Saint Catherine Of Siena A Devotional Portrait | Prayers Of Saint Catherine In Italian And English | Saint Catherine, Pray For Us | You Reveal The Love Of Jesus Christ

Christian Art | Saint Catherine Of Siena | Love Revealed By Jesus Christ

Saint Catherine Of Siena A Devotional Portrait | Prayers Of Saint Catherine In Italian And English | Saint Catherine, Pray For Us | You Reveal The Love Of Jesus Christ

Eternal God, light above all light, deep sea, abyss of charity, fire ever burning yet never consumed, fire that burns away from the soul every false love — take from me all carelessness and coldness, that I may ever burn with longing for you.

Saint Catherine of Siena was born in 1347 in the Italian city of Siena. She was the twenty-third child of Jacopo and Lapa Benincasa, a family of tradespeople. From her earliest years she showed a deep love for God. At the age of six she said she saw Christ in vision, clothed in papal robes and blessing her. This sense of the nearness of God shaped her whole life.

Catherine grew up in a time of great trial. The Black Death had swept through Europe, and the Church itself was divided and weakened. The papacy had moved from Rome to Avignon, and the moral life of clergy and people was in need of reform. In the midst of this, Catherine’s faith deepened. She sought to live in simplicity, devoting herself to prayer, fasting, and service. At about sixteen she joined the Dominican Third Order, which allowed her to live a religious life while remaining at home. She wore the habit of the Dominican sisters but did not live in a convent.

Her days were spent in prayer, work, and service to others. She cared for the sick, comforted the dying, and reconciled those at odds with each other. Many came to her for advice—clergy, merchants, soldiers, and ordinary people. Though she had little formal education, she was known for her wisdom and her ability to bring peace.

Catherine could not write, but she spoke freely and with authority. Her companions began to record her words. From their dictation came her Dialogue of Divine Providence, her Letters, and her Prayers. These writings reveal a clear and strong voice, deeply rooted in Scripture and experience. They show a woman who loved God without measure and who believed that prayer and service are one path.

Eternal Father, accept the sacrifice of my life for the holy Church.
I cannot shed the blood of my body for her, but I offer you the blood of my heart in desire and affection.
Sweet Love, have mercy on your creatures; wash the stains of your spouse in the blood of your Son.

The Dialogue Of Divine Providence

The Dialogue is the best known of Catherine’s writings. It presents a conversation between God the Father and the soul. Catherine prays for the renewal of the Church and the salvation of humanity, and God answers her with teachings about love, virtue, and mercy. It is not written as a learned treatise but as a record of prayer.

At the heart of The Dialogue is the belief that knowing God begins with knowing ourselves. God tells Catherine that the soul must enter the ‘cell of self-knowledge’. In that place of truth the soul learns humility and sees the depth of God’s mercy. ‘Knowledge of yourself and knowledge of Me,’ says God to her, ‘are bound together like the circle of heaven, in which there is neither beginning nor end.’

From this self-knowledge grows love. When the soul sees how deeply it is loved, it learns to love in return. Love then becomes service. For Catherine, prayer and action are not two separate things. Love of God must show itself in care for others. ‘You cannot love Me,’ God tells her, ‘without loving your neighbour, nor love your neighbour without loving Me.’

A second theme in The Dialogue is the image of Christ’s blood. Catherine saw in the blood of Christ the bridge between heaven and earth. Because of sin, she says, humanity had fallen into a deep river. Christ, through His death, built a bridge of His body and blood, by which souls could cross to eternal life. ‘My Son’s blood is a sea in which all iniquity is drowned,’ God says. The image is simple and bold: mercy is wider than sin.

Catherine also teaches about virtue and the right use of penance. She warns that fasting or hardship mean little without love. ‘I wish,’ says God, ‘that the works of penance should be observed merely as means, and not as the fundamental affection of the soul.’ Virtue, she says, is born of love, not fear. True holiness lies not in outward acts but in an inward turning of the heart to God.

She also writes about suffering. The soul that desires to follow Christ must expect trials, but suffering is not punishment. It is a means of growth and union with God. ‘There is no virtue without the struggle of temptation,’ she records. Patience and endurance are therefore signs of strength.

Finally, Catherine speaks of the Church. She describes it as a vineyard in which each person has a place to work. The sins of its members grieve her deeply, but she never loses hope. She prays for the clergy and urges others to do the same. ‘The more they offend,’ says God in The Dialogue, ‘the more you must pray for them.’ Her loyalty to the Church remained firm even when she called for reform. For her, love of the Church and desire for its renewal were one and the same.

