In Festo S. Agathae, Virginis et Martyris

I would ask all my readers to join me today in praying for a very bright, engaging young woman who has been in poor health for the past few years..
Lord Jesus Christ Divine Physician, through the intercession of Saint Agatha, Virgin and Martyr, be pleased, we beseech Thee, to heal Thy handmaid from every affliction of body, mind, and soul. Amen.
Saint Agatha shines today as the fifth star in the Church’s winter constellation of women martyrs, all of whom are named in the venerable Roman Canon:
Cecily, Virgin Martyr — 22 November
Lucy, Virgin Martyr — 13 December
Anastasia, Virgin Martyr — 25 December
Agnes, Virgin Martyr — 21 January
Agatha, Virgin Martyr — 5 February
Perpetua and Felicity, Martyrs — 6 March
GENERAL INTERCESSIONS
That the Church in every place,
made radiant by the example of Saint Agatha
and so many other virgin martyrs,
may remain steadfast in the love of Christ
and so present to the eyes of the world
the witness of a joyful fidelity to her Bridegroom,
to the Lord we pray, Christ, hear us. R. Christ, graciously hear us.
That, with reverence for the mystery of life,
the leaders of nations
may promote the dignity of women in society,
to the Lord we pray, Christ, hear us. R. Christ, graciously hear us.
That, following the example of Saint Agatha,
the sick may place their hope in Christ
who by his word alone restores all things;
and that women afflicted with cancer of the breast
may find in Saint Agatha an intercessor and friend,
to the Lord we pray, Christ, hear us. R. Christ, graciously hear us.
That we,
approaching the adorable mysteries of Christ’s Body and Blood,
may seek the healing that goes forth from him
to deliver us from evil and strengthen us for good,
to the Lord we pray, Christ, hear us. R. Christ, graciously hear us.
Almighty and merciful God,
who, by the gift of your Spirit,
strengthened the virgin martyr Agatha
to face death with a pure and fearless gaze;
grant us, we beseech you,
a like surrender to the severe and tender claims of love,
that we, by holding nothing dearer than Christ,
may go forward in faith with unstumbling feet,
and open wide our weakness
to the strength that comes from you alone.
Through Christ our Lord.