The Great Wednesdays of Saint Nicholas
Seventh Wednesday
Invitation: Faith without works is dead
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Gathered in the name of the Lord, in the presence of our Patron Saint Nicholas, we devoutly pause in prayer to reflect on the providence of God, who does not abandon his creatures to themselves, but assists and helps them, even intervening in extraordinary ways to alleviate the difficulties of their existence.
Let us consider, on this seventh Wednesday, how he abundantly granted Saint Nicholas, who daily took care to break the bread of wisdom among his faithful, also the power to work miracles to rescue them from the grip of famine and hunger. Despite great technological advances, there are still many people suffering from hunger today. Following the example of Saint Nicholas, we should be more sensitive to this problem by supporting all organizations that aim to save so many who would otherwise perish. Let us also ask God to instill in us the care and concern to help those brothers and sisters closest to us who find themselves in need.
We pray to
God, our Creator and Provident, who never abandons your children to themselves. Grateful for the gift of life and salvation you have given us, we ask you, through the merits and intercession of Saint Nicholas, to help us seek, above all, the nourishment of your Word. Thus, following his example of trusting abandonment to your providence, we too may be ordinary and extraordinary instruments in your hands to alleviate the suffering of those who need our help. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Responsory Chant
If you ask for miracles,
the blind see,
the lame walk
and the bones of Nicholas
sweat manna.
The dangers cease,
the storms calm,
say the sailors.
Return to Father Adeodatus
and the Hagarenes are amazed,
and three virgins are saved,
say the people of Patara.
You, O beloved land, guard
the sacred bones received as a pledge
for all peoples,
which come to you from afar,
O happy Bari.
To the sailors who call upon you,
quickly offer your help
and the sea is calm.
Praying to you, Mary,
you intercede with God
in the pains of childbirth
for the mothers who invoke you.
May your holy manna
be health and a pledge.
May all be freed
from the dangers of life,
from wars, from hunger,
O glorious Saint Nicholas,
great Father. Amen
Glory to the Father and to the Son
and to the Holy Spirit
The dangers cease,
the storms calm,
say the sailors.
After a short pause
Pray for us, Holy Father Nicholas,
That we may be made worthy of Christ's promises.
O God, who have worked and continue to work miracles daily through Saint Nicholas, your glorious confessor and bishop, grant, we beseech you, that through his merits and intercession we may be freed from the pains of hell and from every danger. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer for Christian Unity:
Lord Jesus Christ,
on the eve of your passion
you prayed that all your disciples
might be perfectly united as you are in the Father and the Father in you,
grant that we may painfully feel the pain of our divisions
and that we may honestly discover within ourselves and eradicate
every feeling of indifference, distrust and mutual hatred.
Grant us the grace to encounter everyone in you,
so that from our hearts and our lips
your prayer for the Christian unity may rise unceasingly,
as you desire and by the means you desire.
In you, who are perfect charity,
grant that we may find the path that leads to unity
in obedience to your love and your truth. Amen.
Concluding Chant
Come, O mighty Shepherd of Myra!
A ray of holy goodness inspires us.
Light our hearts with celestial love:
protect and defend our city.
A divine ray shines In your eyes:
on the harsh path you are a faithful guide.
For how many dying people you are a blossoming hope!
Your welcome manna can save everything.
You come, and you call from remote lands
foreign people are devoted to Bari.
O sun of Lycia, decorum of Bari,
lord of the seas, comfort and virtue.
From the Basilica di San Nicola, Bari, Italy. Used by permission.