Prayer Card and Folder Verse Selections     

Twenty Third Psalm

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.  He maketh me to liedown in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restores my soul, he leadeth me in the pathsof righteousness for his name's sake.  Yea, though I walk through thevalley of the shadow of death, I will  fear no evil; for Thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.   Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the House of the Lord forever.

*

O Gentlest Heart of Jesus ever present in the Blessed Sacrament, ever consumed with burning love for the poor captive souls in purgatory have mercy on the soul of thy departed servant.  Be not severe in Thy judgment, but let some drops of Thy Precious blood fall upon the devouring flames and do Thou O merciful Savior send Thy angels to conduct Thy departed servant to a place of refreshment, light and peace.  Amen.

May the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God, rest in peace.   Amen.

*

May He support us all the day long, till the shades lengthen and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed and the fever of life is over and our work is done.  Then in His mercy may He give us a safe lodging and a holy rest and peace at the last.

*

Almighty God, through the death of Your Son on the cross, you have overcome death for us. Through his burial and resurrection from the dead you have made the grave a holy place and restored us to eternal life.  We pray for those who died believing in Jesus and are buried with him in the hope of rising again.  God of the living and the dead, may  those who faithfully believed in you on earth praise you forever in the joy of heaven. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

*

For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; A time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; A time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; A time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to seek, and a time to lose; A time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to tear, and a time to sew; A time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love; and a time to hate; A time for war, and a time for peace. What profit has he who works in that in which he labors? I have seen the burden God has given to the sons of men to be afflicted with. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in their hearts, yet so that man can’t find out the work that God has done from the beginning even to the end.

*

One night I had a dream.  I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the LORD. Across the sky flashed scenes from my life.  For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand; one belonging to me and the other to the LORD. When the last scene of my life flashed before me, I looked back at the footprints in the sand. I noticed that many times along the path of my life there was only one set of footprints.  I also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in my life. This really bothered me and I questioned the LORD about it. "LORD, you said that once I decided to follow you, you would walk with me all the way.  But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life, there is only one set of footprints.  I don't understand why in times when I needed you most, you would leave me." The LORD replied, "My precious child, I love you during times of trial and suffering.  When you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you."

*

"Our Father who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name;

Thy kingdom come

Thy will be done

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day

our daily bread;

And forgive us our trespasses

as we forgive those

who trespass against us;

And lead us not

into temptation,

but deliver us from evil;

For thine is the kingdom,

and the power,

and the glory, for ever

and ever.       Amen.

*

IRISH BLESSING

May the road rise up

To meet you,

May the wind be

always at your back.

May the sun shine warm

upon your face,

May the rains fall soft

upon your fields.

And until we meet again,

May God keep you in the

 palm of his hand.

*

MEMORARE

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it Known, that anyone who fled to Thy protection, implored Thy help, or sought Thy intercession was left unaided.  Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto Thee, O Virgin of virgins, My mother! To Thee I come; before Thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful.  O Mother of the Word incarnate!  despise not my petitions, but, in Thy mercy, hear and answer me.

                                AMEN

*

God grant me the Serenity

to accept the things

I cannot change,

the Courage to change

the things I can

and the Wisdom

to know the difference.

*

God saw she was getting tired,

And a cure was not to be.

So he put his arms around her

And whispered, "Come with me."

With tearful eyes we watchedher suffer

and saw her fade away.

Although we loved her dearly,

we could not make her stay.

A golden heart stopped beating,

Hard working hands at rest.

God broke our hearts to prove

to us, He only takes the best.

*

Do not stand at my grave and weep.

I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow,

I am the diamond glints on snow. 

I am the sunlight on ripened grain,

I am the gentle autumn's rain.

When you awaken in the mornings hush,

I am the swift uplifting rush

Of quiet birds in circled flight,

I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry;

I am not there, I did not die.

*

One gift above all others

God gives to us to treasure

One that knows no time no place

And one gold cannot measure.

 

The precious, poignant, tender gift

Of Memory --- that will keep

Our dear ones ever in our hearts

Although God gives them sleep.

 

It brings back long-remembered things

A song, a word, a smile

And our world's a better place--because

We had them ---for awhile!

 

                      Jessie Ham Fair Weather

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunset and Evening Star,

and one clear call for me!

And may there be no moaning

of the bar when I put out to sea.

But such a tide

as moving seems asleep,

Too full for sound and foam,

When that which drew from out

the boundless deep turns again home.

