Photo: Winter Leaves

Prayer: Martin Luther King Jr., A Testament of Hope

There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but he must take it because conscience tells him it is right.

Photo: A sea of lights

Prayer: Martin Luther King Jr.

If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.

Photo: Tabernacle Mosaic (St. Eulalia Church)

Prayer: Paul VI

God of peace, we bless you and we thank you because you have sent us your beloved Son, Jesus, making him the paschal mystery, the architect of salvation, the source of all peace. Open yet more our hearts to the needs of all our brothers and sisters so that we may be better able to build a true peace. Remember, Father of mercy, all who are in pain, who suffer and die in the cause of a more just world. For the people of every race, of every tongue - may your kingdom come: your kingdom of justice, of peace, of love, and may the earth be filled with your glory.

Photo: Frosted Ferns

Prayer: Ignatius of Antioch

God, make us more like Jesus. Help us to bear difficulty, pain, disappointment, and sorrow, knowing that in our perfect working and design you can use such bitter experiences to shape our characters and make us more like Christ. We look with hope for that day when we shall be wholly like Christ.

Photo: Mother and Son

Prayer: Opening Prayer by John XXIII at the Second Vatican Council

We stand before you, Holy Spirit, conscious of our sinfulness, but aware that we gather in your name. Come to us, remain with us, and enlighten our hearts. Give us light and strength to know your will, to make it our own, and to live it in our lives. Guide us by your wisdom, support us by your power, for you are God, sharing the glory of Father and Son. You desire justice for all; enable us to uphold the rights of others; do not allow us to be misled by ignorance or corrupted by fear or favor. Unite us to yourself in the bond of love and keep us faithful to all that is true. As we gather in your name, may we temper justice with love, so that all our discussions and reflections may be pleasing to you, and earn the reward promised to good and faithful servants. We ask this of You who live and reign with the Father and the Son, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.