Eternal fire, have compassion on the world and kindle in the hearts of the faithful the light of holy faith.

The Letters

Catherine’s letters bring her teaching into daily life. About three hundred and eighty of them survive. They were dictated to her companions and addressed to a wide range of people—popes, cardinals, princes, merchants, and ordinary believers.

To Pope Gregory XI she wrote urging him to return from Avignon to Rome: ‘Be a manly man, father, and not a timorous child. Respond to the call of the Spirit, and come to Rome.’ Her words are plain and direct, yet full of respect. When the Pope later did return, Catherine thanked God rather than claiming any merit herself.

Many of her letters deal with personal guidance. She speaks to penitents of the mercy of God: ‘He who recognises his sin and humbles himself always receives mercy.’ To a religious sister she writes: ‘If you are what you should be, you will set the whole world on fire.’ To others she offers practical wisdom about forgiveness, patience, and trust.

Through these letters we see how Catherine’s contemplation led to action. Her prayer did not remove her from the world but sent her into it. Her concern for the Church and for peace between warring cities was part of her obedience to God. Her authority came not from learning or position but from the truth of her life.

Sweet, ineffable Love, I pray you to look upon your spouse and upon the misery of the world, and by the power of your Son remove the darkness and confusion of the human heart.

The Prayers

A smaller collection of her words is found in the Prayers, short texts recorded by her companions during moments of devotion. They are intimate and unadorned. One begins:

‘O Eternal Father, You are a deep sea in which the more I seek, the more I find, and the more I find, the more I seek You.’

This simple sentence captures her understanding of God’s infinite goodness. To know God is to desire Him more deeply. Another prayer asks: ‘O gentle Truth, grant light to Your ministers that they may not be wolves but shepherds.’ Her prayers always move between praise and intercession. She thanks God for His mercy and asks that the world may be renewed in love.

These prayers show Catherine’s humility and constancy. Her relationship with God was not based on feeling but on trust. She prayed through darkness as well as light, believing that God’s silence was itself a form of teaching.

Sweet and loving Word, you who made yourself the bridge by which we may pass to the Father, I pray you for the whole world, that it may be washed in your precious blood.
O spotless Lamb, remember your spouse and have mercy on those whom you have redeemed.

Her Central Teaching

Catherine’s writings, though few in number, contain a coherent vision of the Christian life. Her teaching can be summed up in a few simple truths.

First, love is the centre of all things. God is love, and we are created to share that love. When we love God truly, we love others rightly. All virtue, she says, comes from love. ‘Love transforms one into what one loves.’

Second, the way to the Father is through Christ. She speaks of Him as the bridge, the door, and the key. Through His blood we pass from sin to grace. The cross is not only a sign of suffering but the means by which divine love enters the world.

Third, humility and obedience are the foundation of freedom. To obey God is to be released from self-will. In doing God’s will, we find peace. ‘There is no obedience without humility, nor humility without charity,’ she says.

Fourth, the Church, despite its failings, remains the body of Christ. Catherine’s love for it was both faithful and honest. She prayed for its leaders and worked for its renewal. Her life shows that loyalty and reform can exist together.

Finally, perseverance is the mark of holiness. Catherine often told her followers that virtue is proved in trial. Faith must continue when prayer feels dry and when hope seems distant. To remain steadfast in such times is the truest offering of love.

Eternal God, deep sea, the more I seek, the more I find; the more I find, the more I seek of you, sweet Truth.
You are the fire that consumes every selfish love of the soul, and the light that drives away all darkness.

Her Life’s End And Legacy

Catherine’s years of prayer and service took a toll on her health. In the last months of her life she lived in Rome, close to the papal court. She continued to pray and to advise others, though her body was weak. She died there in 1380 at the age of thirty-three, the same age at which Christ died. Her tomb is in the church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva, where many still go to pray.

She was canonised in 1461 by Pope Pius II, also a native of Siena. In 1970 she was declared a Doctor of the Church, one of the first women to receive that title. Later she was named co-patron of Europe.

Her influence endures through her writings and through those who have followed her example of prayer joined to service. Her life continues to remind the faithful that love of God must be lived out in daily life.