Twilight and evening bell,

And after that the dark!

And may there be no sadness

of farewell when I embark;

For tho' from out our bourne

of Time and place

The flood may bear me far,

I hope to see my Pilot face to face

When I have crossed the bar.

                                  Tennyson

 

 

*

 

Your gentle face and patient smile with sadness we recall.

You had a kindly word for each

and died beloved by all.

 

The voice is mute and stilled the heart, that loved us well and true.

Ah, bitter was the trial to part

from one so good as you.

 

You are not forgotten loved one,

nor will you ever be.

As long as life and memory last

we will remember thee.

 

We miss you now, our hearts are sore. As time goes by, we miss you more. Your loving smile, your gentle face. No one can take your vacant place.

 

*

 

When I must leave you for a little while

Please do not grieve and shed wild tears

And hug your sorrow to you

through the years

But start out bravely with a gallant smile;

And for my sake and in my name

live on and do all things the same,

Feed not your loneliness on empty days,

But fill each waking hour

in useful ways,

Reach out your hand

in comfort and in cheer

And I in turn will comfort you

And hold you near;

And never, never be afraid to die.

For I am waiting for you in the sky!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

God saw he was getting tired

and a cure was not to be,

So he put his arms around him and whispered "Come with me."

 

With tearful eyes we watched him suffer and saw him fade away.

Although we loved him dearly,

we could not make him stay.

 

A golden heart stopped beating,

hard working hands at rest.

God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best.

 

 

*

 

 

When I come to the end of the day,

and the sun has set for me,

I want no rites in a gloom-filled room, why cry for a soul set free? 

Miss me a little, but not too long,

and not your head bow low.  Remember the love we once shared, miss me, but let me go.

For this is a journey we all must take, and each must go alone.

It's all part of the Maker's plan,

a step on the road home.

When you are lonely and sick at heart, go to the friends we know,

and bury your sorrow

 in doing good deeds.

Miss me, but let me go.

 

 

*

 

 

We little knew that morning,

God was going to call your name;

In life we loved you dearly,

In death we do the same.

It broke out hearts to lose you,

You did not go alone;

For part of us went with you,

The day God called you home.

You left us beautiful memories,

Your love is still our guide;

And though we cannot see you,

You are always by our side.

Our family chain is broken,

And nothing seems the same;

But as God calls us one by one,

The chain will link again.

 

 

 

 

 

Loving and kind in all his ways, upright and just to the end of his days; sincere and true in his heart and mind, a beautiful memory he left behind, He had a nature you could not help loving, a heart that was purer than gold; and to those who knew him and loved him, His memory will never grow old.

 

*

 

"To laugh often and much;  to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others;  to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch,  or a redeemed social condition;  to know even one life has breathed easier because you lived. This is to have succeeded."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

 

*

 

God hath not promised

Skies always blue,

Flower-strewn pathways

All our lives through;

 

God hath not promised

Sun without rain,

Joy without sorrow,

Peace without pain.

 

But God hath promised

Strength for the day,

Rest for the labor,

Light for the way.

 

Grace for the trials,

Help from above,

Unfailing sympathy

Undying love ...

 

 

*

 

We hold you close within our hearts and there you shall remain.

To walk with us throughout our lives until we meet again.

So rest in peace, dear _______ and thanks for all you've done.

We pray that God has given you the crown you've truly won.

 

 

 

 

Mend a quarrel.

Search out a forgotten friend.

Dismiss a suspicion and replace it with trust.

Write a letter to someone who misses you.

Encourage someone who has lost faith.

Keep a promise.  Forget an old grudge.

Examine your demands on others; reduce them.

Fight for a principle. Express your gratitude.

Overcome an old fear.

Take two minutes to appreciate

nature’s beauty.

Express your love to someone.

Express it again. Express it yet again.

 

 

 

If I...

If I could go back and undo some wrongs I've done along the way, and know that wounds that I have caused were healed of all the scars today.

 

If steps I've caused someone to take, by thoughtless ways in which I've trod have led to a confused estate, instead of simple trust in God.

 

If someone else still wanders on, who followed my unsteady track.  And lost his way for lack of light, because my lantern globe was black.

 

If I could gather up and bind the wasted years that I have spent, and treat them as they'd never been, today I'd be much more content.

 

I'm pardoned from my undone past- But even so the hurt is done, for out there somewhere in the dark, a soul is lost I might have won.

