Prayers and Verses 

101 
 
PRAYER OF 
ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI 
 
“Lord make me an instrument 
of your peace. 
Where there is hatred, 
let me sow love; 
where there is injury, 
pardon; where there is doubt, 
faith; where there is sadness, joy. 
 
O Divine Master, grant that I may 
not so much seek to be consoled as 
to console; to be understood as to 
understand; to be loved as to love. 
 
For it is in giving that we receive, 
it is in pardoning that we are 
pardoned and it is in dying that we 
are born to eternal life.” 
102 
 
PRAYER FOR THE 
SOULS IN PURGATORY 
 
O God, the creator and redeemer of all faithful, grant to the souls of thy servants departed, the full remission of their sins, that through pious supplications, they may obtain the pardon which they have always desired. Who livest and reignest world without end. 
Amen. 
 
“All I ask is that wherever you may be, you will remember me at Holy Communion and at the foot of the altar.” - St. Monica. 
103 
 
They say there is a reason, 
they say that time will heal, 
but neither time nor reason, 
will change the way we feel. 
 
For no-one knows the heartache, 
that lies behind our smiles, 
no-one knows how many times, 
we have broken down and cried. 
 
Gone from home that smiling face, 
those cheerful, happy ways, 
the heart that won so 
many friends, 
in bygone, happy days. 
 
We want to tell you something, 
so there won’t be any doubt, 
you’re so wonderful to think of, 
but so hard to be without. 
104 
 
PRAYER TO OUR 
LADY OF LOURDES 
 
O Ever Immaculate Virgin Mother of mercy, health of the sick, refuge of sinners, comfort of the afflicted, you know my wants, my troubles, my sufferings; deign to cast on me a look of pity. By appearing in the Grotto of Lourdes, you were pleased to make it a privileged sanctuary whence you dispense your favours and already many sufferers have obtained the cure of their infirmities, both spiritual and corporal. 
I come, therefore, with the most unbounded confidence, to implore your maternal intercession. 
 
Obtain, O Loving Mother, the grant of my requests. Through gratitude for your favours, I will endeavour to imitate your virtues, that I may one day see your glory. Amen. 
105 
 
May he/she rest in peace, dear Jesus, 
in Thy heavenly home above, 
with The Sacred Heart of Jesus, 
in His own eternal love. 
 
Along the road to yesterday, 
that leads me straight to you, 
are memories of happy days, 
Together we once knew. 
 
A silent grief that’s in our hearts, 
no human eye can trace, 
for many a broken heart is hid, 
behind a smiling face. 
 
A light is from our household gone, 
a voice we loved is still, 
a place is vacant in our home, 
that never can be filled. 
 
May the God of love and mercy, 
care for our loved one who is gone 
and bless with consolation, 
those left to carry on. 
 
Lonely is the home without you, 
life to us is not the same, 
all the world would be like heaven, 
if we could have you back again. 
106 
 
TOGETHERNESS 
 
Death is nothing at all. I have only slipped away into the next room. Whatever we were to each other, that we are still. Call me by my old familiar name, speak to me in the easy way which you always used. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together. 
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me. Let my name be the household word that it always was. Let it be spoken without effort. Life means all it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was; there is absolutely unbroken continuity. Why should I be out of your mind because I am out of your sight? I am but waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near just around the corner. All is well. 
Nothing is past; nothing is lost. One brief moment and all will be as it was before - only better, infinitely happier and for ever we will all be one together with Christ. 
107 
 
I am home in Heaven, dear ones, 
Oh! so happy and so bright. 
There is perfect joy and beauty, 
in this everlasting light. 
 
All the pain and grief is over, 
every restless tossing passed. 
I am now at peace for ever, 
safely home in Heaven at last. 
 
Did you wonder I so calmly, 
trod the valley of the shade? 
Oh! but Jesus’ love illuminated, 
every dark and fearful glade. 
 
And He came Himself to meet me, 
In that way so hard to tread, 
and with Jesus’ arm to lean on, 
could I have one doubt or dread? 
 
