Jesus, Mary, Joseph

 

Pray for the repose of the soul of

 

In Christ, the hope of a blessed resurrection has dawned for us, bringing all who are under the certain, sad sentence of death the promise of immortality. For those who have been faithful, O Lord, life is not ended, but merely changed. And when this earthly abode dissolves, an eternal dwelling place awaits them in heaven. Amen.

 

Gone is the soul that we have loved

    And mother is at rest.

Her work is done; she sleeps in peace

    Among the Master's blest.

Her work is finished on the earth

    And her rewards are won.

Nor should we weep or shed a tear

    Because her work is done.

But rather we should face the world

    As mothers always do;

With eyes upturned to face the light

    Of each kind day anew.

 

Gone is the soul that we have loved.

    A husband who has done his work-

A father who was loved by all;

    Who from his duties did not shirk,

But on and on he forged ahead

    Until his work on earth was done.

And now he sits among the blest

    Beside the Christ-the Father's Son.

We will not pause to shed a tear

    For we shall meet him over there

Where greater duties are performed

    In cloudless lands where all is fair.

 

    Death is nothing at all. I have only slipped away into the next room. Whatever we were to each other, that we are still. Call me by my old familiar name, speak to me in the easy way which you always used. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together.

    Play, smile, think of me, pray for me. Let my name be the household word that it always was. Let it be spoken without effort.

    Life means all it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was; there is absolutely unbroken continuity. Why should I be out of your mind because I am out of your sight? I am but waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near just around the corner. All is well.

    Nothing is past; nothing is lost. One brief moment and all will be as it was before - only better, infinitely happier and forever - we will all be one together with Christ.

 

LET US PRAY

 

    Holy Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do you, O prince of the heavenly host, by the divine power thrust into hell Satan and all the other evil spirits who wander through the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

 

PRAYER TO SAINT JOSEPH

 

    Oh, St. Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in you all my interest and desires. Oh, St. Joseph, do assist me by your powerful intercession, and obtain for me from your divine Son all spiritual blessings, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. So that, having engaged here below your heavenly power, I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of Fathers. Oh, St. Joseph, I never weary contemplating you, and Jesus asleep in your arms; I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press Him in my name and kiss His fine head for me and ask Him to return the kiss when I draw my dying breath. St. Joseph, Patron of departing souls, pray for me.

 

    O Holy Saint Anthony, gentlest of Saints: your love for God and charity for His creatures made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers. Miracles waited on your word, which you were ever ready to speak for those in trouble or anxiety. We implore of you to obtain for the deceased and all souls in Purgatory light and peace with God the Almighty. The answer to our prayer may require a miracle; even so, you are the Saint of Miracles. O gentle and loving Saint, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper our petition into the ears of the sweet infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms.

 

    Oh glorious St. Joseph, thou who makes possible the impossible, come to our aid in this present trial and distress. Take this important and difficult task under thy protection that it may end happily.

    Oh glorious St. Joseph, thou who are so close to Jesus and Mary, let thy power equal thy goodness. St. Joseph, pray for us. Amen.