 

 

*

 

Love is patient and kind.

Love is not jealous or boastful.

It is not arrogant or rude.

Love does not insist on

its own way.

It is not irritable or restenful.

It does not rejoice at wrong,

But rejoices in the right.

Loves bears all things,

Believes all things,

Hopes all things,

Endures all things.

Love never ends.

 

 

 

 

Fill not you hearts with

pain and sorrow, but remember

me in every tomorrow.

Remember the joy, the laughter,

the smiles.  I've only gone to

rest for a while.

Although my leaving causes

pain and grief, my going has

eased my hurt and given me relief.

So dry your eyes and remember

me, not as I am but

as I used to be.  Because,

I will remember you all

and look on with a smile.

Understand in your hearts,

I've only gone to rest a while.

As long as I have the love of you,

I can live my life

in the hearts of all of you.

 

*

 

God grant me the serenity

 to accept the things

 I cannot change,

the courage to change

the things I can

and the wisdom to

 know the difference.

Living one day at a time,

enjoying one moment at a time;

accepting hardship as a pathway

to peace.  Taking, as Jesus did,

this sinful world as it is,

not as I would have it.

Trusting that You will make

all things right if I surrender

to Your will; so that I may

be reasonably happy

in this life and supremely happy

with You forever in the next.

         Amen

 

 

*

 

 

The Fisherman’s Prayer

 

I pray that I may live to fish

until my dying day.

And when it comes to my last cast

then I most humbly pray,

When in the Lord’s great landing net

I lay peacefully asleep,

That in His mercy I’ll be judged

Big enough to keep.

 

 

 

 

 

   

 I am standing upon the seashore.  A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean.  She is an object of beauty and strength.  I stand and watch her until at length she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other.

     Then someone at my side says: "There, she is gone!"

     "Gone where?"

     Gone from my sight.  That is all.  She is just as large in the mast and hull and spar as she was when she left my side and she is just as able to bear her load of living freight to her destined port.

     Her diminished size is in me, not in her.  And just at the moment when someone at my side says: "There, she is gone!" there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices ready to take up the glad shout: "Here she comes!"

     And that is dying.

                                   Henry Van Dyke

 

 

*

 

I’m Free

 

Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free.

I’m following the path God laid for me.

I took His hand when I heard his call.

I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day

To laugh, to love, to work and play.

Tasks left undone must stay that way.

I found that peace at close of day.

If my parting has left a void,

Then fill it with remembered joy.

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,

Ah, yes, these things I too shall miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow;

I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.

My life’s been full, I’ve savored much;

Good friends, good times,

a loved one’s touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief;

Don’t lengthen it with undue grief.

Lift up your hearts and share with me.

God wanted me now.

He has set me free.

 

*

 

When through one man a little more love and goodness, a little more light and truth comes into the world, then that man's life has had meaning.

 

The Next Place

 

The next place that I go will be as peaceful and familiar as a sleepy summer Sunday and a sweet untroubled mind. And yet…it won’t be anything like any place I’ve ever been…or seen…or even dreamed of in the place I leave behind.

 

I won’t know where I’m going, and I won’t know where I’ve been as I tumble through the always and look back toward the when.

 

 

*

 

 

For Those Who I Love

For Those Who Love Me…

 

When I am gone, release me, let me go…

I have so many things to see and do.

You mustn’t tie yourself to me with tears.

Be happy that we had so many years.

I gave you love.  You can only guess

How much you gave me in happiness.

I thank you for the love you each have shown,

But now it’s time I travel on alone.

 

So grieve a while for me, if grieve you must.

Then let your grief be comforted by trust.

It’s only for awhile that we must part.

So bless the memories that lie within your heart.

I won’t be far away, for life goes on.

So if you need me, call and I will come.

Though you can’t see me or touch me,

I’ll be near and if you listen with your heart,

You’ll hear all my love around you soft and clear.

 

And then, when you must come this way alone…

I’ll greet you with a smile and “Welcome Home.”

 

 

*

 

"For God so loved the world

 

 that he gave his one

 

and only Son, that

 

whoever believes in him

 

shall not perish

 

 but have eternal life."

                      John 3:16

 

 

*

 

Oh!  I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth and danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;  Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth of sun-split clouds, --- and done a hundred things you have not dreamed of --- wheeled and soared and swung high in the sunlit silence.  Hov'ring there, I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung my eager craft through footless halls of air....