Then you must not grieve so sorely, 
for I love you dearly still, 
try to look beyond earth’s shadows, 
pray to trust our Father’s will. 
 
There is work still waiting for you, 
so you must not idly stand, 
do it now while life remaineth, 
you shall rest in Jesus’ land. 
 
When the work is all completed, 
He will gently call you Home, 
Oh! the rapture of that meeting, 
Oh, the joy to see you come. 
108 
 
THE MEMORARE 
 
Remember O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help or sought thy intercession, was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto thee O Virgin of Virgins, my Mother; to thee I come; before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy clemency hear and answer me. 
Amen. 
 
Hear, we beseech thee, O Lord, our prayers, which we humbly address to thy mercy, that the soul of thy servant, which thou hast called out of this world, may be received into the region of light and peace and be numbered amongst the blessed. Through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen. 
109 
 
We sat beside your bedside, 
our hearts were crushed and sore. 
We did our duty to the end, 
‘til we could do no more. 
 
In tears we watched you sinking, 
we watched you fade away 
and though our hearts were breaking, 
we knew you couldn’t stay. 
 
You left behind some aching hearts, 
that loved you most sincere. 
We never shall and never will, 
forget you, Father dear. 
 
For many years the family chain, 
was closely linked together, 
but, O, that chain is broken now, 
the main link gone forever. 
 
The sunshine of our happy home, 
must always clouded be; 
but thou O Lord has sent this cross, 
we bear it all for thee. 
110 
 
Lonely is the home without you, 
life to us is not the same; 
all the world would be like heaven, 
if we could have you back again. 
 
A light is from our household gone, 
a voice we loved is still, 
a place is vacant in our home, 
that never can be filled. 
 
May the God of Love and Mercy, 
care for our loved one who is gone 
and bless with consolation, 
those left to carry on. 
 
The happy hours we once enjoyed, 
how sweet their memory still, 
but death has left a vacant place, 
this world can never fill. 
 
How dearly we loved you, 
and prayed you might live, 
but Jesus just beckoned, 
and we had to give. 
 
God gave us strength to bear it, 
and courage to fight the blow. 
What it has meant to lose you, 
God alone will ever know. 
111 
 
Gone from our home that smiling face, 
the cheerful happy ways, 
the heart that won so many friends, 
in bygone happy days. 
Lonely is the home without you, 
life to us is not the same, 
all the world would be like Heaven, 
if we could have you back again. 
In dreams we see her smiling face, 
and kiss her tender brow, 
but in our aching hearts we know, 
we have no mother now. 
 
The voice is now silent, the heart now cold, 
the smile and the welcome 
that met us of old. 
We miss her and mourn her 
in sorrow unseen, 
and dwell on the memory of 
days that have been. 
 
We sat beside your bedside, 
our hearts were crushed and sore. 
We did our duty to the end, 
‘til we could do no more. 
In tears we watched you sinking, 
we watched you fade away 
and though our hearts were breaking, 
we knew you could not stay. 
You left behind some aching hearts, 
that loved you most sincere. 
We never shall and never will, 
forget you mother dear. 
112 
 
MY JESUS MERCY! 
 
We lost a father with a heart of gold, 
how much we miss him,  
can never be told. 
He shared our troubles and  
helped us along. 
If we follow his footsteps, 
we can never go wrong. 
 
We miss you from your fireside chair, 
your loving smile and gentle air. 
Your vacant place, no one can fill, 
we miss you father and always will. 
 
He was a father so very rare, 
content in his home and always there. 
On earth he toiled, in heaven he rests, 
God bless you father, 
you were one of the best. 
 
Each time we look at your picture, 
you seem to smile and say, 
don’t be sad, but courage take 
and love each other for my sake. 
 
O Sweet Jesus, for the sake of 
Thy bitter passion and the sorrows 
of Thy Immaculate Mother, 
have mercy on his soul;  
and let the light of 
Thy Countenance shine upon him. 
Amen 
113 
 
WHEN I MUST LEAVE YOU 
 
When I must leave 
you for a little while, 
please do not grieve 
and shed wild tears 
and hug your sorrow 
to you through the years, 
but start out bravely with a 
gallant smile 
and for my sake and in my name, 
live on and do all things the same. 
 
