Solemnity for All Saints Day

The saints are not "up there" distant and out of reach; they are our spiritual family. “Once you enter into friendship with God, everything in your life begins to change … You are attracted to the practice of virtue.”

Pope Benedict on sainthood. 

Readings

Rev 7: 2-4, 9-14: I saw an immense crowd, beyond hope of counting, of people from every nation, race, tribe and language.

Ps 23:1-6: Response: Lord this is the people that longs to see your face.

1 John 3:1-3: We shall see God as he really is.

Alleluia alleluia. Come to me all you who labour and are burdened, and I will give you rest, says the Lord. Alleluia!

Mt 5:1-12: Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.

Kia inoi tatou - Let us pray

'He began to teach them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.” '

Jesus, we pray with those who are poor in spirit,

and all who hunger and thirst now for righteousness.

St Francis of Assisi, show us how to care and protect

our sacred brother earth and sister sky

and all creatures who bring life to earth.

St Mother Theresa, teach us how to feed

all God's hungry people, give shelter to the homeless 

and bind their wounds.

St Luke, protect all doctors and nurses and

all in the medical profession taking care

of the sick and dying.

Sts Martin de Porres and Peter Claver,

teach us to work towards inter-racial 

justice and harmony.

Venerable Suzanne Aubert Meri Hōhepa, 

who devoted her life to the poor, sick

and underprivileged, show us how to follow in her footsteps.

(Feel free to add in your own prayers to saints who are significant to you and your community.) 

Amen

Adapted from Anne Osdieck, St Louis University and from the Sisters of Compassion Aotearoa.

Suggestions for Our Prayers of Intercession

For inspiration: that we may draw strength and courage from the witness of saints, both the famous and the ordinary, who have touched our lives...

For this community of faith: that our worship may be joined with the saints and draw us into greater communion with God...

For a greater awareness of God’s grace at work within us, attracting us to the practice of virtue ...