 

Up, up the long, delirious burning blue I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace where never lark, or ever eagle flew --- and, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod the high untrespassed sanctity of space, put out my hand, and touched the face of God.

 

*

 

Remember me in quiet days, while raindrops whisper on your pain.  But in your memories have no grief, let the joy we knew remain.  Remember me when evening stars look down on you with steadfast eyes.  Remember me if once you wake, to catch a glimpse of red sunrise.  And when your thoughts do turn to me, know that I would not have you cry, but live for me, and laugh for me, when you are happy so am I.  Remember an old joke we shared, remember me when spring walks by, think once of me when you are glad, and while you live I shall not die!

 

*

 

When through one man a little more love and goodness, a little more light and truth comes into the world, then that man's life has had meaning.

 

 

*

May he support us

all the day long

till the shades lengthen

& the evening comes

and the busy world is hushed

& the fever of life is over

& our work is done

then in his mercy...

may he give us a safe lodging

& a holy rest and

peace at the last.

 

Look into the eyes of a decent man

and this is what you will find;

A stare filled with warmth, like a smile

from a stranger on a gloomy day

An inside filled with passion

towards life and humanity

Upstanding, sometimes silent,

perhaps at the strangest times

Understanding, yet uncompromising

values, convictions, beliefs

Shoulders strong for comfort

tears, time, and relief

Analyze his family here truth unfolds

for underneath a decent man

shall be a solid mold

Stability is the key through life,

love, hard times and pain

Through knowledge from a decent man

one's sure to find the reigns

We all exist among these great men

do you know who they are

For not all men equal the same

find one and search no more.

 

 

 

*

 

 

 

Safely Home

I am home in Heaven, dear ones;    Oh, so happy and so bright!         There is perfect joy and beauty          in this everlasting light.

 All the pain and grief is over,

every restless tossing passed;

I am now at peace forever,

Safely Home in Heaven at last. 

Did you wonder I so calmly trod

the valley of the shade? 

Oh! but Jesus' love illuminated

every dark and fearful glade. 

And He came Himself to meet me

in that way so hard to tread;

and with Jesus' arm to lean on,

could I have one doubt or dread?  Then you must not grieve so sorely, for I love you dearly still;

try to look beyond earth's shadows, pray to trust our Father's will. 

There is work still waiting for you,

so you must not idly stand;

do it now, while life remaineth,

you shall rest in Jesus' land. 

When that work is all completed,

he will gently call you Home;

Oh, the rapture of that meeting,

Oh the joy to see you come!

 

*

Fear thou not; for I am with thee:  be not dismayed; for I am thy God:  I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

 

Isaiah.41:10

 

 

*

 

 

In the twilight of life,

God will not judge us

on our earthly possessions

and human success,

but rather on how much

we have loved.

 

         St. John of the Cross

 

 

*

 

 

Oh, St. Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in you all my interest and desires.  Oh, St. Joseph, do assist me by your powerful intercession, and obtain for me from your divine Son all spiritual blessings, through Jesus Christ our Lord.  So that, having engaged here below your heavenly power, I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of Fathers.  Oh, St. Joseph, I never weary contemplating you, and Jesus asleep in your arms; I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart.  Press Him in my name and kiss His fine head for me and ask Him to return the kiss when I draw my dying breath.  St. Joseph, Patron of departing souls, Pray for me.

 

 

*

 

 

St. Michael the Archangel,

pray for us.  Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the Devil.  Rebuke him oh Lord, we humbly beseech thee.  And do thou, O prince of heaven, drive into hell Satan and all other evil spirits who roam throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls.  Amen

 

 

 

  I am the

                Resurrection

                     and

                        the

                           life

                        he who

                    Believes in me

                       even if he die

                            shall

                  Live

        John  IX. 25

 

 

*

 

 

Most merciful Father, we commend our departed into your hands. We are filled with the sure hope that our departed will rise again on the Last Day with all who have died in Christ.  We thank you for all the good things you have given during our departed's earthly life.

 

O Father, in your great mercy, accept our prayers that the Gates of Paradise may be opened for your servant.  In our turn, may we too be comforted by the words of faith until we greet Christ in glory and are united with you and our departed.

Through Christ our Lord, Amen.

