.=: M O R N I N G P R A Y E R :=. From Father Pat Umberger __________________________________________________ .=: S A I N T O F T H E D A Y :=. Blessed Peter Gonzalez (d. 1246) St. Paul had a conversion experience on the road to Damascus. Many years later, the same proved true for Peter Gonzalez, who triumphantly rode his horse into the Spanish city of Astorga in the 13th century to take up an important post at the cathedral. The animal stumbled and fell, leaving Peter in the mud and onlookers amused. Humbled, Peter reevaluated his motivations (his bishop-uncle had secured the cathedral post for him) and started down a new path. He became a Dominican priest and proved to be a most effective preacher. He spent much of his time as court chaplain, and attempted to exert positive influence on the behavior of members of the court. After King Ferdinand III and his troops defeated the Moors at Cordoba, Peter was successful in restraining the soldiers from pillaging and persuaded the king to treat the defeated Moors with compassion. For more, follow the link below: Saint of the Day: http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/ .=: S C R I P T U R E S F O R T H E D A Y := He testified with many other arguments, and was exhorting them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand persons were added that day. ~Acts 2:36-41 Mary went and announced to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord," and then reported what he had told her. ~John 20:11-18 Scriptures: http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/ .=: M E D I T A T I O N F O R T H E D A Y :=. Our Gospel begins with Mary Magdalene at the tomb of Jesus weeping, believing the body of Jesus was stolen. She encounters Jesus and believes. It is incredible how Christianity grew, 3000 persons being added in one day according to the first reading. It can continue to grow and have greater influence. The job of evangelizing (reaching out to bring others closer) is ours. May our faith be strengthened and renewed this Easter Season that we may be up to the challenge the Lord puts before us. .=: P R A Y E R F O R T H E D A Y :=. I pray that I may come to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Resurrection. I pray that Christianity may grow because of what I say and do. .=: W E P R A Y :=. Leila is asking for prayers for a 7 year old little boy who has an inoperable cancerous tumor located on his brain. Lynn asks prayers for her son who is under extreme stress do to financial problems and for her 2 year old grandson who has special needs. Linda requests prayers for her daughter who will be entering the Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist this fall and for all those discerning God's call to the priesthood, diaconate and religious, that they will hear and respond to God's call. Ann requests prayers for her brother who will be having back surgery on Wednesday for a sciatic nerve. Geri asks for prayers for her 16-month-old great-nephew who will undergo a biopsy to help treat his lack of muscle development. Jean requests prayer for her family who is going through a serious situation involving the mom and her nervous breakdown. Henry requests prayers that his daughter may obtain a job soon in order to aid in the support of her family. Mary asks for prayers as she seeks employment. Nancy from PA requests prayers for friends of her son and daughter-in-law who just found out they are pregnant that she may have a safe and healthy baby, unlike the stillborn daughter they had four years ago. Jackie asks prayers for a special intention. We pray for unity in our country and that we may build a Culture of Life. We pray for the safety of our troops, their safe return and their families at home. We pray for a deep and profound respect for life, and for the courage and willingness to stand up for life. We pray for one another, for those who have asked our prayers and for those who need our prayers the most. Have a good day! May God Bless you and those you love, and keep you safe! Father Pat "Be still and know that I am God." ~Psalm 46:10 __________________________________________________ <MP>Morning Prayer is free, and comes from: Father Pat Umberger, a priest of the Diocese of La Crosse in Wisconsin U.S.A. Web Site: www.frpat.com Evangelization (reaching out): www.cmonback.com .=: M A K E A D O N A T I O N ? :=. www.frpat.com/donation.htm .=: F O R W A R D I N G :=. Please leave these credits when doing so. Newly written each day by Father Pat Umberger. Morning Prayer may not be published by others, but is a good resource for preachers and those who attend Daily Mass, and those who would like to keep up with the Lectionary Readings and are not always able to attend Daily Mass. .=: C H A N G E Y O U R S U B S C R I P T I O N :=. Unsubscribe from your old address before you subscribe with your new address. Use this link: www.frpat.com/morningprayer.htm#mp .=: S U B M I T A P R A Y E R :=. Intentions to be included with <MP>Morning Prayer: www.frpat.com/prayers.htm