April 7, 2006 is the 500th anniversary of the birth of St. Francis Xavier, the patron saint of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood. I invite everyone on Friday to pray for our congregation through the intercession of St. Francis Xavier as we remember the anniversary of his birth. Blessing to you in this Lenten journey.
St. Francis Xavier, many are the needs of the Church in our day. The workers in the vineyard of the Lord are few; the enemies of the Church, many. We implore you to obtain from God priestly and missionary vocations who will courageously extend God’s kingdom and apply the merits of the Blood of his Son. Intercede at the throne of God that Christians everywhere may spread the true faith through genuine witness of Christian life and love. May the message of God’s love penetrate to the far corners of the earth. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit unite us all in one faith. Amen
Thank you for the lovely prayer. I wonder why St. Francis Xavier didn't make it into the Breviary?
Francis Xavier's feast is Dec 3; birth days into heaven are the ones we usually celebrate.
For more fun stuff and the official prayers for the 2006 Jesuit Jubilees, go to
www.jesuit.org