Prayers Of Saint Catherine Of Siena In Italian And English

Prayer I / Preghiera I

Italian:
O Dio eterno, o luce sopra ogni luce, o mare profondo, o abisso di carità, o fuoco sempre ardente e mai consumato, o fuoco che consumi nel tuo ardore ogni amore dell’anima, toglile ogni negligenza e freddezza, perché sempre arda nel tuo desiderio.
Tu sei colui che sei, e io sono colei che non è. Tu hai voluto che io esistessi per la tua bontà.
Tu, dolce eterno Padre, sei colui che mi fai gustare la tua verità; tu sei colui che mi dai sete della tua gloria.
O fuoco d’amore, abbi misericordia del mondo, abbi pietà della tua sposa, la santa Chiesa. Illumina i ministri tuoi perché come angeli splendano nel corpo mistico della santa Chiesa.
O dolce amore, fa che io veda la tua gloria, che tu sia glorificato e non io. Amen.

English:
Eternal God, light above all light, deep sea, abyss of charity, fire ever burning yet never consumed, fire that burns away from the soul every false love — take from me all carelessness and coldness, that I may ever burn with longing for you.
You are He who is; I am she who is not. You willed that I should exist through Your goodness.
Sweet eternal Father, You let me taste your truth; you give me thirst for your glory.
O fire of love, have mercy on the world; have pity on your spouse, the holy Church. Enlighten your ministers, that they may shine like angels in the body of the Church.
O gentle love, grant that I may see your glory, that you may be glorified, not I. Amen.

Prayer II / Preghiera II

Italian:
O eterno Padre, accetta il sacrificio della vita mia per la santa Chiesa.
Io non posso dare il sangue del corpo mio per essa, ma ti dono il sangue del cuore per desiderio e affetto.
O dolce Amore, abbi pietà delle tue creature, lava con il sangue del Figliuolo tuo le macchie della tua sposa.
O dolce Gesù, amore ineffabile, concedi che i tuoi ministri siano fiamme di carità, che amministrino il corpo e il sangue tuo con puro cuore e mente illuminata, non in tenebre né in ignoranza.
O Trinità eterna, fa’ che tutti i popoli conoscano e confessino il tuo nome santo. Amen.

English:
Eternal Father, accept the sacrifice of my life for the holy Church.
I cannot shed the blood of my body for her, but I offer you the blood of my heart in desire and affection.
Sweet Love, have mercy on your creatures; wash the stains of your spouse in the blood of your Son.
Sweet Jesus, inexpressible Love, grant that your ministers may be flames of charity, serving the Body and Blood of yours with pure heart and enlightened mind, not in darkness nor in ignorance.
Eternal Trinity, let all peoples know and confess your holy name. Amen.

Prayer III / Preghiera III

Italian:
O Padre eterno, dolce fonte di amore, guarda ai bisogni del mondo, e non abbandonare la sposa tua.
Io ti prego che infiammi il cuore de’ tuoi servi, e specialmente de’ tuoi ministri, d’un fuoco di santo desiderio, perché essi seguano l’Agnello immacolato e guidino il popolo per la via della verità.
O fuoco eterno, abbi compassione del mondo e accendi nel cuore de’ fedeli il lume della santa fede.
O mare pacifico, o Trinità eterna, unisci i divisi, riforma la tua Chiesa nella dolce unione della carità. Amen.

English:
Eternal Father, sweet source of love, look upon the needs of the world and do not forsake your spouse.
I pray you to inflame the hearts of your servants, especially of your ministers, with the fire of holy desire, that they may follow the spotless Lamb and lead the people in the way of truth.
Eternal fire, have compassion on the world and kindle in the hearts of the faithful the light of holy faith.
Peaceful sea, eternal Trinity, unite those who are divided, and renew your Church in the gentle bond of charity. Amen.

Prayer IV / Preghiera IV

Italian:
O eterna Bontà, tu sei quella che sei, e io sono colei che non è.
Tu hai voluto farmi conoscere la tua verità, e per amore mi hai tratta a te.
O dolce Amore ineffabile, io ti prego che guardi alla tua sposa e alla miseria del mondo, e che con la potenza del tuo Figliuolo togli la tenebra e la confusione del cuore umano.
O luce, abbi pietà di noi, e fa’ che tutti conoscano la verità e la confessino fino alla morte. Amen.