Feed not your loneliness 
on empty days, 
but fill each waking hour 
in useful ways. 
Reach out your hand in comfort 
and in cheer 
and I in turn will comfort 
you and hold you 
and never, never be afraid to die, 
for I am waiting for you in the sky. 
(Helen Steiner Rice). 
114 
 
A bouquet of beautiful memories, 
sprayed with a million tears, 
wishing God could have spared you, 
if just for a few more years. 
 
It does not take a special day, 
for us to think of you. 
Each mass we hear,  
each prayer we say, 
is offered up for you. 
 
We cannot bring the old days back, 
when we were all together, 
The family chain is broken now, 
but memories live forever. 
 
May he rest in peace, dear Jesus, 
in Thy heavenly home above, 
with the Sacred Heart of Jesus, 
in His own eternal love. 
 
Along the road to yesterday, 
that leads us straight to you, 
are memories of happy days, 
together we once knew. 
 
A silent grief that’s in our hearts, 
no human eye can trace, 
for many a broken heart is hid, 
beneath a smiling face. 
115 
 
FOOTPRINTS 
 
One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the Lord. Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand; one belonging to him, the other to the Lord.  
When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of his life there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times of his life. 
This really bothered him and he questioned the Lord about it. “Lord, you said once I decided to follow you, you’d walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life, there is only one set of footprints. I don’t understand why when I needed you most you would leave me.” 
The Lord replied, 
“My precious, precious child, I love you and would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.” 
116 
 
Remember O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help or sought thy intercession, was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto thee O Virgin of Virgins my Mother; to thee I come; before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word incarnate, despise not my petitions,  
but in they clemency hear  
and answer me. Amen. 
 
You can only have one mother, 
patient, kind and true. 
No other friend in all the world, 
will be the same to you. 
When other friends forsake you, 
to mother you will return, 
for all her loving kindness, 
she asks nothing in return. 
When we look upon her picture, 
sweet memories we recall, 
of a face so full of sunshine 
and a smile for one and all. 
Sweet Jesus, take this message, 
to our dear mother up above; 
tell her how we miss her 
and give her all our love. 
 
Your life was love and labour, 
your love for your family true; 
you did you best for all of us, 
we always will remember you. 
117 
 
GOD’S LENT CHILD 
 
“I’ll lend you for a little while, 
a child of mine God said, 
for you to love him while he lives 
and mourn for when he’s dead. 
It may be six or seven years, 
or forty-two or three, 
but will you, ‘till I call him back, 
take care of him for me? 
He’ll bring his charms to gladden you 
and should his stay be brief, 
you’ll always have his memories 
as a solace for your grief. 
I cannot promise he will stay 
since all from earth return, 
but there are lessons taught below 
I want this child to learn. 
I’ve looked this whole world over 
in my search for teachers true 
and from the folks that crowd life’s lane, I have chosen you. 
Now will you give him all your love 
nor think the labour vain, 
or hate me when I come to take 
this lent child back again? 
I fancied that I heard him say, 
dear Lord Thy will be done, 
for all the joys Thy child will bring, 
the risk of grief we’ll run. 
We’ll shelter him with tenderness, 
we’ll love him while we may 
and for the happiness we’ve known, 
forever grateful stay. 
But should the Angels come for him 
much sooner than we’ve planned, 
we’ll have the bitter grief that comes, 
and try to understand.” 
118 
 
PRAYER TO PADRE PIO 
 
O God, 
You gave Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, 
Capuchin priest, 
the great privilege of participating 
in a unique way 
in the passion of Your Son, 
grant me through his intercession 
the grace of.... 
which I ardently desire; 
and above all grant me the grace of 
living in conformity with the death 
of Jesus, to arrive at the glory of 
the resurrection. 
119 
 
It was a sudden parting, 
too bitter to forget, 
those who loved you dearly 
are the ones who can’t forget. 
 
