There are saints beyond counting, most of whom fit into one category or another. Of course, there are the apostles. Then there are martyr-saints, saints who were kings and queens, monks and nuns, popes and bishops. There are saints who were married with children (finally recognizing that lay people are supposed to be holy too). Dig around (no pun intended) and we see there's even a category of Garden Saints.
Here's a home-made morning prayer we might offer on behalf of our needy country (and others too) suffering, what Pope Francis has called, an epidemic of animosity. But the right politics won't put us back together. As a nation we need to do some very deep, personal, inner work - sometimes called spiritual gardening. Might the Garden Saints plant seeds of new goodness, unity, reconciliation, courtesy and healing in our hearts.
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I arise today in the gentling of Francis,
in his lauding of the Creator.
I arise today in the common sense of Brigid,
in her community-building and inner flame.
I arise today in the discipline of Cuthbert,
in his interior hermitage and animal friendships.
I arise today in the persuasion of Ansovino,
in his awareness of the littlest and sharing of plenty.
Holy Dorothy of Caesarea,
we'll need your patience today.
Holy Elizabeth of Hungary,
may we care for one another.
Holy Fiacre of Meaux,
may our hearts be closed to no one.
Holy Isidore and Maria,
bless us in our prayer.
Holy Kessog of Scotland,
cover us with justice.
Holy Nauchlan of Deeside,
stave off our spiritual hunger.
The ever-bloom of Mother Mary, be ours this new day.
The generosity of Phocas, be ours this new day.
The generosity of Phocas, be ours this new day.
The watchful gaze of Magnus, be ours this new day.
The non-hate of Werenfried, be ours this new day.
The ordinariness of Adelard, be ours this new day.
May Joseph, whose staff bloomed lilies, delight us.
May Swithin the rain-maker, uphold us.
May Swithin the rain-maker, uphold us.
May Rita, whose winter-garden bore figs, shield us.
May Urban, who tended vines, strengthen us.
May Valentine, with his rooster, inspire us.
