A Blessing of the
Churches
DGP
St.
Peter’s – You hold the keys to the parishes. Upon this Rock was
Christ’s Church first built here. In you we are lifted to the Alpha
and the Omega. Strong is your guild and beloved is your
spiritedness! May God keep your high tower and bless you abundantly
with the fruit of faithfulness.
St. James’ - Greatest of sisters, founded
on hope, mighty in size, built for glory! In you we lift heart and
mind to “every good and every perfect gift that cometh down from
the Father of lights.” Let every pipe in you that
hath breath praise the Lord! May worship and concerts ring out
in the Haven and may her Sunday School Room hear the laughter of
your children’s children.
St. John the Evangelist, smallest New
Dublin sister, yet she is loftier than an eagle when she remembers
the Saint who soared highest in the heavens, and spoke most clearly
about love. May your new face lift and steps of ascent be
accompanied by flourishing gardens without and springs of water
welling up within.
St. Michael and All Angels, is a light set
upon a hill. You are Mother and Pillar of the Petite Riviere
Parish. May you bear witness to a new heaven and a new earth until
our Lord returns! As thy holy angels always do God service in
heaven, may they succour and defend you here on earth. May your
mighty guild move from strength to strength and may all your sons
and daughters fill your holy temple with praise.
St. Mary the Virgin – She among daughters,
has adorned her church with carved work, her ancient pipes sing out
with sweet joy, she is the polished corner of a Temple. You rejoice
in she who responded to the message of an angel - Be it unto me
according to thy will. May your great piety and love of her
purity be a blessing to all who discover your hidden treasure.
St. Mark’s – is the oldest sister in the
parishes. Yet she continues to speak out her mind with the boldness
of a lion (or is it a lioness!). May your Loud organ, His glory
forth tell in deep tone! Centre of a rising village, yet now
sole witness to the faith, you have the jazziest and most active
“church hall”. May you respond with Gospel joy, as St. Mark says,
immediately! May fellowship flourish!
St. Paul’s – Least among the daughters,
but she works as hard as the rest, yet not her, but the grace of God
working in her. Mercy saved you, and may the daughters of mercy
sustain you. May the beasts give you rest, and your present labours
be turned into joy. May all who enter your doors long to enter
through the screen into the holy of holies!
St. Alban’s – Guardian of the West,
celebrating the faith of the martyrs, remembering our first English
martyr. May your new silver cross shine with the glory of the
rising and setting sun. May your labours be shared and your
servants be filled with gratitude. May the Gospel strains be heard
far and wide from your doors!
Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, love God and love one
another,
and let us share eternity together!
May the Peace of God which passeth all
understanding,
keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge
and love of God,
and of His Son, Jesus Christ:
And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father,
the Son and the Holy Ghost
be amongst you and remain with you always.
Amen.
