Saint Francis de Sales

General Intercessions

That the Church may never be without gentle shepherds
according to the meek and humble Heart of Christ:
servants of unity and of peace,
to the Lord we pray, Christ, hear us. R. Christ, graciously hear us.

That the leaders of nations may turn from every project of war and destruction
and search for the means to a just and lasting peace,
to the Lord we pray, Christ, hear us. R. Christ, graciously hear us.

That the discouraged may be granted
the blessed assurance of peace of heart;
that those sorely tempted against hope
may be delivered from their trial;
and that those who mourn the death of a loved one
may be comforted in their grief,
to the Lord we pray, Christ, hear us. R. Christ, graciously hear us.

That the Sisters of the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary
may persevere sweetly in their vocation to be gentle “daughters of prayer,”
witnessing to all the peace of the devout life,
to the Lord we pray, Christ, hear us. R. Christ, graciously hear us.

That we, by the intercession of Saint Francis de Sales,
may respond to the voice of Christ
who calls to Himself those whom He desires,
to the Lord we pray, Christ, hear us. R. Christ, graciously hear us.

Collect at the General Intercessions

Holy God, who called your bishop Francis de Sales
from the torment of a restless heart
to the blessed assurance of your abiding love,
and by his ministry renewed your Church in patience and kindness:
grant us something of the unfailing gentleness
by which he touched even the most hardened hearts,
that we may serve you with serenity
and praise you with a humble gladness.
Through Christ our Lord.