Pour into our hearts, O God, the Holy Spirit’s
gift of love, that we, clasping each the other’s hand, may share the joy of
friendship, human and divine, and with Your servant Aelred draw many to Your
communion of love; through Jesus Christ the Righteous, who lives and reigns
with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
On friendship
There are four qualities which characterize a friend: loyalty, right intention, discretion and patience. Right intention seeks for nothing other than God and natural good. Discretion brings understanding of what is done on a friend’s behalf, and ability when to know when to correct faults. Patience enables one to be justly rebuked, or to bear adversity on another’s behalf. Loyalty guards and protects friendship, in good or bitter times.
Saint Aelred of Rievaulx
Another note on Saint Aelred may be found here.