English:
Eternal Goodness, you are He who is, and I am she who is not.
You willed to make me know your truth, and in love you drew me to yourself.
Sweet, ineffable Love, I pray you to look upon your spouse and upon the misery of the world, and by the power of your Son remove the darkness and confusion of the human heart.
O Light, have mercy on us, and grant that all may know the truth and confess it even to death. Amen.

Prayer V / Preghiera V

Italian:
O Padre eterno, abisso di carità, abbi pietà del mondo e illumina la tua Chiesa con lume di verità, perché con esso lume risplenda e diffonda il tuo nome santo.
O Verbo, Figliuolo di Dio, tu fosti fatto strumento della misericordia del Padre.
Ti prego che infiammi i cuori di coloro che hai posti a servire nel tuo corpo mistico, e fa’ che non siano ciechi, ma vedano la verità e la seguano con amore.
O Spirito Santo, vincolo d’amore, unisci i cuori dei fedeli e donaci pace e concordia. Amen.

English:
Eternal Father, abyss of charity, have mercy on the world, and enlighten your Church with the light of truth, that by this light she may shine and spread your holy name.
O Word, Son of God, you became the instrument of the Father’s mercy.
I pray you to enkindle the hearts of those whom you have placed to serve in your mystical body, that they may not be blind but may see the truth and follow it with love.
O Holy Spirit, bond of love, unite the hearts of the faithful and give us peace and concord. Amen.

Prayer VI / Preghiera VI

Italian:
O dolce e amoroso Verbo, tu che ti sei fatto ponte, per cui possiamo passare al Padre, io ti prego per tutto il mondo, che sia lavato nel sangue tuo prezioso.
O dolce Agnello senza macchia, ricordati della sposa tua, e abbi misericordia di coloro che tu hai redenti.
Fa’ che i tuoi servi siano forti nella fede e costanti nel bene.
O eterna Verità, concedi che io viva e muoia nella tua dolce volontà. Amen.

English:
Sweet and loving Word, you who made yourself the bridge by which we may pass to the Father, I pray you for the whole world, that it may be washed in your precious blood.
O spotless Lamb, remember your spouse and have mercy on those whom you have redeemed.
Make your servants strong in faith and steadfast in good.
Eternal Truth, grant that I may live and die in your sweet will. Amen.

Prayer VII / Preghiera VII

Italian:
O eterno Dio, o mare profondo, che più io cerco e più trovo, e più trovo e più cerco di te, o dolce verità.
Tu sei fuoco che consuma ogni amore egoistico dell’anima, e luce che dissipa ogni tenebra.
O eterno Amore, fa’ che io non ti cerchi per mio conforto, ma per tuo onore.
E fa’ che io giunga a vedere te, e in te goda senza fine. Amen.

English:
Eternal God, deep sea, the more I seek, the more I find; the more I find, the more I seek of you, sweet Truth.
You are the fire that consumes every selfish love of the soul, and the light that drives away all darkness.
Eternal Love, let me not seek you for my own comfort, but for your honour.
Grant that I may come to see you, and in you rejoice without end. Amen.

Prayer VIII / Preghiera VIII

Italian:
O eterna Trinità, tu sei mare profondo in cui più cerco e più trovo, e più trovo e più cerco.
Tu sei fuoco che sempre arde e non si spegne mai, tu sei colui che dà calore e lume all’anima mia.
O dolce Trinità, trasforma l’anima mia in te, perché io viva nella tua verità e nella tua luce.
O Padre, o Figliuolo, o Spirito Santo, un solo Dio, abbi pietà di noi. Amen.

English:
Eternal Trinity, you are the deep sea in which the more I seek, the more I find, and the more I find, the more I seek.
You are the fire that ever burns and is never quenched; you are He who gives warmth and light to my soul.
Sweet Trinity, transform my soul into yourself, that I may live in your truth and in your light.
O Father, O Son, O Holy Spirit, one God, have mercy on us. Amen.

Prayer IX / Preghiera IX

Italian:
O eterna Trinità, fuoco e abisso di carità, dissolve la nube della mia negligenza, e riscalda il cuore mio con lume e fuoco del tuo amore.
Tu sei il mare profondo, nel quale più cerco e più trovo, e più trovo e più cerco di te, o dolce verità.
Tu sei fuoco che consuma ogni amore egoistico dell’anima, e luce che dissipa ogni tenebra.
O Trinità eterna, abbi pietà del mondo e della tua sposa, la santa Chiesa. Amen.

