Feb 20, 2024
O blessed reformer of the Church
who by a holy austerity
cleansed your soul
of the corruption of this world
and served by example
to lead others to a religious life –
teach us this day
of the chastising hand of God
and the suffering which leads
to joy,
that in the will of the Lord
we might all be purged
of our dross
and come to the kingdom of Heaven.
Pray that we, too, might realize
and so benefit from
the blessing upon us
when our souls are lashed
with pains
that threaten sorrow,
for He does but wish to lift us
from the sinfulness of this passing earth
to the consolation of His presence.