Memorial Day Mass and Prayer

MEMORIAL DAY CELEBRATION

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2483 and American Legion Post 45 are sponsoring a Memorial Day Celebration at St. Landry Catholic Church’s 10:00 am Mass on 24 May 2009. A brief ceremony will be held after Mass in front of the Fr. LaFleur Monument.

A MEMORIAL DAY PRAYER

Almighty God, In whom we live, love, and have our being.
We take time today to uplift the heavy hearts of
Those for whom Memorial Day is more than a mere diversion.
But is, instead, a painful time of reflection, lamentation
And enduring bereavement.

This day we remember with compassion
Your children who have lost their lives to war;
Incline us to honor their memory, dear Lord,
With a sincere pledge to seek peace,
And non-violent solutions to world conflict.

We pray for the safety of those entering military service,
And succor for the many returning from combat with wounded
Bodies, or minds sickened by the sight and sounds of war.

Our prayers also extend, Great Comforter,
To those who still wait and pray day by anxious day,
For the precious moment of reunion
With a distant family member, friend, or loved one.

And to others whose reunion has been sorrowfully delayed
Until that Heavenly homecoming with Christ in the
Fullness of time—
We offer the gentle assurance of your promise to all believers,
“Blessed are those who mourn; for they shall be comforted.”

Tracy McNeal