April 17, 2019
O Lord Jesus Christ,
sublime model of all perfection,
You are urging onward all privileged souls
in their high aspiration towards the goal of religious life;
and, moreover, You also strengthen them
through the powerful force of Your example
and the efficacious influence of Your grace
so that they may be able to follow You
in such a noble way of life;
grant then that many,
recognizing Your sweet inspirations,
may have the will to correspond with them
by embracing the religious state
and so enjoy in it Your special care
and tender predilection.
The Columbans are a society of missionaries, including priests and lay people, who minister to people of various cultures as a way of witnessing to the universal love of God.