 

 

 

*                                            

 

 

PRAYER TO ST. JUDE

 

     My holy apostle, St. Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the church honors and invokes you universally, as the patron of hopeless cases, of things almost despaired of.  Pray for me, I am so helpless and alone.  Make use I implore you, of that particular privilege given to you, to bring visible and speed help where help is almost despaired of.  Come to my assistance in this great need that I may receive the consolation and help of heaven in all my necessities, tribulations, and sufferings, paticularly (here make you request) and that I may praise God with you and all the elect forever.  I promise, O blessed St. Jude, to be ever mindful of this great favor, to always honor you as my special and powerful patron, and to gratefully encourage devotion to you.  Amen

 

Prayer to St. Lucy

O glorious St. Lucy, blessed virgin and martyr, patroness of those suffering from maladies of the eyes, pray that our gift of eyesight may be preserved so that in all things we may see the beauty and glory of God their Creator.  By your life and your martyrdom you became a light shining in the darkness. May your good example lead us from the darkness of sin to the light of eternal glory.  Be our intercessor with Jesus, our Lord and Savior, that He may grant us the vision to see and appreciate the beauty of God's creation.  Help us by your prayers to place our faith so completely in Him that he may free us from any blindness of body and spirit.  Help us by your example to see with the eyes of Christ, to think with the mind of Christ, and to love with the heart of Christ.

                              Amen

 

 

*

 

 

Jesus said:

Don’t be troubled, you trust God, now trust me. There are many rooms in my Father’s home, and I am going to prepare a place for you… When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know where I am going and how to get there.  Jesus told them, “I am the way, the truth and the life.   No one can come to the Father except through me… I am leaving you with a gift…

peace of mind and heart.

 

John 14

NLT

 

*

 

 

  O God, in your infinite mercy you looked with love upon your faithful servant Rita and granted through her intercession that which is beyond the power of mankind and the wisdom of this world.  Through that love which bound Saint Rita to you turn to us in mercy and aid us in our difficulties.  Grant that all may come to know that you alone are the reward of the humble, the protection of the abandoned and the strength of all those who trust in you.

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

My help cometh from the Lord,

which made heaven and earth.

he will not suffer thy foot to be moved:

he that keepeth thee will not slumber.

Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord is thy keeper;

they Lord is thy shade upon thy hand.

The sun shall not smite thee by day. nor the moon by night.

The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil; he shall preserve thy soul.

The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth and even for evermore.

Psalm 121

 

 

 

*

 

 

May the Angels lead you into Paradise, may the Martyrs received you at your coming, and take you to Jerusalem, the holy city.

 

May the choirs of Angels receive you, and may you, with the once poor Lazarus,  have rest everlasting

 

(ROMAN RITUAL)

May the Souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

 Amen

 

 

*

 

 

 

  Saint John Neumann,

 Your ardent desire to bring all souls to Christ impelled you to leave home and country.   Teach us to live worthily in  the Spirit of our baptism, which makes us children of the one heavenly Father and brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ, the first born of the family of God.   Obtain for us that complete dedication to the needy, the weak and the afflicted and the abandoned, which so characterized your life.  Help us to preserve in the difficult and, at times, painful paths of duty may death find us on the sure road to our Father's house with the light of living faith in our hearts.

 AMEN

*

 

“We have loved

them during life;

let us not abandon them

until we have conducted

 them by our prayers

into the house of the Lord.”

 

                   St. Ambrose

 

 

 

*

 

 

 

 Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi

Lord make me an instrument

of your peace.

Where there is hatred,

let me sow love;

Where there is injury, pardon;

Where there is doubt, faith;

Where there is despair, hope;

Where there is darkness, light;

Where there is sadness, Joy;

 

O Divine Master; grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love;   for it is in giving that we receive,        it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying             that we are born to eternal life.

 

*

O Little Therese of the Child Jesus, please pick for me a rose from the heavenly gardens and send it to me as a message of love.

O Little Flower of Jesus, ask God today to grant the favors I now place with confidence in your hands...

St. Therese, help me to always believe as you did, in God's great love for me, so that I might imitate your "LittleWay" each day.

                           Amen

 

*

 

Prayer to St. Anthony

 O glorious St. Anthony by reason of the confidence we have placed in you, accompany the soul of thy most loving servant,   into the august presence of our heavenly Father.  Let him who suffered so patiently in this life, now merit forgiveness of all his sins and enjoy the blessings of eternal happiness with the Saints in heaven, a reward he richly deserves and which we so greatly desire for him.

