Tuesday 14th January 2025
Ita (originally called Deirdre) belonged to the royal family of the Déise (present-day Co Waterford). Her father was not a Christian and made an arranged marriage for her with a young nobleman. But from an early age she wanted to consecrate herself to God and serve him in another location. In her youth, Ita dreamed that an angel gave her three precious stones. So struck is she by the significance this, she awakens to puzzle over the symbolism. Thankfully, inspiration is at hand in the form of another celestial visitor who explains in a vision, that throughout her earthly life, she will experience dreams and visitations. The stones in the dream signify the gifts of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit to whom she dedicated her life.
******************************************************************** PRAYER FOR PEACE IN PALESTINE AND ISRAEL
God of Comfort, send your Spirit to encompass all those whose lives are torn apart by violence and death in Israel and Palestine. You are the Advocate of the oppressed and the One whose eye is on the sparrow. Let arms reach out in healing, rather than aggression. Let hearts mourn rather than militarize. ********************************************************************************* PRAYER FOR THE PEOPLE OF UKRAINE
Loving God, we pray for the people of Ukraine, for all those suffering or afraid, that you will be close to them and protect them. We pray for world leaders, for compassion, strength and wisdom to guide their choices. We pray for the world, that in this moment of crisis, we may reach out in solidarity to our brothers and sisters in need. May we walk in your ways so that peace and justice become a reality for the people of Ukraine and for all the world. Amen. Our Lady, Queen of Peace, pray for us! Our Lady of Kyiv, pray for us!
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