Over the years, indeed over the centuries, there have been many changes in Society and in what we consider to be important. But one thing that has not changed is our need to belong. This is true in all walks of life, indeed even among the most hardened criminals! At times in our lives we may 'go it alone', but nearly always we end up experiencing the need to share our achievements, our sufferings, our difficulties, our joys, to share whatever is happening in our lives with others: especially with those who are important to us in our journey through life. This sense of belonging is part of human nature, as God created us. It is a very basic and fundamental need.

~ Bishop Derek Byrne of Guiratinga, Brazil, at the International Eucharistic Congress ~

The full text of Bishop Byrne’s Morning Prayer on Friday 15 June at the 50th International Eucharistic Congress in Dublin, Ireland, is here. Bishop Byrne is a native of Dublin and is a member of the St Patrick’s Missionary Society, (Kiltegan Fathers).

Portrait of William Blake by Thomas Phillips (1807)

To see a World in a Grain of Sand
And a Heaven in a Wild Flower,
Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand
And Eternity in an hour.

~ William Blake, Poet and Visionary (1757 – 1827) ~

If you love peace, all will be well.

~ St Elizabeth of Portugal, Queen (1271 – 1336) The saint is the patron of The Third Order of St Francis. ~

St Elizabeth of Portugal, Francisco de Zurbarán (painted 1638-42)

All men are our brothers because they are created in the image of God, purchased by the blood of Christ, they are called to eternal salvation as members of the one Church.

~ St Tikhon of Zadonsk, Bishop and Monk (1724 – 1783) ~

The bishop is a saint of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Find happiness in making others happy.

~ St Mary McKillop, Foundress of the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart (1842 – 1909) ~
 

Fight the good fight against our ancient foe, fight him insistently with fasting, because no one will win the crown of victory without engaging in the contest in the proper way.

~ St Dominic, Founder of the Order of Preachers (1170 – 1221) ~

St Dominic in Prayer, El Greco, painted 1586-90

Portrait, 1904

I do not want the peace that passeth understanding. I want the understanding which bringeth peace.

~ Helen Keller, Blind and Deaf Educator (1880 – 1968) ~

Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love of the brethren, a tender heart and a humble mind. Do not return evil for evil or reviling for reviling; but on the contrary bless, for to this you have been called, that you may obtain a blessing.

~ 1 Peter 3:8-9 (RSV Catholic Edition) ~