Rest In Peace, Brother

Most of our loved ones know the reason that I haven't been so busily posting to the blog as usual: Last Tuesday night (really, Wednesday in the wee hours of the morning), Chris received the urgent call that his brother Brian was in critical condition in the hospital ICU. Chris got in his car, drove over the mountains in a rain storm, and arrived at the hospital several states away by morning. He was able to be with his brother and family for the whole grace-filled experience until Brian passed away on Saturday night, February 5.

Thank you to our many friends who have given their valuable prayers and condolences. And a big thank you to our parish priest who managed to say a Mass for the intention of the repose of Brian's soul as early as the Tuesday after his death! (Non-Catholics might not know that Mass intentions are usually booked up for parish priests for months in advance.)

Now Chris is home with us for a few days until we pack up to go to the funeral and associated events this weekend. I'll selfishly ask for some prayers for how to navigate the many events this weekend considering that John and I are sick, I'm at a point in pregnancy when I can't be on my feet for long, and I'll be managing two little kids, easily overstimulated by hundred(s) of people.

An obituary and details of the funeral Mass are available here and a video tribute to Brian is available here.



Anima Christi

Soul of Christ, sanctify me
Body of Christ, save me
Blood of Christ, inebriate me
Water from the side of Christ, wash me
Passion of Christ, strengthen me
O good Jesus, hear me
Within Thy wounds hide me
Suffer me not to be separated from Thee
From the malignant enemy defend me
In the hour of my death call me
And bid me come unto Thee
That I may praise Thee with Thy saints and with Thy angels
Forever and ever
Amen


De Profundis


Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord; Lord, hear my voice.
Let Your ears be attentive to my voice in supplication.
If You, O Lord, mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand?
But with You is forgiveness, that You may be revered.
I trust in the Lord; my soul trusts in His word.
My soul waits for the Lord more than sentinels wait for the dawn.
More than sentinels wait for the dawn, let Israel wait for the Lord,
For with the Lord is kindness and with Him is plenteous redemption;
And He will redeem Israel from all their iniquities.



Prayer for Mercy on the Souls in Purgatory


My Jesus, by the sorrows Thou didst suffer in Thine agony in the Garden, in Thy scourging and crowning with thorns, in the way to Calvary, in Thy crucifixion and death, have mercy on the souls in purgatory, and especially on those that are most forsaken; do Thou deliver them from the dire torments they endure; call them and admit them to Thy most sweet embrace in paradise.