From our pastor Father Neil Herlihy
This Thursday we celebrate Thanksgiving Day. We are invited to pause and reflect in a special way to give thanks for the many blessings the Lord has bestowed on us. As we enjoy our Thanksgiving Day meal, we are prayerfully invited to reflect on our blessings and share our gifts with others in the true spirit of Christian generosity. We can thank God for the gift of our life, our health, our family, our friends, and our vocations. We should also remember our men and women in the military, and also our military chaplains, who are serving our country and who may not be able to share this special time with their loved ones.
The following “PRAYER FOR THANKSGIVING DAY” provided by the Congregation of Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception reflects a true appreciation for this day:
MOST MERCIFUL LORD, GATHERING FOR THIS MEAL OF THANKSGIVING,
WE OFFER YOU, AS OUR CREATOR, OUR THANKS AND PRAISE.
YOU WHO TEACH US TO LOVE WITHOUT LIMIT,
WE OFFER YOU, AS OUR CREATOR, OUR THANKS AND PRAISE.
YOU WHO TEACH US TO LOVE WITHOUT LIMIT,
YOU WHO TEACH US TO FORGIVE WITHOUT COUNTING THE COST,
YOU WHO TEACH US TO GIVE WITHOUT SEEKING RETURN.
MAY WE HONOR YOU THROUGH OUR WORDS
AND ACTIONS EVERY DAY, EVERY MOMENT.
MAY WE WORSHIP YOU THROUGH OUR LIVES WITH OTHERS,
LIVED IN KINDNESS AND TENDER CARE.
MAY WE FULLY REALIZE WHAT ST. FAUSTINA CAME TO KNOW:
THAT IN OUR THANKFULNESS, TRUE EARTHLY JOY RESIDES,
THAT IN YOUR LOVE FOR US WE FIND THE HEAVENLY HARVEST,
THAT STRENGTHENS OUR SOULS, UNTIL WE RESIDE IN YOU FOREVER.
PRAISE AND GLORY TO YOU, MERCIFUL LORD, NOW AND FOREVER. AMEN.
As we reflect on this prayer, we are reminded that, as in the past, our bishops have suggested that beginning Monday the days before Thanksgiving should be set aside for deeds of charity, for penance, and for prayers for economic justice. We can also pray that Thanksgiving Day will not be commercialized and truly will be a time for family and friends to get together to thank God for blessings received.
On behalf of the priests, deacons and staff at Saint Brigid, I give thanks for our faith community of Saint Brigid and I pray that your Thanksgiving Day will be a blessed one.