Solemnity of SS. Peter and Paul, Apostles

Please pray for the eleven young men from St Mary's College, Oscott, who were ordained to the diaconate yesterday, including three for the Archdiocese of Birmingham: Rev Sean Gough (right), Rev Benedict Skipper (2nd from right) and Rev Alex Taylor (2nd from left). 🙏

Deo gratias!

From the Prayer of Consecration:
"Almighty God, ... in the first days of your Church under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the apostles of your Son appointed seven men of good repute to assist them in the daily ministry, so that they themselves might be more free for prayer and preaching. ... Look with favour on these servants of yours, whom we now dedicate to the office of deacon, to minister at your holy altar. Lord, send forth upon them the Holy Spirit, that they may be strengthened by the gift of your sevenfold grace to carry out faithfully the work of the ministry. May they excel in every virtue: in love that is sincere, in concern for the sick and the poor, in unassuming authority, in self-discipline, and in holiness of life. ... May they in this life imitate your Son, who came, not to be served but to serve, and one day reign with him in heaven."

Almighty, ever-living God, you give us the great joy of devoting this day to the honour of the apostles Peter and Paul.

Grant that your Church may follow their teaching to the full, because these are the men who first taught us to worship you in Christ, your Son, Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.

Amen.

"Simon, son of John, do you love me?" "Lord, You know everything; You know that I love You." "Feed my sheep."
"My grace is enough for you; for my power is made perfect in weakness." 
"To me, life is Christ."

St. Peter and St. Paul, pray for us, that we may follow Christ in humility and undivided love.

Amen.