July 5 (healing for the parish)
Our Heavenly Father, Saint Anthony started out as a
physician and then realized he wanted to heal souls as well as bodies, so he
became a priest. He devoted his life to renewing the Christian lifestyle of
his parishioners, reforming their morals, encouraging them to work together in
ministry, and promoting the frequent reception of Holy Communion. I ask him to
pray for everyone in my parish. Help us to realize the importance of healing
our souls, and inspire us with a greater appreciation of the transforming
power of the Eucharist, through which we become Jesus for each other. Saint
Anthony, pray for us. Amen.