By editor - 14 February, 2016
Engaged couple Deirdre Eighan and Sean Whelan at the shrine of St Valentine in the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Whitefriar Street in Dublin having had a blessing from Bishop Denis Nulty Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin. Pic John Mc Elroy.
Courtesy: http://www.catholicnews.org.uk
The Catholic Church in England and Wales has published a new prayer to assist those hoping to meet their soulmate.
Timed to coincide with the celebration of St Valentine’s Day – a day annually when those who have already met their spouse express their love and appreciation of them – it’s hoped that the prayer will provide hope to those who have yet to meet their husband or wife.
Bishop Mark O’Toole of Plymouth, who coordinates the work of Catholic Mission in England and Wales, commented, “St Valentine’s Day can be difficult for those who have not yet found their ideal husband or wife.”
“The release of this new prayer aims to remind everyone that God has a loving plan for each one of us and that there is always reason to be hope-filled.”
“We know that Christian prayer, sincerely offered, is answered in a way that is always for our ultimate happiness and good.”
“Our prayers can often be answered in ways we didn’t expect, and it’s important to be open to this. Whatever your circumstances, know that you are not alone, that you are loved by God who is full of tenderness, mercy and compassion.”
Bishop O’Toole added, “There is anecdotal evidence to suggest that people often meet through common interests. You are very welcome to visit a Catholic Church this weekend to find out more about prayer, and you never know, you might meet someone at church this Sunday. Either way, you’ll find the opportunity to meet new people and experience Christian prayer and fellowship.”
St Valentine is the patron of love, young people and happy marriages. He was a third-century Roman saint whose life and holiness is celebrated on 14 February.
Prayer for those seeking a spouse
Loving Father,
You know that the deepest desire of my heart is
to meet someone that I can share my life with.
I trust in your loving plan for me and ask that I might meet soon
the person that you have prepared for me.
Through the power of your Holy Spirit,
open my heart and mind so that I recognise my soulmate.
Remove any obstacles that may be in the way of this happy encounter,
So that I might find a new sense of wholeness, joy and peace.
Give me the grace too, to know and accept, if you have another plan for my life.
I surrender my past, present and future into the tender heart of your Son, Jesus,
Confident that my prayer will be heard and answered.
AMEN
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.
St Valentine, pray for me.
It is suggested that this prayer is said daily for nine days, constituting what is called in the Catholic tradition, a Novena. A Novena is offered to obtain special graces, to implore special favours, or to make special Petitions to God. The word ‘Novena’ is derived from the Latin “novem”, meaning nine.
