Day 8
Life to the Full
"'If anyone wishes to be a follower of Mine, he must leave self behind; he must take up his cross and come with Me' (Matthew 16:24). But the cross is no self-mutilation or masochism. It is plucking off of dead buds that the new buds may blossom; it is pruning of a tree for a rich harvest; it is the dull rehearsal for the triumph of a concert. God is not the God of dead things, but of renewed things. He does not change the Ideal to fit the way men live; but He changes the way men live to give them the Ideal." (Fulton J. Sheen, "Those Mysterious Priests")
Lord Jesus, may the firm hope of rich produce and new wine surpass the pain of pruning. Let us then taste and see how good and worthy Your Ideal is!
Prayer for the Canonization of the Venerable Servant of God Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen
Heavenly Father, source of all holiness, You raise up within the Church in every age men and women who serve with heroic love and dedication. You have blessed Your Church through the life and ministry of Your faithful servant, Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen. He has written and spoken well of Your Divine Son, Jesus Christ, and was a true instrument of the Holy Spirit in touching the hearts of countless people.
If it be according to Your Will, for the honor and glory of the Most Holy Trinity and for the salvation of souls, we ask You to move the Church to proclaim him a saint. We ask this prayer through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Our Father × 1
Hail Mary × 1
Glory Be × 1
