.=: 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 :=. St. John Francis Regis (1597-1640) Born into a family of some wealth, John Francis was so impressed by his Jesuit educators that he himself wished to enter the Society of Jesus. He did so at age 18. Despite his rigorous academic schedule he spent many hours in chapel, often to the dismay of fellow seminarians who were concerned about his health. Following his ordination to the priesthood, he undertook missionary work in various French towns. While the formal sermons of the day tended toward the poetic, his discourses were plain. But they revealed the fervor within him and attracted people of all classes. Father Regis especially made himself available to the poor. Many mornings were spent in the confessional or at the altar celebrating Mass; afternoons were reserved for visits to prisons and hospitals. 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 := For you know the gracious act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that for your sake he became poor although he was rich, so that by his poverty you might become rich. ~2 Corinthians 8:1-9 Jesus said to his disciples: "You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust. ~Matthew 5:43-48 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 :=. Again today we hear of Jesus call for us to forgive. Although it is not easy, it is the only we ourselves can be free. We can look at the example of Jesus who even spoke from the cross, "Father, forgive them. They do not know what they are doing." .=: P R A Y E R F O R T H E D A Y :=. I pray that I may always hear Jesus' call. I pray that I may allow the Lord to help me be forgiving. .=: W E P R A Y :=. Fanny asks prayers for several intentions. Debbie requests prayers that her daughter find employment. Marilynn requests prayers for a special intention. Linda asks prayers for her son who has left the church. Mary asks for prayers guiding her and for a favorable outcome as she has a critical job interview. A mother asks for prayers for her son who has returned to school, that he will have the strength to study and do well and not return to drinking. 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