Quote of the Day – 17 January – Friday of the First week in Ordinary Time, Year A – The Memorial of Blessed Teresio Olivelli (1916–1945) Martyr “Rebel for Love”
The Rebel’s Prayer
By Blessed Teresio Olivelli
Lord, who among men
raised Your Cross
as a sign of contradiction,
You, who preached and suffered
the revolt of the spirit
from the treachery
and attacks of the powerful,
the inert deafness of the mass,
oppressed by numerous and cruel abuses
we, who have trampled on You,
source of free life,
grant us the strength of rebellion.
O God, You who are Truth and Freedom,
make us free, strong and zealous,
breathe in us new purpose,
inspire our goals,
tend to our wills,
multiply our strengths,
help clothe us in Your armour.
We pray You, Lord.
You who were rejected,
reproached,
betrayed,
persecuted,
crucified,
in the hour of darkness
support us by Your victory,
be the Viaticum
of consolation, in dangers,
of support,
of comfort,
in our bitterness.
The more the opponent
grows stronger and darkens,
make us bright with Your Light.
In torture, clamp our lips.
Strengthen us, don’t let us bend.
If we fall, let our blood join Your innocent blood,
may our death help to grow justice
and charity in the world.
You who said
“I am the Resurrection and the Life”
make Italy, in it’s pain
be reborn in a new life in You.
Free us from the temptation of affections,
for You watch over our families.
On the windy mountains
and in the catacombs of the cities,
from the pits of the prisons,
we pray to You,
grant us the peace
that You alone know how to give.
God of peace and armies,
Lord who carries the sword of joy,
hear the prayer of us
the “Rebels for Love.”
Amen.
Blessed Teresio Olivelli (1916–1945) Martyr
“Rebel for Love”
(Note: I cannot find a very good translation of this beautiful Prayer, so this is an adaptation of the best of them, by myself).
AnaStpaul 