We often sit and think of you 
and think of how you died, 
to think you could not say goodbye, 
before you closed your eyes. 
 
Your life was one of kindly deeds, 
a helping hand for other’s needs, 
sincere and true in heart and mind, 
beautiful memories left behind. 
 
The blow was hard, 
the shock severe, 
to part with one we loved so dear. 
Our loss is great, we’ll not complain 
but trust in God to meet again. 
 
Two tired eyes are sleeping, 
two willing hands are still. 
The one who worked so 
hard for us, 
is resting at God’s will. 
 
Our family chain is broken, 
nothing seems the same, 
but as God calls us one by one 
The links shall join again. 
120 
 
They are not gone, 
these loved ones 
whom we mourn. 
We must not think of 
them as far away. 
Into a fuller life have 
they been born. 
Laying aside the vesture 
of this day 
these sweet souls around us 
watch us still. 
When troubles come, 
press closer to our side. 
Into our thoughts 
and into our prayers each day 
On wings of love with gentle  
helping guide. 
Yet near us still they watch and  
love and know. 
We are the blind ones who no  
longer see 
beloved forms that softly come and  
go waiting reunion in eternity. 
121 
 
AFTER GLOW 
 
I’d like the memory of me 
to be a happy one. 
I’d like to leave an 
After Glow of smiles when 
life is done. 
 
I’d like to leave an echo 
whispering softly 
down the ways. 
of happy times 
and laughing times 
and bright and sunny days. 
 
I’d like the tears 
of those who grieve, 
to dry before the sun 
of happy memories that 
I leave when life is done. 
122 
 
Distance takes us far apart 
and darkens my today. 
I have to keep remembering 
you’re just a thought away. 
 
When the world is too confusing, 
times are hard to bear, 
I pull your precious meaning, 
your bright spirit from the air. 
 
If I sometimes drift into 
a lonely state of mind. 
I gather up the memories 
of days we left behind. 
 
And though you’re not beside me, 
I can tap into my heart 
and draw upon the warmth and love 
that lives when we’re apart. 
 
And with these fond reflections 
on the times when you were near, 
I sense a little bit of what 
it’s like to have you here. 
123 
 
Do not stand at my grave 
and weep, 
I am not there, I do not sleep. 
I am a thousand winds that blow, 
I am the diamond glints on snow. 
I am the sunlight on ripened grain, 
I am the gentle autumn rain. 
When you awaken 
in the morning’s hush, 
I am the swift, uplifting rush 
of quiet birds in circled flight. 
I am the soft stars 
that shine in the night. 
Do not stand at my grave and cry, 
I am not there: 
I did not die. 
124 
 
We hold you close 
within our hearts, 
and there you shall 
remain, 
to walk with us 
throughout our lives, 
until we meet again. 
 
So rest in peace, 
dear loved one 
and thanks for all 
you’ve done. 
We pray that God 
has given you, 
the crown you’ve 
truly won. 
125 
 
We give our loved ones back 
to God: and just as He first 
gave them to us and did not lose 
them in the giving, so we have 
not lost them in returning them 
to Him... 
For life is eternal, 
love is immortal, 
death is only a horizon. . . 
and a horizon is nothing but 
the limit of our earthly sight. 
126 
 
There is no night 
without a dawning, 
no winter without a spring 
and beyond death’s 
dark horizon 
our hearts once more will sing. 
 