English:
Eternal Trinity, fire and abyss of charity, dissolve the cloud of my negligence and warm my heart with the light and fire of your love.
You are the deep sea: the more I seek, the more I find, and the more I find, the more I seek of you, sweet Truth.
You are the fire that consumes every selfish love of the soul, and the light that drives away all darkness.
Eternal Trinity, have mercy on the world and on your spouse, the holy Church. Amen.

Prayer X / Preghiera X

Italian:
O Padre eterno, o mare di pace, o dolce abisso di carità, muoviti a pietà per le miserie della tua creatura.
Io ti prego per coloro che tu hai posti a governare la santa Chiesa, che tu li illumini con lume di verità, perché non sieno ciechi guide dei ciechi.
O dolce Gesù, vero lume, rischiara le tenebre nostre.
O Spirito Santo, unisci i cuori divisi, e rinnova il volto della terra. Amen.

English:
Eternal Father, sea of peace, sweet abyss of charity, have pity on the miseries of your creature.
I pray you for those whom you have placed to govern the holy Church: enlighten them with the light of truth, that they may not be blind guides of the blind.
Sweet Jesus, true light, scatter our darkness.
Holy Spirit, unite divided hearts, and renew the face of the earth. Amen.

Prayer XI / Preghiera XI

Italian:
O eterno Dio, o luce sopra ogni luce, guarda alla tua creatura che tu hai fatta a immagine e similitudine tua.
Tu l’hai creata per amore, e per amore l’hai redenta nel sangue del Figliuolo tuo.
O amore ineffabile, non guardare alla nostra ingratitudine, ma alla tua misericordia.
O dolce Verità, conduci noi per la via della giustizia, e fa’ che mai ci separiamo da te. Amen.

English:
Eternal God, light above all light, look upon the creature you have made in your image and likeness.
You created her in love, and in love you redeemed her in the blood of your Son.
Ineffable Love, look not upon our ingratitude but upon your mercy.
Sweet Truth, lead us in the way of righteousness, and let us never be separated from you. Amen.

Prayer XII / Preghiera XII

Italian:
O Trinità eterna, o mare profondo, o luce inaccessibile, io ti prego per tutto il mondo, specialmente per la tua sposa la santa Chiesa, che tu la rinnovi nello spirito di amore e di verità.
O dolce Agnello, ricordati del sangue che hai sparso per essa.
O Spirito Santo, vincolo di carità, lega con amore i cuori de’ fedeli.
O eterno Padre, guarda la necessità del mondo, e concedi la tua pace. Amen.

English:
Eternal Trinity, deep sea, inaccessible light, I pray you for the whole world, especially for your spouse, the holy Church, that you may renew her in the spirit of love and truth.
Sweet Lamb, remember the blood you have shed for her.
Holy Spirit, bond of charity, bind the hearts of the faithful in love.
Eternal Father, behold the world’s need, and grant it your peace. Amen.

Prayer XIII / Preghiera XIII

Italian:
O eterno Dio, o abisso di carità, abbi pietà di me e del mondo, e perdona le nostre colpe.
Tu sei il medico, e noi siamo gli infermi; tu sei la fonte, e noi gli assetati.
Lava le macchie dell’anima nel sangue del Figliuolo tuo.
O dolce amore, dammi lume a conoscere la verità tua e fortezza a seguitarla. Amen.

English:
Eternal God, abyss of charity, have mercy on me and on the world, and forgive our faults.
You are the physician, we are the sick; you are the fountain, we the thirsty.
Wash the stains of the soul in the blood of your Son.
Sweet Love, grant me light to know your truth, and strength to follow it. Amen.

Prayer XIV / Preghiera XIV

Italian:
O eterna Trinità, o mare profondo, che più io cerco e più trovo, e più trovo e più cerco,
o abisso di carità, innamora l’anima mia di te, affinché non si rivolga più ad altro bene che al tuo.
Tu sei la dolcezza ineffabile, tu sei il fuoco che sempre arde e non si consuma mai,
o luce, o verità, o carità, fa’ che io viva in te, e non in me stessa. Amen.

English:
Eternal Trinity, deep sea, the more I seek, the more I find; the more I find, the more I seek.
Abyss of charity, make my soul fall in love with you, that it may turn to no other good but yours.
You are ineffable sweetness, the fire that always burns and is never consumed.
O Light, O Truth, O Charity, grant that I may live in you and not in myself. Amen.

