TIME AFTER PENTECOST
Commemoration of Bernard of Clairvaux, Abbot
St. Bernard of Clairvaux. Bernard, sometimes called “the last of the fathers,” was born in 1090 in France. His mother died when he was seventeen, and he was deeply affected. He, with four of his brothers, entered a Benedictine monastery, and three years later he was chosen as abbot of a new monastery at Clairvaux. There he was ordained priest. Despite his authoritarianism, Bernard was a man of spiritual attractiveness, powerful eloquence, zealous in defense of the faith. He enriched the devotion of the Church by his mystical writings and by hymns, which are still sung. He died at his monastery in 1153.
In the name of the Father, (+) and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
In the morning: Psalm 36
In the evening: Psalm 117
Read hymn “Jesus, the very thought of Thee”
One or more of the following lessons:
In the morning: Benedictus Dominus Deus
In the evening: Magnificat
Prayer of the Day
Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole Church is governed and sanctified: Receive our supplications and prayers, which we offer before you for all members of your holy Church, that in their ministry they may truly and devoutly serve you; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Heavenly Father, your servant Bernard was filled with zeal for your house and was a radiant light in your Church: In your mercy grant that we may be filled with this spirit of zeal and walk always as children of light; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Pray for the holy ministry
For all ministers of the Church
For monastic orders throughout Christianity
For all Christians in their vocation
For patience in doing the work of God
For a deepened life of prayer
For grace to contemplate the life of Christ
The Lord almighty bless (+) us, and direct our days and our deeds in his peace.