Catholic Prayer: Table Blessing for the Feast of St. Martin of Tours, Monk and Bishop
Description:
Feast is November 11.
Prayer:
Reading
No one ever saw [Martin] enraged or excited, or lamenting, or laughing; he was always one and the same: displaying a kind of heavenly happiness in his countenance, he seemed to have passed the ordinary limits of human nature. Never was there any word on his lips but Christ, and never was there a feeling in his heart except piety, peace, and tender mercy. Frequently, too, he used to weep for the sins of those who showed themselves his revilers-those who, as he led his retired monastic life, slandered him with poisoned tongue and a viper's mouth (Sulpitius Severus, Life of Saint Martin).
Responsory
Verse: Saint Martin loved God's people and always prayed for them.
Response: He spoke only of Christ, of his peace and his mercy.
The Lord's Prayer
Blessing
Lord God, source of all that is good, we praise your holy name on this day in which we celebrate the memory of your faithful servant, Martin of Tours. By the example of his life, renew in us the desire to follow daily in the footsteps of Christ, your Son. Bless this nourishment, which we receive from your bounty. May it strengthen us for your service. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