Prayer XV / Preghiera XV

Italian:
O eterno Dio, o amore inestimabile, io ti ringrazio del lume che mi hai dato a conoscere la tua verità.
Ti prego che tu mi faccia perseverare nella fede e nella speranza, e che io non mi separi mai da te.
O Padre dolce, o Figliuolo diletto, o Spirito Santo amore, unisci me a te con legame di carità, e fa’ che io sia fedele fino alla morte. Amen.

English:
Eternal God, inestimable love, I thank you for the light you have given me to know your truth.
I pray that you will make me persevere in faith and hope, and that I may never be separated from you.
Sweet Father, beloved Son, Holy Spirit of love, unite me to yourself in the bond of charity, and grant that I may be faithful even to death. Amen.

Prayer XVI / Preghiera XVI

Italian:
O dolce Gesù, amore ineffabile, tu sei la via, la verità e la vita.
Io ti prego che illumini l’occhio dell’intelletto mio, perché io conosca te e me, e in te mi diletti.
O luce, fa’ che io cammini per la via della verità, e non mi smarrisca per la via della menzogna.
O fuoco, accendi l’anima mia nel desiderio tuo, perché io ti cerchi e ti trovi. Amen.

English:
Sweet Jesus, inexpressible love, you are the way, the truth, and the life.
I pray that you enlighten the eye of my understanding, that I may know you and know myself, and take delight in you.
O Light, grant that I may walk in the way of truth and not be lost in the way of falsehood.
O Fire, enkindle my soul with desire for you, that I may seek and find you. Amen.

Prayer XVII / Preghiera XVII

Italian:
O eterna Bontà, o abisso di carità, io ti prego per il mondo intero, e specialmente per la tua sposa, la santa Chiesa, che tu la riformi nello spirito di amore e di verità.
O luce, rischiara le tenebre; o fuoco, accendi i cuori tiepidi; o verità, distruggi la menzogna.
O dolce Gesù, dolce amore, ricordati del sangue che hai versato per amore.
O Spirito Santo, vincolo d’amore, unisci in pace i divisi. Amen.

English:
Eternal Goodness, abyss of charity, I pray to you for the whole world, and especially for your spouse, the holy Church, that you may reform her in the spirit of love and truth.
O Light, scatter the darkness; O Fire, kindle cold hearts; O Truth, destroy falsehood.
Sweet Jesus, sweet Love, remember the blood you shed in love.
Holy Spirit, bond of love, unite those who are divided in peace. Amen.

Prayer XVIII / Preghiera XVIII

Italian:
O Padre eterno, tu sei l’abisso di carità, tu sei il mare pacifico, tu sei la luce che illumina ogni tenebra.
Io ti prego che con la potenza del Figliuolo tuo tolga la guerra e la divisione dal mondo, e dia pace e unione alla tua Chiesa.
O dolce Amore, non guardare ai nostri difetti, ma alla tua misericordia infinita.
O fuoco, o verità, o carità, infiamma i cuori nostri nel desiderio tuo. Amen.

English:
Eternal Father, you are the abyss of charity, the peaceful sea, the light that illumines all darkness.
I pray you, by the power of your Son, to take war and division from the world, and to give peace and unity to your Church.
Sweet Love, look not upon our faults, but upon your infinite mercy.
O Fire, O Truth, O Charity, inflame our hearts with desire for you. Amen.

Prayer XIX / Preghiera XIX

Italian:
O dolce Amore, io ti prego che l’anima mia mai non si allontani da te, né si attacchi a nulla di vano.
Fa’ che ogni pensiero, ogni parola e ogni azione sia ordinata alla tua gloria.
O fuoco eterno, infiamma i miei desideri e consumi in me ogni egoismo.
O Trinità eterna, unisci la mia volontà alla tua, perché io viva e muoia in perfetta obbedienza. Amen.

English:
Sweet Love, I pray that my soul may never turn from you, nor cling to anything vain.
Let every thought, every word, and every action be ordered to your glory.
Eternal Fire, enkindle my desires and consume all selfishness in me.
Eternal Trinity, unite my will to yours, that I may live and die in perfect obedience. Amen.