*

 

PRAYER TO ST. PATRICK

O great Apostle of Ireland, glorious St. Patrick, to whom under God, so many are indebted for the most precious of all treasures, the great gift of Faith, receive our fervent thanks for the zeal and charity which have been to thousands the source of blessings so invaluable. Ask for all who dwell in this land and the land of thy labors, the precious light of Faith, and beg for us on whom its glorious rays have long since beamed, the grace to regulate our lives by its sacred maxims.

 

*

 

For everyone there is

an appointed season

And a time for everything

under heaven -

A time for sowing,

A time for reaping,

A time for sharing,

A time for caring,

A time for loving,

A time for giving,

A time for remembering,

A time for parting.

You have made everything

beautiful in its time

For everything you do

remains Forever.

Ecclesiastes  3:1

 

Prayer for all the Faithful Departed

 

O, God,

The Creator and Redeemer

Of All the Faithful,

Grant to the Souls

Of Thy Servants departed

The remission of all their sins;

That through pious supplications

They may obtain the pardon

Which they have always desired

Who livest and reignest

World without end.  Amen

 

*

 

Fill not your hearts with pain and sorrow, but remember me in every tomorrow.  Remember the joy, the laughter, the smiles, I've only gone to rest a little while.  Although my leaving causes pain and grief, my going has eased my hurt and given me relief.  So dry your eyes and remember me, not as I am now, but as I used to be.  Because I will remember you all and look on with a smile.  Understand, in your hearts, I've only gone to rest a little while.  As long as I have the love of each of you, I can live my life in the hearts of all of you.

 

*

 

Angel of God. 

My guardian Dear,

to whom God's Love

commits me here.

Ever this day

be at my side

to light and guard,

to rule and guide.

 

*

 

Hail, holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope!  To you we cry, poor banished children of Eve; to you we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears.  Turn then, O most gracious advocate, your eyes of mercy toward us, and after this our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus.  O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.

*

 

Hail Mary full of Grace the Lord is with thee.  Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus.  Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death.  Amen.

 

*

Anima Christi

 

Soul of Christ, sanctify me.

Body of Christ, save me.

Blood of Christ, inebriate me.

Water from the side of Christ, wash me.

Passion of Christ, strengthen me.

O good Jesus, hear me.

Within thy wounds hide me.

Suffer me not

to be separated from thee.

From the malicious enemy defend me.

In the hour of my death call me

and bid me come unto thee,

that with thy saints I may praise thee

for ever and ever.  Amen.

*

May the Lord answer you when you are in distress.  May the name of the God of Jacob protect you.  May He send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion.  May He give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.

Psalm  20:  1-4

 

 

*

Look down upon me, good and gentle Jesus, while before Thy face I humbly kneel, and with burning soul pray and beseech Thee to fix deep in my heart lively sentiments of faith, hope and charity, true contrition for my sins and a firm purpose of amendment; the while I contemplate, with great love and tender pity, Thy five wounds, pondering over them within me, whilst I call to mind the words which David, Thy prophet, said of Thee, my Jesus; "They pierced my hands and my feet, they numbered all my Bones."

Plenary indulgence, applicable to the Souls in Purgatory, if said before a Crucifix after Holy Communion.

 

I said a prayer for you today

and know God must have heard,

I felt the answer in my heart

Although He spoke no word!

I didn't ask for wealth or fame

(I knew you wouldn't mind),

I asked Him to send treasures

of a far more lasting kind!

I asked that He'd be near you

at the start of each new day,

To grant you health and blessings

and friends to share your way!

I asked for happiness for you

in all things great and small,

but it was for His loving care

I prayed the most of all!

I shall pass through this world

but once.

If there be any

kindness I can show

or any good

that I can do,

let me do it now

for I shall not pass

this way again.

 

*

 

A tear at my death

is like raindrops for the stars,

as I believe in life,  not death.

 

I believe in the Kingdom of God,

and His  promises in the Bible.

I believe that with God's will,

life shall go on.

 

Someday, you may catch a glimpse

of a butterfly landing on a  flower.

Or of a bird softly settling on a branch.

 

It may be me,

stopping by to say His word is true.

As I am a part of God's Kingdom,

I did not die and neither shall you.

 

*

 

Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth.

Worship the LORD with gladness; come into his presence with singing.

Know that the LORD is God. It is he that made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him, bless his name.

For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.

                                                Psalm 100

 

*

 

He will wipe every tear from their eyes.  There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.

