This time of trial and quarantine remind us of the primordial importance of the work of farmers or peasants: they feed us. They take care of the land and preserve our resources.

Saint Isidore the farmer, their patron, is so popular in the Philippines. He reminds us of the importance of working in the land while praying and helping the poor. In his home, there was always a pot of stew on the fireplace for the hungry.

He encourages us to become saints whatever is our condition in life - Saint Isidore was married to Maria Torribia, they had a boy. Glory to God for his example and for the work of the farmers!

“All of us can cooperate as instruments of God for the care of creation, each according to his or her own culture, experience, involvements and talents.” – Pope Francis, “Laudato Si”, no.14)

Prayer: Loving God, through the intercession of St. Isidore, the farmer, grant that we may overcome all feelings of pride and be generous. Bless all farmers and peasants, and bless their labors so that they may nourish and sustain your people and reap the rewards of work well done, here on earth and in heaven. Amen.

Our Assumptionist communities are praying for you.
Sincerely,
Fr. Bernard Holzer, A. A.

Please join us for an evening of music and reflection with Patrice Metcalf (our Music Director) and Br. Brian Verzella, AA on Saturday, May 16^th at 7:00 PM, live-streamed at St. Anne Church. Please use this link for the live-stream event: St. Anne and St. Patrick Parish (Fiskdale MA)

You are also invited to participate in the Daily Mass online at worcesterdiocese.org

 The following can be prayed alone or with family members in your household.

 In the name of the Father,
and of the Son (+),
and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

PENITENTIAL ACT
Brothers and sisters,
let us acknowledge our sins.

A brief pause for silence follows. Then all recite together the formula of general confession:

 I confess to almighty God
and to you, my brothers and sisters,
that I have greatly sinned,
in my thoughts and in my words,
in what I have done and in what I have failed to do,
through my fault, through my fault,
through my most grievous fault;
therefore I ask blessed Mary ever-Virgin,
all the Angels and Saints,
and you, my brothers and sisters,
to pray for me to the Lord our God.

OPENING PRAYER
Let us pray.

O God, restorer and lover of innocence,
direct the hearts of your servants towards yourself,
that those you have set free from the darkness of unbelief may never stray from the light of your truth.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

READINGS  (click for readings of the day)

PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL
That bishops and priests may be filled with the Holy Spirit when they meet in councils to deliberate and collaborate the spread the Gospel.
We pray to the Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.

For leaders of government, that they might recognize our common humanity work for the common good.
We pray to the Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.

You are also invited to participate in the Daily Mass online at worcesterdiocese.org

 The following can be prayed alone or with family members in your household.

 In the name of the Father,
and of the Son (+),
and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

PENITENTIAL ACT
Brothers and sisters,
let us acknowledge our sins.

A brief pause for silence follows. Then all recite together the formula of general confession:

 I confess to almighty God
and to you, my brothers and sisters,
that I have greatly sinned,
in my thoughts and in my words,
in what I have done and in what I have failed to do,
through my fault, through my fault,
through my most grievous fault;
therefore I ask blessed Mary ever-Virgin,
all the Angels and Saints,
and you, my brothers and sisters,
to pray for me to the Lord our God.

OPENING PRAYER
Let us pray.

O God, who restore us to eternal life
in the Resurrection of Christ,
grant your people constancy in faith and hope,
that we may never doubt the promises
of which we have learned from you.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

READINGS  (click for readings of the day)

PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL
That the leaders of the Church might continue in the footsteps of Paul and Barnabas, strengthening the disciples and urging them to perseverance.
We pray to the Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.

For the Elect and all those yearning for the Easter sacraments, that they may be strengthened by the care of the community.
We pray to the Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.