Prayer XX / Preghiera XX

Italian:
O eterno Dio, o luce sopra ogni luce, guarda con misericordia a noi e al mondo intero.
O dolce Agnello, abbi pietà dei peccatori e perdona le nostre colpe.
O Spirito Santo, vincolo d’amore, fa’ che la Chiesa sia rinnovata nella pace e nella carità.
O eterno Padre, concedi che tutti conoscano e amino la verità tua. Amen.

English:
Eternal God, light above all light, look with mercy upon us and upon the whole world.
Sweet Lamb, have pity on sinners and forgive our faults.
Holy Spirit, bond of love, renew the Church in peace and charity.
Eternal Father, grant that all may know and love your truth. Amen.

Prayer XXI / Preghiera XXI

Italian:
O Padre eterno, fa’ che io non tema la tribolazione, né l’ingiustizia, né la sofferenza, ma che io perseveri nella fede e nella carità.
O dolce Gesù, tu sei la forza mia; rendimi costante e umile nel cuore.
O Spirito Santo, accendi in me la luce della tua verità, perché io cammini sempre nella via del bene. Amen.

English:
Eternal Father, grant that I may not fear tribulation, injustice, or suffering, but may persevere in faith and charity.
Sweet Jesus, you are my strength; make me steadfast and humble in heart.
Holy Spirit, kindle in me the light of your truth, that I may always walk in the way of goodness. Amen.

Prayer XXII / Preghiera XXII

Italian:
O eterno Dio, o mare di pace, abbi misericordia delle anime peccatrici.
O dolce Agnello, lava nel tuo sangue ogni colpa.
O Trinità eterna, lega tutti i cuori nell’amore tuo e dona pace al mondo.
O Padre, Figliuolo e Spirito Santo, fa’ che la Chiesa sia salda e retta nella verità. Amen.

English:
Eternal God, sea of peace, have mercy on sinful souls.
Sweet Lamb, wash every fault in your blood.
Eternal Trinity, bind all hearts in your love and give peace to the world.
O Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, make the Church firm and upright in truth. Amen.

Prayer XXIII / Preghiera XXIII

Italian:
O dolce Gesù, amore ineffabile, tu sei la via della salvezza.
Fa’ che io viva in umiltà e obbedienza, e che tutti i miei atti siano guidati dall’amore.
O fuoco divino, accendi il cuore mio nel desiderio di te e nel servizio al prossimo.
O Trinità eterna, accetta l’anima mia come offerta gradita a te. Amen.

English:
Sweet Jesus, inexpressible love, you are the way of salvation.
Grant that I may live in humility and obedience, and that all my actions be guided by love.
Divine Fire, enkindle my heart with desire for you and service to others.
Eternal Trinity, accept my soul as an offering pleasing to you. Amen.

Prayer XXIV / Preghiera XXIV

Italian:
O eterno Padre, o mare profondo, tu conosci le necessità di ogni creatura.
O dolce Verbo, soccorri chi è nell’afflizione e nella tentazione.
O Spirito Santo, guida tutti i fedeli nella via della giustizia e della verità.
O Trinità eterna, abbi pietà del mondo e donaci la tua pace. Amen.

English:
Eternal Father, deep sea, you know the needs of every creature.
Sweet Word, help those in affliction and temptation.
Holy Spirit, guide all the faithful in the way of justice and truth.
Eternal Trinity, have mercy on the world and grant us your peace. Amen.

Prayer XXV / Preghiera XXV

Italian:
O dolce Gesù, amore ineffabile, ricordati della sposa tua, la santa Chiesa, e dei peccatori tutti.
O fuoco eterno, purifica le anime e accendi nei cuori la carità.
O Trinità eterna, fa’ che ogni uomo riconosca la verità e viva secondo il tuo amore.
Amen.

English:
Sweet Jesus, inexpressible love, remember your spouse, the holy Church, and all sinners.
Eternal Fire, purify souls and enkindle love in hearts.
Eternal Trinity, let every person acknowledge the truth and live according to your love.
Amen.

Prayer XXVI / Preghiera XXVI

Italian:
O eterno Padre, o Figliuolo e Spirito Santo, io ti dono l’anima mia e la Chiesa santa.
Fa’ che viva e muoia nella tua verità e nella tua carità.
O dolce Amore, unisci me a te, e rendimi fedele fino alla morte.
Amen.

English:
Eternal Father, O Son and Holy Spirit, I give you my soul and the holy Church.
Grant that I may live and die in your truth and in your charity.
Sweet Love, unite me to yourself, and make me faithful even to death.
Amen.