Praying in the Spirit of Catherine McAuley

Suscipe

My God, I am yours
for time and eternity.
Teach me to cast my whole self
into the arms of your loving Providence
with the most lively unbounded confidence
in your compassionate, tender pity.
Grant O Most Merciful redeemer,
that whatever you ordain or permit
may be always acceptable to me.
Take from my heart all painful anxiety.
Suffer nothing to afflict me but sin;
nothing to delight me but the joy
of coming into the presence of You,
my God,
in your own everlasting kingdom.
Amen.

(Pause for silent contemplation)
 

Morning Offering

O compassionate Jesus, look on me today with tenderness and give me the grace to walk on the path of mercy marked out for those who follow you. May all I do today reflect your merciful love. Amen.
 

Prayer for Benefactors

Provident God, pour out your blessings on our benefactors. Their goodness has encouraged us; their gifts have enhanced our efforts to recreate your merciful presence in our world. In gratitude, we ask you to reward them with signs of your generous love and, when their lives on earth are over, to welcome them to your heavenly banquet. Amen.
 

Prayer for New Ministries

Loving God, you have promised to be with us as we journey. You helped those who have gone before us to establish ministries that served your people. In time of hardship, scarcity and joy, you were with them and blessed their efforts. We ask your blessing upon this new ministry so that what you now begin in us may prosper through your life-giving Spirit.  May we always desire what you will. If it pleases you, may this ministry flourish and bring life to your people. This we ask of you, confident that whatever we ask in the name of Jesus will be granted. Amen.
 

Prayer for Protection

Mary, Mother of Mercy, we pray for safety in our dwelling. May its roof and walls shield us from harm and danger of any kind. May they preserve us from fire and flood and from storms within and without. May its windows reflect the beauty of the world in which you have placed us. May its doors always open wide in hospitality. You created the dwelling in which Jesus grew in wisdom, age and grace. Bless us as we strive to make his life the pattern of our own. We ask this through your loving intercession. Amen.
 

Prayer for Sisters in Leadership

Holy Wisdom, Spirit of Truth, be with our sisters who have been called to the ministry of leadership. Strengthen them to do what is needed to further the reign of justice and mercy in our world. Give them words that animate and challenge us to action. Give them vision and perception to read the signs of our times. Give them hearts of compassion to understand the needs of your suffering people.

God of Mercy, stir up in them the same passion that impelled Catherine McAuley to respond to the needs of her time. May her spirit find expression in them. Protect them from weariness and discouragement. Bless them with the sure knowledge of your presence and providence, now and always. This we ask in the name of Jesus. Amen.
 

Prayer for Guidance

Come, O life-giving Spirit, transform us. Stir up in us the flame of love which is your gift. Give us wisdom to see as you see. Give us understanding to hear as you hear. Give us courage and strength to walk the way of justice and integrity. Kindle in us wonder and awe, that we may have grateful spirits. You who dwell within us, praying unceasingly, fill us with love and devotion. Holy Wisdom, guide us in the choices we must make. Give us discerning hearts that we may choose what is good, in accord with your desire. Loving God of Mercy, finish in us the work you have begun. Amen.
 

Litany of Mercy Founders

The Sisters of Mercy throughout the world owe a great debt of gratitude to the women who founded the first Convent of Mercy on Baggot Street, Dublin, and the nine additional foundations established during the lifetime of Catherine McAuley. From these ten houses subsequently came all the future communities of Mercy. Inspired by the courage, mercifulness and self-sacrifice of these first Mercy Founders and their descendants, we pray for the continuation of their brave spirit of founding in our lives.

Women of Mercy throughout all time, we, your sisters, ask you to draw near to us in these days. May the legacy of your love and commitment be our treasure. May your passion for the poor be our passion. May our lives poured out in the service of your brothers and sisters be a light and witness to you.

Spirit of Mercy,              live in us

Spirit of Catherine,         animate us

Mothers of Mercy,           pray for us

Catherine McAuley,         pray for us

Mary Ann Doyle,             pray for us

Mary Elizabeth Harley,    pray for us

Mary Angela Dunne,       pray for us

Mary Frances Warde,      pray for us

Mary Clare Moore,          pray for us

Mary Elizabeth Moore,     pray for us

Mary Teresa White,        pray for us

Mary Aloysius Scott,       pray for us

Mary Juliana Hardman,   pray for us
 

God of Mercy, you have given us the gift of the memory and deeds of these faithful women. Through the example of their loving kindness and compassion may we be inspired to center our lives in you and to extend your merciful love to your people. May those who have taught us how to live mercy strengthen us through their intercession. This we ask in the name of Jesus. Amen.