The Spirit of God is upon me; he has anointed me. He sent me to bring good news to the poor, and to heal the broken hearted.
V. Our help is in the name of the Lord.R. Who made heaven
and earth.
V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with your spirit.
O God, the Creator and
Preserver of mankind, thou Who art the lover of holy purity, the giver of spiritual
grace, the dispenser of eternal salvation, bless + these lilies we bring on
this day in thanksgiving to thee and in honor of Saint Anthony, thy Confessor.
Pour out on them heavenly dew by the saving + sign of the most holy cross, O
God of love! Thou hast endowed these lilies with delicious fragrance to be a
comfort and help to those on their sickbeds. Wherefore, imbue them with so
great strength that whether they are used in a home, in a sickroom, or carried
about one's person, they may have power, through the intercession of Saint
Anthony, to drive out evil spirits, to safeguard chastity, to turn away
illness, and to bestow on thy servants peace and grace.
V. Pray for us, blessed
Anthony.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
May the devout
and constant intercession of Blessed Anthony, thy Confessor, come to our aid,
we beseech thee, O Lord, that we may become of thy grace in this life, and merit
everlasting joys in the next.
