We pray that we may be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, to lead a life worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to God as did your servant Edmund.  May we be strengthened with all power, according to God’s glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Creator, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. (Colossians 19ff)

EDMUND             "Cast all your cares into the arms of divine Providence. The will of God be done in this and every thing we undertake."

READER             After this the Lord chose another seventy-two and sent them out two by two, to go ahead of him to every town and place where he himself was about to go. He said to them,

EDMUND             "Above all, beg of him to give you the virtue of humility which is so necessary for religious in every station, but particularly for those who have the care and direction of others. If you only acquire this virtue, it will always guide you safely, let your paths be ever so cross or difficult."

READER             So they set out and went through the villages, proclaiming the good news and healing people everywhere.

EDMUND             "Were we to know the merit and value of only going from one street to another to serve a neighbour for the love of God, we should prize it more than silver and gold. But let us do ever so little for God, we will be sure he will never forget us."

READER             The seventy-two disciples returned full of joy. They said, "Lord, even the demons obeyed us when we called on your name."

EDMUND             "Be intent on prayer and whatever may happen will turn to our good."

RESPONSE:

                                                                THE RENEWAL OF VOWS

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen. Most Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, prostrate in profound adoration before your infinite and adorable Majesty, I have come to consecrate myself to you, to procure your glory as far as lies in me, or you are pleased to require of me.

For this purpose I, Brother N., renew the Perpetual vows I have already made as a professed member of the Congregation of Christian Brothers, founded by Blessed Edmund Rice under the protection of Jesus Christ and the patronage of the Blessed Virgin Mary, His Mother, in order to perform any duties my Superiors may assign to me.

To this end I, Brother N., renew the simple vows of Chastity, Poverty and Obedience I have already made according to the Constitutions of the Congregation and I promise and pray that, with the grace of God, I shall observe them faithfully.

BLESSING (adapted from Philippians 1:3-11)

Reader 1     I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you [add names, etc.], because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now.

I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ.

Reader 2     It is right for me to think this way about all of you, because you hold me in your heart, for all of you share in God’s grace with me, both in my [name ideals and dreams for the community, congregation].

For God is my witness, how I long for all of you with the compassion of Christ Jesus.

Reader 3     And this is my prayer, that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight to help you to determine what is best, so that in the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless, having produced the harvest of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God.

I give you my feet to go your way.

I give you my eyes to see as you do.

I give you my tongue to speak your words.

I give you my mind that you may think in me.

I give you my spirit that you may pray in me.