Liturgy of St. Louise de Marillac

INTRODUCTORY RITES (2 Cor. 5:14a,15b)

The love of Christ impels us that those who live might live no longer for themselves,but for him who for their sakes died and was raised up.

OR: (Job 30:25; 31:18 [alt.]

I have wept for the hardships of others, my soul was grieved for the desitute, since from youth, my mercy has increased.

OPENING PRAYER

God our Father, the source and reward of love, through you Son who became man you gave the new commandment of love to your Church. May we follow the example of Saint Louise; and by practicing your love on earth may we obtain the kingdom promised to your servants who are faithfu. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever.

(The Creed is recited.)

PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS

Lord, accept the gifts your family is presenting to you on the feast of St. Louise. May we share in the mystery of Christ, who gave himself up for us, and may we come closer to y ou the source of every true love. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

PREFACE

Priest: The Lord be with you.

People: ANd also with you.

Priest: Lif up your hearts.

People: We lift them up to the Lord.

Priest: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

People It is right to give him thanks and praices.

Father, all powerful and ever-living God, we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks and to praise your wonderful love manifested in Saint Louise. You taught her to dedicate herslef to the poor so that she became a true witness of your love in the world; youf family rejoices in her feast, as you invite us to follow the love made known in you Gospe, and to restore your kingdom of justice and Chrstian love. And so we join the choirs of angels, as we praise you and joyfully proclaim:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the Highest

BLessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Hosanna in the hightest.

COMMUNION RITE (Jn 15:9)

As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you, says the Lord

OR (Mt. 25:34a, 36b,40b)

Come, You have my Father's blessing! says the Lord. I was ill and you came to visit me. I assure you, as often as you did it for one of my least brothers, you did it for me.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

Lord our God, may this food from heaven ever strengthen our love. As we follow the example of Saint Louise, may the faith which we carry within us manifest itself outwardly in our work, We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

SOLEMN BLESSING

In Saint Louise God has given us an outstanding examples of love for the poor; may He increase his love in your heart

R. Amen.

You have celebrated her feast with joy; through her intercession may God help you to carry on the service of the poor with brotherly love.

R. Amen.

Through your service of the poor may you obtain mercy from the Lord in this life and the kingdom promised to the merciful in the life to come.

R. Amen.

May the blessing of almighty God, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, come u0pon you and remain with you for ever.

R. Amen.