Christian Unity: That all Christians may be faithful to the Lord’s teaching by striving with prayer and fraternal charity to restore ecclesial communion and by collaborating to meet the challenges facing humanity.
Homeless People Affected by the Cold: That in these days of such great cold that we think of all the people living on the streets, affected by the cold and by the indifference of others. We pray for them and ask the Lord to warm the hearts of others to help them.
Homelessness in Dublin, Ireland
In the Northern Hemisphere January is the middle of winter in areas that do not have a tropical climate.
Countries Receiving Refugees: That the countries which take in a great number of displaced persons and refugees may find support for their efforts which show solidarity.
Collaboration of Priests and Laity: That within parishes, priests and lay people may collaborate in service to the community without giving in to the temptation of discouragement.
Tomorrow, 26 September, is the feast of Sts Cosmas and Damian. We don’t know too much about them but they were martyred around the year 287. They were physicians and believed to have been twins. They lived and served the people in the ancient Roman province of Syria and were known as the ‘unmercenaries’ because they didn’t charge for their services.
Devotion to them is strong among both Eastern and Western Christians and they are mentioned in the Roman Canon (First Eucharistic Prayer). They are patron saints of doctors, pharmacists, surgeons and barbers.
Channel 4 News (England) 17 August 2016
There are many other videos of the same hospital, its staff and patients on YouTube.
O Physicians of souls, Saints Cosmas and Damian, stand before the Lord of All and ask Him to heal me and all those dear to me of any spiritual ills we may endure.
Drive away from us all sin and sadness of mind, all darkness and despair. Make us then willing and loving servants of Christ, following your holy example of detachment from the things of this world and care for the needs of our neighbors.
On the glorious day of the Universal Resurrection may we shine with you in the full health of our nature restored by the mercies of Jesus who lives and reigns forever and ever.
Amen.
Channel 4 News (England) 9 May 2016
Living in Aleppo is a martyrdom project. We think of ourselves as living martyrs. If you’re in Aleppo you expect to die at any time in your home or in the street.
Please pray for all hospital workers in Aleppo through the intercession of the Syrian martyrs and physicians Sts Cosmas and Damian.
