[May 25]
Saint Bede was born in the neighborhood of the Wearmouth monastery in 673. He was trained by Saint Benedict Biscop and later entered the monastery. Ordained to the priesthood, he spent his ministry in teaching and writing. Saint Bede wrote theological and historical works in the patristic tradition and explained sacred Scripture. He died in 735.
Prayer
Lord,
you have enlightened your Church
with the learning of Saint Bede.
In your love
may your people learn from his wisdom
and benefit from his prayers.
Grant this through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
Hildebrand was born in Tuscany about the year 1028. He was educated at Rome and entered the monastic life. He helped the popes of his time through many missions on behalf of Church reform, and in 1073 ascended to the chair of Saint Peter under the name of Gregory VII. Besieged by King Henry IV, he died a refugee at Saleno in 1082.
Prayer
Lord,
give your Church
the spirit of courage and love for justice
which distinguished Pope Gregory.
Make us courageous in condemning evil
and free us to pursue justice with love.
We ask this through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
Saint Mary Magdalene was born at Florence in 1566 and after a religious upbringing she entered the Carmelites. She led a solitary life of prayer and self-denial, prayed fervently for Church reform and directed her fellow sisters on the road to perfection. She was blessed by many gifts from God and died in 1607.
Prayer
Father,
you love those who give themselves completely to your service,
and you filled saint Mary Magdalene de Pazzi
with heavenly gifts and the fire of your love.
As we honor her today
may we follow her example of purity and charity.
Grant this through Christ Our Lord. Amen.