Let us pray with today’s Gospel Reading (Luke 15:1-3, 11-32) as we commemorate Saints Perpetua and Felicity, Martyrs:

O Merciful Father, Your Son Jesus revealed the depth of Your love in today’s parable of the lost son. You are the Father who waits patiently, who runs to meet His child, and who rejoices when the lost return home. Lord, we confess that many times we have wandered far from You. Through pride, selfishness, and sin we have chosen our own path. Yet Your mercy is greater than our weakness. Receive us again into Your embrace. Clothe us with the robe of Your grace, place the ring of Your covenant upon our hearts, and restore us to the joy of being Your children.

On this day, Lord, we remember the courage and faith of Your holy martyrs, Saint Perpetua and Saint Felicity. In the face of suffering and death they trusted completely in Your promise and remained faithful to Christ. Through their intercession, O Lord, grant us steadfast faith in times of trial. When we are tempted to abandon the Gospel, give us the courage to stand firm in Your truth. When we grow weary on the path of conversion, remind us that Your mercy always awaits us.

Lord, teach us also to share Your compassion and remove from our hearts the spirit of resentment that we see in the elder brother. Instead, fill us with the joy of welcoming every sinner who returns to You. Make our lives a witness to Your forgiving love. Like the martyrs, may we remain faithful to Christ, and like the prodigal son, may we always find our way back to Your house. Amen

Saints Perpetua and Felicity, Pray for us!