Monday To St. Paul the Apostle

On the first Monday, we draw close to St. Paul to know him and to pray to him, to obtain and form good vocations, to ask for the spirit of the apostolate for ourselves and for the Cooperators.

1. I bless you, O Jesus, for the great mercy granted to St. Paul in changing him from a bold persecutor to an ardent apostle of the Church. And you, O great saint, obtain for me a heart docile to grace, conversion from my principal defect, and total configuration with Jesus Christ.

St. Paul, the Apostle, pray for us.

2. I bless you, O Jesus, for having elected the Apostle Paul as a model and preacher of holy virginity. And you, O St. Paul, my dear Father, guard my mind, my heart, and my senses, that I may know, love, and serve only Jesus, and employ all my energies for his glory.

St. Paul, the Apostle, pray for us.

3. I bless you, O Jesus, for having given through St. Paul examples and teachings of perfect obedience. And you, O great saint, obtain for me a humble docility to all my superiors, for I am sure that in obedience I shall be victorious over all my enemies.

St. Paul, the Apostle, pray for us.

4. I bless you, O Jesus, for having taught me by the deeds and by the words of St. Paul the true spirit of poverty. And you, O great saint, obtain for me the evangelical spirit of poverty, so that after having imitated you in life, I may be your companion in heavenly glory.

St. Paul, the Apostle, pray for us.

5. I bless you, O Jesus, for having given to St. Paul a heart so full of love for God and for the Church, and for having saved so many souls through his zeal. And you, my dear friend, obtain for me an ardent desire to carry out the apostolate of the media of social communication, of prayer, of example, of activity, and of word, so that I may merit the reward promised to good apostles.

St. Paul, the Apostle, pray for us.

Before or after meditation, or during the Hour of Adoration to the Blessed Sacrament, the following is said or sung:

Our Father and Apostle St. Paul, you are preacher of truth and doctor of the Gentiles. Intercede for us to God who chose you.

Sancte Paule apostole, praedicator veritatis et doctor gentium: intercede pro nobis ad Deum qui te elegit.

(Magnificat, p. 303)