The petitions that the monks prayed at morning Mass were so lovely, oozing with beauty and grace. I caught just a glimpse of the cover of the book from which the brother was reading the prayers. After breakfast I bumped into one of the monks at the seminary dining room, and I asked him – he extended a greeting first – about the petitions and the book. “The monks at the monastery write them, and bind them into a book. It is not available to others,” as he smiled an “I’m sorry” kind of smile. The person at the seminary “scholar shop” confirmed what the monk said. I pulled off the shelf a book of petitions that was for sale, and, behold, it was the same cover. The monk that morning had read from this book! There was one of the shelf. It will be on its way to Milford with me tomorrow morning.
Curious about the petitions? Here they are:
That the sober consideration of the final realities of life and how quickly everything earthly passes away may help the church focus on the kingdom of God and shine in her witness before the world.
That the rulers of the earth may come to understand that the only everlasting kingdom is the one that God will set up in Christ Jesus, and channel their decisions so that they may be acceptable to the King of kings.
That we may hold fast to the anchor of our hope in Jesus and remain calm in the upheavals that will precede His coming, keeping our eyes fixed on Him.
For young people and students, that they may learn the truth about what is temporary and what lasts, and cast their lot in life with Jesus and His kingdom of love.
For our dear departed ones, that the angels and hosts of the Lord may bring them into heaven, where it will be their bliss to praise and exult God above all forever.
With Open Doors 
Hopefully we will be able to use some of them at our funeral Masses.
Fantastic, they’ve covered everything of importance to His heart!!!
Very nice!