For those who leave us 
for a while 
have only gone away, 
out of a restless careworn world 
into a brighter day. 
127 
 
O God, the Creator and Redeemer 
of all the faithful, grant to the souls 
of Thy servants departed, 
the full remission of their sins, 
that through pious supplications 
they may obtain the pardon 
which they have always desired. 
Who livest and reignest world 
without end. 
Amen. 
128 
 
PRAYER FOR A HAPPY DEATH 
 
O glorious St. Joseph, behold I choose thee today for my special patron in life and at the hour of my death. Preserve and increase in me the spirit of prayer and fervour in the service of God. Remove, far from me, every kind of sin; obtain for me that my death may not come upon me unawares, but that I may have time to confess my sins sacramentally, and to bewail them with a most perfect understanding and a most sincere contrition, in order that I may breathe forth my soul into the hands of Jesus and Mary. Amen. 
129 
 
In a near and silent graveyard, 
Where the trees their 
branches wave, 
sleeps a kind and loving mother, 
in her cold and lonely grave. 
She bade no one a last farewell. 
She raised her hand to none. 
Her spirit flew before we knew, 
that she from us had gone. 
130 
 
Softly in the morning, 
you heard a gentle call. 
You took the hand God offered you 
and quietly left us all. 
 
The day you left us mother, 
our hearts just broke in two. 
The smallest part is still with us 
and the biggest part with you. 
 
For the rest of our lives, 
we will miss you mother. 
Our secret tears still flow. 
Oh, how we really loved you, 
no one will ever know. 
 
We miss your smile, your joking ways, 
we miss the things you used to say 
and when old times we do recall, 
it’s then we miss you most of all. 
 
You were always there when  
we needed you, 
no task too great or small, 
with loving heart and willing hands, 
for us you did it all. 
 
Look around your garden Lord 
and when she turns and smiles, 
put Your arms around her 
and hold her for a while. 
131 
 
I’M FREE 
 
Don’t grieve for me now I’m free, 
I’m following the path 
that has been laid for me. 
I took His hand when I heard His call, 
I turned my back and left it all. 
I could not stay another day, 
to laugh, to love, to work or play. 
Tasks left undone must stay that way, 
I’ve found a peace at the close of day. 
If my parting has left a void 
then fill it with remembered joys. 
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, 
oh yes these things I too will miss. 
Be not burdened with times of sorrow, 
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. 
My life’s been full, I savoured much, 
good friends, good times 
and loved ones touch. 
Perhaps my time seemed all to brief, 
don’t lengthen it now 
with undue grief. 
Lift up your hearts and share with me 
God wants me now, God set me free 
132 
 
TO MY DEAREST FAMILY 
 
I will be beside you 
every day, week and year 
and when you’re sad, 
I’m standing there 
to wipe away the tear. 
 
I’m writing this from Heaven 
where I dwell with God above; 
Where there’s no more 
tears or sadness 
there’s just eternal love. 
 
When you are walking down the street 
and you’ve got me on your mind; 
I’m walking in your footsteps 
only half a step behind. 
 
And when you feel that gentle breeze 
or the wind upon your face; 
that’s me giving you a great big hug 
or just a soft embrace. 
 
And when it’s time for you to go 
from that body to be free; 
remember you’re not going, 
you’re coming back to me 
133 
 
PRAYER TO ST. JOSEPH 
 
To Thee O blessed Joseph we have recourse in our tibulations and whilst imploring the aid of thy most holy Spouse, we confidently invoke thy patronage also. By that love which united thee to the Immaculate Virgin, Mother of God and by the fatherly affection by which thou didst embrace the Infant Jesus, we humbly beseech thee graciously to regard the inheritance which Jesus Christ purchased by his blood and to help us in our necessities by thy powerful intercession. 
 
Protect, O most provident Guardian of the Holy Family, the chosen children of Jesus Christ; ward off from us, O most loving father, all taint of error and corruption; graciously assist us from Heaven, O most powerful protector, in our struggle with the powers of darkness; and as thou didst once rescue the Child Jesus from imminent peril to His life, so now defend the Holy Church of God from the snares of her enemies and from all adversity. Shield each one of us with thy unceasing patronage that imitating thy example and supported by thine aid, we may be able to live a good life, die a holy death and secure everlasting happiness in heaven. Amen 
134 
 
MISS ME BUT LET ME GO 
 
When I come to the end of the road 
and the sun has set for me. 
I want no tears in a gloom filled room, 
why cry for a soul set free? 
 
Miss me a little, but not too long 
and not with your head held low. 
Remember the love that 
we once shared, 
miss me but let me go. 
 