 

He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

 

                       Revelations 21:4-5   

 

Almighty and Eternal Father, Giver of all Gifts, show us Thy mercy, and grant, we beseech Thee, through the merits of Thy faithful Servant, Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, that all who invoke her intercession may obtain what they desire according to the good pleasure of Thy Holy Will... (here name your request).  O Lord Jesus Christ, Savior of the world, mindful of Thy bountiful goodness and love, deign, we implore Thee, through the tender devotion of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini for Thy Sacred Heart, to hear our prayers and grant our petitions.  O God, the Holy Ghost, Comforter of the afflicted, Fountain of Light and Truth, through the ardent zeal of Thy humble, handmaid, Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, grant us Thy all-powerful aid in our necessities, sanctify our souls and fill our minds with Divine Light that we may see the Holy Will of God in all things.  Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, beloved spouse of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, intercede for us that the favor we now ask my be granted. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory, Etc. (Three Times)

 

In Spanish

Muy poco sabiamos que esa mañana,

 Dios te llamaría por nombre

al hogar celestial,

En vida fuiste muy querida,

En muerte también lo serás.

Nuestro corazón se destrozo al perderte,

no te fuiste sola,

Parte de nosotros se fue contigo,

 El día que el Señor te llamo al hogar.

Nos dejaste memorias inolvidables,

 tu amor nos seguirá guiando,

Y aunque no podamos verte,

Siempre estarás a nuestro lado.

La cadena de nuestra familia se rompió, y nada parece lo mismo,

Pero cuando Dios nos  llame uno a uno,

La cadena se unirá de nuevo.

Porque para mí el vivir es Cristo,

Y el morir es ganancia

                               Filipenses 1:21

 

*

 

"Yo soy la Resurreccion

y la Vida; el que cree en

Mi aunque este muerto

vivira y todo aquel que

vive y cree en Mi no

morira eternamente."

 

*

Dios vio que te estavas cansando,

Y una cura no estaba esperando,

Entonces estrecho sus brazos

Y murmuro "Ven a mi lado".

 

Llorando te observabamos,

Y te vimos ya partir,

Auque nuestro amor

era muy grade

Nada te pararia de ir.

 

Tu corazon de oro dejo de latir,

Tu manos activas descansaron.

Dios destrozo nuestro corazon

para comprobar que

solo se lleva lo mejor.

For Children

A precious angel slipped away, no one heard a cry.  No time for Dad and Mommy to sing me lullabies.  My time with you was much too short,  I had to leave too soon, but love had joined us as I grew inside my Mommy's womb.  It wove its way within our hearts in all our hopes and dreams, until the very purest love became my tiny wings.  Although I could not stay with you, I knew right from the start that once you felt your angel's love you'd keep me in your hearts.  I'm just a little angel but my time was not in vain.  As dark clouds that surround you give way unto the sun, my precious parents you will see that any heart will sing, if only for a moment it is brushed by Angel Wings.

*

What kind of place would heaven be

with all its streets of gold,

If all the souls that dwell up there

like yours and mine, were old?

How strange would Heaven's music

sound when harps begin to ring,

If children were not gathered round

to help the angels sing.

The children that God sends to us

are only just a loan,

He knows we need their sunshine

to make the house a home.

We need the inspiration of

a baby's blessed smile,

He doesn't say they've come to stay

just lends them for a while.

Sometimes it takes them years to do

the work for which they come.

Sometimes in just a month or two

Our Father calls them home.

I like to think some souls up there

bear not one sinful scar,

I love to think of Heaven as

a place where children are.

*

God on His throne in heaven

Looked round at His flowers so fair

And then sought a blossom on earth

To add to those He has there.

To be part of such  heavenly Company

The bloom must be pure and sweet

And the little bud that was chosen

Was the child who had played at our feet.

Sorrow is great at the loss of our child

At the parting with one we love

But the parting was made that our child might go

To brighten the heavens above

*

When God calls little children to dwell with him above, we mortals always question the wisdom of his love.

For no heartache compares with the death of one small child, who does so much to make this world seem wonderful and mild.

Perhaps God tires always calling the aged to his fold, and so he picks a rosebud before it can grow old.

God knows how much we need them and so he takes but few, to make the land of Heaven more beautiful to view.

Believing this is difficult, still somehow we must try, the saddest word that mankind knows will always be "goodbye".

And so when little ones depart, we who are left behind, must realize how much God loves his children, for angels are hard to find.