November 2023: Prayers and Reflections
Prayers and Reflections
November 2023
The Pope’s Monthly Intention
For the Pope: We pray for the Holy Father; as he fulfils his mission, may he continue to accomany the flock entrusted to him, with the help of the Holy Spirit.
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The Commemoration of all the Faithful Departed
2 November
All Souls. ‘Indeed, the Church in its pilgrim members, from the very earliest days of the Christian religion, has honoured with great respect the memory of the dead; and ‘because it is a holy and a wholesome thought to pray for the dead that they may be loosed from their sins’ (2 Mac 12:46) she offers her suffrages for them.
Norms for Indulgences at the Commemoration of All Souls
From twelve o’clock noon on 1 November until midnight on 2 November, all who have confessed, received Holy Communion and prayed for the pope’s intentions (one Our Father and Hail Mary, or any other prayer of one’s choice) can gain one plenary indulgence by visiting a church or oratory, and there reciting one Our Father and the Apostle’s Creed. This indulgence is applicable only to the souls of the departed. Confession may be made at any time within the week preceding or the week following 1 November. Holy Communion may be received on any day from 1 November to 8 November. The faithful who visit a cemetery and pray for the dead may gain a plenary indulgence applicable only to the Holy Souls on the usual conditions once per day from 1 to 8 November. The conditions mentioned above apply also for this.
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Prayer to St Columban Feast day • 23 November
O Blessed Columban, who in your zeal to follow Christ left your homeland as a wanderer and spent your life in suffering and exile.
Help and protect, we humbly ask you, the missionaries of our day who have devoted their lives to preaching the Gospel throughout the world.
Obtain for them, we ask you, that same wisdom and fortitude by which you overcame the dangers, which beset your path.
Assist and protect us dear St Columban to live for God’s glory
that when our pilgrimage is over, we may share with you in the joy of our heavenly home, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Source: ‘St Columban’ publication © The Prayer Trust
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Prayer to St Cecilia for our Parish Choir Feast day • 22 November
Eternal God, you gave us the gift of St Cecilia, a powerful protector and patron of music. We strive to pass our days faithfully and innocently like holy St. Cecilia so that we may come to Heaven where we may praise You in concert with her. God the Holy Spirit, Have mercy on us. Holy Trinity, one God, Have mercy on us. St Cecilia, special patron of singers, musicians and authors. Pray for us!
The Newman Centre
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Prayer for Prisoners’ Sunday • 5 November
Lord, you offer freedom to all people. We pray for those in prison. Break the bonds of fear and isolation that exist. Support with your love prisoners and their families and friends, prison staff and all who care. Heal those who have been wounded by the actions of others, especially the victims of crime. Help us to forgive one another, to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly together with Christ in his strength and in his Spirit, now and every day. Amen.
psalisburycatholics.org
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Week of Witness Campaign • 20-27 November 2023
Remembering Christians around the world who have been persecuted because of their faith.
Prayer for Persecuted Christians
O God of all the nations,
the One God who is and was and always will be,
in your providence you willed that your Church
be united to the suffering of your Son.
Look with mercy on your servants
who are persecuted for their faith in you.
Grant them perseverance and courage
to be worthy imitators of Christ.
Bring your wisdom upon leaders of nations
to work for peace among all peoples.
May your Spirit open conversion
for those who contradict your will,
that we may live in harmony.
Give us the grace to be united in truth and freedom,
and to always seek your will in our lives.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Prayer of blessing for an Advent Wreath
A minister who is a priest or deacon says the prayer of blessing with hands outstretched; a lay minister says the prayer with hands joined.
Lord God, your Church joyfully awaits the coming of its Saviour, who enlightens our hearts and dispels the darkness of ignorance and sin.
Pour forth your blessings upon us as we light the candles of this wreath; may their light reflect the splendor of Christ, who is Lord, for ever and ever. Amen.
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