SALT + LIGHT PRAYERS

God our Father, on a hillside in Galilee, your Son Jesus called us to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world.

Give us the strength and wisdom to become the people of the Beatitudes in our day, so that our words may season the world with the flavour of the Gospel and our lives be shining examples of Jesus who is the true Light of the world.

We ask this through Christ, our Lord.

Amen.

ST. GIANNA BRETTA MOLLA

Patron of Salt and Light, 1922 – 1962

God our Father, we praise You and we bless You because in Saint Gianna Beretta Molla You have given and made known to us a woman who witnessed the Gospel as a young person and bride, as a mother and doctor. We thank You because, through the gift of her life, we learn to accept and honour every human being.

Lord Jesus, You were for her a privileged reference. She was able to see You in the beauty of nature. As she questioned her choice of life, she was searching for You and for the best way to serve You. Through her married love, she became a sign of your love for the Church and for all men and women. Like You, Good Samaritan, she stopped at the side of every sick person, of the small and the weak. Following your example, she lovingly offered up her life, while giving new life.

Holy Spirit, source of all perfection, give also to us wisdom, intelligence and courage so that, following Saint Gianna’s example and through her intercession, we may serve every person in our personal, family and professional life, and thus grow in love and holiness.

Amen.