The Aquinas Files: 10/01/2008

Thursday, October 23, 2008

A Great Prayer in Honor of St. Paul

Here's a great prayer that my parish is using in connection with our special study on the Pauline Epistles for the Year of St. Paul. The prayer was composed initially by the Diocese of Harrisburg, PA, but we liked it so much that we adopted it for use here at St. John, Westminster. It's a really great prayer that touches on a lot of the major themes Paul writes about in his letters. I hope you like it!

Prayer for the Year of St. Paul

God our Father, source of mercy and truth,
through the preaching of St. Paul the Apostle,
You teach us and deepen our faith.

Grant that we may follow St. Paul's example
and grow in holiness.
Strengthen us to continually turn
our hearts and minds to You.

Enliven us to live by the Spirit
in faith, hope, and charity.
Inspire us to hand on to others
what we have received from You.

Fortify us to pour out ourselves
and serve You with humility and compassion.
Move us to unite ourselves
to the sufferings of Christ, that we may
die with Him in order to rise with Him.

Help us to trust that nothing
can separate us from Your love.

Direct us to seek only the things of heaven
so that after running the race
and fighting the good fight,
we might share the crown of glory
promised to those who love You.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen
Saint Paul the Apostle, pray for us.

So, what's with the name?

So, you're wondering why this blog is called The Aquinas Files? I've named it after the great St. Thomas Aquinas, a Dominican theologian and philosopher. The inspiration to make him this blog's patron comes out of a strong devotion that I've had for St. Thomas at least as far back as my Confirmation. St. Thomas was a brilliant saint, who ran after the Lord with all his heart and mind (especially his mind). I've always found in him a great companion and guide in my own intellectual journey to find God's Truth in the world. And so the reason for this blog: I want to reflect on God and His work in the Church throughout the world, in every way He shows Himself. So, take a peek today at some of my articles and maybe you'll learn something new. Whether you do or not, I still hope that I've led you closer to Christ in some small way. Sancte Thoma de Aquino, ora pro nobis!

About the Author

Joseph Langan is a seminarian studying to become a priest of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Baltimore. In May 2008, he completed his Philosophical studies at the College Seminary-St. Andrew's Hall, Seton Hall University, in South Orange, New Jersey. For the past three years he has been receiving formation at the Pontifical North American College in Rome, while studying theology at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross. There he completed his Sacred Theology Baccalaureate (S.T.B.) in June, 2012. He is now on Pastoral Year at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Glyndon, Maryland.

Any questions or comments about The Aquinas Files? E-mail Joe at langanjoe@gmail.com.

Holy Father's Prayer Intentions

October

General:
That Catholic Universities may more and more be places where, in the light of the Gospel, it is possible to experience the harmonious unity existing between faith and reason.

Mission:
That the World Mission Day may afford an occasion for understanding that the task of proclaiming Christ is an absolutely necessary service to which the Church is called for the benefit of humanity.

Prayer for the Holy Father

O God, the Shepherd and Ruler of all the faithful, graciously look upon Thy servant Benedict whom Thou hast been pleased to appoint pastor over Thy Church: grant, we beseech Thee, that by both word and example he may edify those over whom he is set, and together with the flock committed to his care, may attain to eternal life.

Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who lives and reigns with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.