For this is a journey we must all take 
and each must go alone. 
It’s all a part of the Master’s plan, 
a step on the road to home. 
 
When you are lonely and 
sick of heart, 
go to the friends we know 
and bury your sorrow in doing 
good deeds 
miss me but let me go. 
135 
 
Lord when the storm rages 
around me, 
and I can hold on no more, 
When the waves of tears 
engulf me 
and I am weary, 
battered and sore, 
Take me then and steer me 
storm - tossed 
broken and afraid, 
into the arms 
of Your safe harbour 
safely to your Home. 
136 
 
TO THOSE I LOVE AND 
THOSE WHO LOVE ME. 
 
When I am gone, release me,  
let me go, 
I have so many things to see and do. 
You mustn’t tie yourself to me in tears, 
be happy that we had so many years. 
I gave to you my love,  
you can only guess, 
how much you gave to me in happiness. 
I thank you for the love you 
each have shown, 
but now it’s time I travelled on alone. 
So grieve awhile for me if  
grieve you must, 
then let your grief be comforted  
by trust. 
It’s only for a while that we must part, 
so bless the memories  
within your heart. 
I will not be far away, for life goes on, 
so if you need me, call and I will come. 
Though you can’t see or touch 
me I’ll be near 
and if you listen with your heart, 
you’ll hear all my love  
around you soft and clear 
and then when you must come 
this way alone, 
I will greet you with a smile and a 
“WELCOME HOME”. 
137 
 
I kiss the wounds in your Sacred Feet, 
with sorrow deep and true. 
May every step I take today 
be a million acts of love for you. 
 
I kiss the wounds in Your Sacred Head, 
with sorrow deep and true. 
May every thought in my mind today 
be a million acts of love for you. 
 
I kiss the wound in Your Sacred Heart, 
with sorrow deep and true. 
May every beat of my heart today 
be a million acts of love for you. 
 
I kiss the wounds in You  
Sacred Shoulder, 
with sorrow deep and true. 
May every cross I bear today 
be a million acts of love for you. 
 
I kiss the wounds  
in Your Sacred Hands, 
with sorrow deep and true. 
May every touch of my hands today 
be a million acts of love for you. 
Of Love for You Dear Lord. 
138 
 
May the divine assistance remain 
always with us and may the souls 
of the faithful departed, 
through the mercy of God,  
rest in peace. Amen. 
 
Till the shadows lengthen 
and the evening come 
and the busy world is hushed 
and the fever of life is over 
and our work is done 
then in His mercy 
may he give us a safe lodging 
and a holy rest 
and peace at the last. Amen. 
 
Cardinal Newman 
139 
 
LETTER FROM HEAVEN 
 
To those I have left behind, 
some things I’d like to say, 
but first of all to let you know 
that I’ve arrived ok. 
I’m writing this from Heaven, 
where I dwell with God above, 
where there’s no more 
tears and sadness, 
there’s just eternal love. 
The day I had to leave you, 
when my life on earth was through, 
God picked me up and hugged me 
and said “I welcome you”. 
Please do not be unhappy, 
just because I’m out of sight. 
Remember that I’m with you, 
every morning, noon and night 
and when you feel that gentle breeze, 
or the wind upon your face, 
that’s me giving you a great big hug, 
or just a soft embrace 
and when it’s time for you to go, 
from that body to be free, 
remember you’re not going, 
you are coming here to me. 
P.S. God sends His love. 
140 
 
Life is but a stopping place, 
a pause in what’s to be, 
a resting place along the road 
to sweet Eternity. 
 
We all have different journeys, 
different paths along the way. 
We all were meant to  
learn some things, 
but never meant to stay. 
 
Our destination is a place 
far greater than we know, 
for some the journey’s quicker, 
for some, the journey’s slow. 
 
