The Holiness of the Church

Ella and James Preece are a Catholic couple living in Kingston Upon Hull in Yorkshire in the UK. This is our blog.

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Pope Benedict Visit

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Blogged by Ella Preece on 10th March 2010

When Christ completed His mission for our salvation He sanctified us, making us holy that we might live full lives in God. He instituted the Church to carry on His work on earth, He made the Church His bride, sanctifying her making her a sacrament, Holy as He Himself is Holy, setting her aside from the worldly influences (hagiosyne) for the work of God (hosiotes). Therefore participation in the sacraments, the mass etc. are holy acts because they separate us from the world for and by God. Regardless if the participant is worthy or not, the participation itself is holy. The guidance that the Church gives is also holy, rooted in Sacred Tradition as well as Scripture. We cannot ignore or be selective about the parts we choose to listen too, as this guidance helps us in both our own call to holiness and that of the whole Body of Christ of which we are members.

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To the Blessed Virgin Prayer for England

O Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God and our most gentle Queen and Mother, look down in mercy upon England thy "Dowry" and upon us all who greatly hope and trust in thee.

By thee it was that Jesus our Saviour and our hope was given unto the world; and He has given thee to us that we might hope still more.

Plead for us thy children, whom thou didst receive and accept at the foot of the cross.

O sorrowful Mother! intercede for our separated brethren, that with us in the one true fold they may be united to the supreme Shepherd, the Vicar of thy Son.

Pray for us all, dear Mother, that by faith fruitful in good works we may all deserve to see and praise God, together with thee, in our heavenly home.

Amen.

Couple's Prayer

O God, our heavenly Father, protect and bless us. Deepen and strengthen our love for each other day by day.

Grant that by thy mercy, neither of us may ever say one unkind word to the other. Forgive and correct our faults, and make us constantly to forgive one another should one of us unconsciously hurt the other.

Make us and keep us sound and well in body, alert in mind, tender in heart, and devout in spirit. O Lord, grant us each to rise to the other's best. Then, we pray thee, add to our common life such virtues as only thou canst give.

And so, O Father, consecrate our life and love completely to thy worship, and to the service of all about us, especially those whom thou hast appointed us to serve, that we may always stand before thee in happiness and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.