMENGOL, MARTYR
Patron for the conversion of the youth
(Feast: April 27th).
We praise you, Saint Peter Armengol, for your glorious martyrdom. After your dissolute youth, your observance of strict penance and burning charity were the fruit of your unbounded love for Christ Crucified and of the love which God and his holy Mother Mary graced you. Come to our aid in times of trouble and obtain for us the assistance of our holy Mother. We recall that, out of hatred for Christians, the Moslems hung you from a tree. It was the Mother of God who sustained you for three days in her own arms saving you from death. Pray to her for us, that she will be with us in our final hour. We acknowledge that we too have sinned, yet, like you, we desire to be converted. Pray for us, that we may remain faithful stewards in God's service and continue to be zealous for the salvation of souls. Obtain for us, Saint Peter Armengol, a love for prayer, for penance, and our neighbor, so that we may rejoice with you and all the saints in eternity. Amen.
SAINT RAYMOND NONNATUS, PRIEST
Patron of those falsely accused, of expectant mothers, of Christian family life, and of the unborn
(Feast Day: August 31)
Lord God, the family is the most ancient institution of mankind, for it is as old as man himself. Since it is your own institution, and the means by which new life is brought into this world so all may develop to the greatest perfection, the forces of evil are assaulting it; causing mankind to despise this basic unit of Christian civilization. In suicidal fury, they seek to deal it a mortal blow. Let them not succeed, Lord, in their destructive designs on the Christian family. Through the intercession of Saint Raymond Nonnatus, advocate in heaven for the happiness, welfare, and peace of Christian families, we beg you to hear our prayers. By the merits of this great saint, and our brother, grant that all homes may ever be modeled after the Holy Family of Nazareth. Let not the enemies of Christian family life triumph in their sacrilegious attacks, but rather convert them to the truth for the glory of your holy name. Amen.
SAINT MARY OF CERVELLON, VIRGIN AND FOUNDRESS
Patroness of Mercedarian nuns, sisters, of navigators, and of the abandoned.
(Feast Day: September 19)
O wondrous Virgin and example of contemplation, Saint Mary of Cervellon, your watchful protection has never failed those at sea, and your miraculous assistance has overcome the most horrendous storms. Come to our aid in the dangers and the upheavals of life. Obtain for us a true Christian sensitivity for those who are victims of chains and sufferings, which weigh down all in body and spirit. As you followed Saint Peter Nolasco in the spirit of redemption, intercede for our neediest brothers and sisters that they may remain steadfast in their Faith and not despair. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
SAINT SERAPION, MARTYR
Patron of the sick (Feast Day: November 14)
We hail you, Saint Serapion, our brother and example of courage in the face of martyrdom. You freely detached yourself from honors and riches to follow our Saviour in chastity, poverty, and obedience; with zeal for the redemption of captive Christians and those enslaved by sin. Obtain for us a spirit of humility and charity; for you spared no sacrifice in defending the Faith but rather gave yourself for the freedom of those in danger of apostasy. Pray for us, our brother, Saint Serapion, that we may always persevere in living our Faith, loving our neighbor, and avoiding what leads us into sin. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
SAINT PETER PASCHASIUS, BISHOP, MARTYR
Patron of Mercedarian Students and defender of the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception.
(Feast Day: December 6)
O great apostle of the Gospel, Saint Peter Paschasius, yours was the glorious mission of instructing the Faithful by preaching, writing, and above all by the witness of your life. Help us to live, always faithful to the ideals of the Gospel. You heroically spent your life, offering yourself in ransom for the freedom of your fellow captives. Obtain for us the grace to always be aware of the sufferings that our brothers and sisters may be enduring, even to the point of giving our own lives for their benefit. With childlike devotion, you wrote about Mary, our Mother. Together with her, intercede also for the Church, that she may not be lacking inspired and holy pastors who are willing to offer their lives for their flock. With your assistance, aid our students in their studies of the Sacred Sciences and the Word of God. May all of us prove to be authentic sons and daughters of Mary, so we may always love, live, and defend the Faith and manifest this in our works of charity. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.