St Kevin was a native of Leinster and grew up in Kilnamanagh, where he received his early religious formation. Wishing to be a hermit, he crossed the mountains to Glendalough and settled in Disert Caoimhghin at the foot of the Upper Lake. But disciples began to gather round him. Gradually the great monastic settlement grew and spread through the glen after his death in 618 A.D.
Let us pray.
Lord,
in your abbot Kevin
you give an example of the gospel lived to perfection.
Help us to follow him
by keeping before us the things of heaven
amid all the changes of this world.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL
Invitation to Prayer
God the Father gives us the joy
of recalling the life and holiness of Saint Kevin.
Let us pray that he will continue to pour out his blessings upon his people.
Intentions
1. Let us pray for the Church throughout the world, that all God’s people may listen to his word and allow it to bear fruit in their lives. Lord, hear us.
2. Let us pray for Diarmuid, our Archbishop, and all ministers of the Gospel in our diocese, that they may follow the example of St Kevin, who sought the Lord with an undivided heart. Lord, hear us.
3. Let us pray that just as Saint Kevin was sensitive to the wonder of creation, we too may grow in respect for the precious gifts that God has given us in land and sea. Lord, hear us.
4. Let us pray for vocations to the priesthood and the religious life, especially among those who seek the face of God in the contemplative life. Lord, hear us.
5. Go mbainfidh gach duine atá tar èis bás a fháil suaimhneass aoibhinn as a oidhreacht fèin na flaithise. A Thiarna, éist linn.
Concluding Prayer
We bless you, Father,
for having given us Saint Kevin as our brother.
United to you, he carries us always in prayer.
May the fidelity and fervour of his life here on earth
renew us in living deeply the gospel of Christ.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
Lord,
Let the sacrifice we offer
in memory of St Kevin
bring to your people
the gifts of unity and peace.
Grant this in the name of Jesus the Lord
EUCHARISTIC PRAYER – use the Preface of Holy Men and Women
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Let us pray.
All-powerful God,
may we who are strengthened
by the power of this sacrament
learn from the example of Saint Kevin
to seek you above all things
and to live in this world as your new creation.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
SOLEMN BLESSING
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Bow your heads and pray for Gods blessing:
Lord,
you have given us many friends in heaven.
Through their prayers we are confident
that you will watch over us always
and fill our hearts with your love.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
May Almighty God bless you
the Father, the Son
and the Holy Spirit.
All: Amen.