But when the journey finally ends, 
we’ll claim a great reward 
and find an everlasting peace, 
together with the Lord. 
141 
 
LIFE’S FAIREST FLOWER 
 
I have a garden within my soul 
of marvellous beauty rare, 
wherein the blossoms of all my life 
bloom ever in splendour fair. 
Amid all this beauty and splendour, 
one flower stands forth as queen 
alone in its great dazzling beauty, 
alone but ever supreme. 
The flower of love and devotion 
has guided me all through my life; 
softening my grief and my trouble, 
sharing my toil and strife. 
This flower has helped me conquer 
temptation so black and grim 
and led me to victory and honour 
over my enemy, Sin. 
I have vainly sought in my garden 
through blossoms of love and light 
for a flower of equal wonder, 
to compare with this one so bright. 
But ever I met with failure, 
my search has been in vain. 
For never a flower existed, 
like the blossom I can claim. 
For after years I now can see, 
amid life’s roses and rue 
God’s greatest gift to a little child, 
my darling Mother, was you. 
142 
 
OUR LADY OF KNOCK 
 
Our Lady of Knock, Queen of Ireland, you gave hope to our people in a time of distress and comforted them in sorrow. You have inspired countless pilgrims to pray with confidence to your divine Son, remembering His promise: “Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find”. Help me to remember that we are all pilgrims on the road to heaven. Fill me with love and concern for my brothers and sisters in Christ, especially those who live with me. Comfort me when I am sick or lonely or depressed. Teach me how to take part ever more reverently in the Holy Mass. 
Pray for me now, 
and at the hour of my death. 
Amen. 
143 
 
GOD’S GARDEN 
 
God looked around His garden 
and found an empty space. 
He then looked down 
upon the earth 
and saw your tired face. 
He put His arms around you 
and lifted you to rest. 
God’s garden must be beautiful, 
He always takes the best. 
He knew that you were suffering. 
He knew that you were in pain, 
He knew that you would never 
get well on earth again. 
He saw the road was getting rough 
and the hills were hard to climb. 
So He closed your weary eyelids 
and He whispered ‘Peace be thine’ 
It broke our hearts to lose you, 
but you didn’t go alone, 
for part of us went with you 
the day God called you home. 
144 
 
PRAYER TO OUR LADY OF LOURDES 
 
O ever Immaculate Virgin, Mother of Mercy, health of the sick, refuge of sinners, comfort of the afflicted - you know our wants, our troubles, our sufferings. Look on us with love and pity. You appeared at the Grotto of Lourdes and made it a holy sanctuary of prayer and healing. 
 
Many have already been healed in soul and body. We come, therefore with complete confidence to implore your intercession. O most loving Mother obtain for us the graces we ask for....... 
 
We will endeavour always to imitate your virtues that we may one day rejoice with you in the glory of heaven. Amen. 
 
O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you. Blessed be the Holy and Immaculate Conception of the Most  
Blessed Virgin Mary. 
145 
 
THE LEGACY 
 
You can shed tears that 
they have gone 
or you can smile that 
they have lived. 
You can close your eyes and 
pray that they’ll come back 
or you can open your eyes 
and see all they’ve left. 
Your heart can be empty 
because you can’t see them, 
or you can be full of the 
love you shared. 
You can turn your back 
on tomorrow and live yesterday 
or you can be happy for tomorrow 
because of yesterday. 
You can remember them 
and only that they’ve gone, 
or you can cherish their memory 
and let it live on. 
You can try and close your mind, 
be empty and turn your back 
or you can do what they’d want, 
smile, open your eyes, 
love and go on. 
146 
 
In a near and silent graveyard, 
where the trees their 
branches wave, 
sleeps a kind and loving father, 
in his cold and lonely grave. 
 
He bade no one his last farewell, 
he raised his hand to none. 
His spirit flew before we knew, 
that he had from us gone. 
 
He never failed to do his best, 
his heart was true and tender. 
He worked and toiled for 
those he loved 
and left them to remember. 
 
Along the road to yesterday, 
that leads us straight to you, 
are memories of happy days 
together we once knew. 
 
May he rest in peace dear Jesus, 
in thy heavenly home above; 
with the Sacred Heart of Jesus, 
in his own eternal love. 
147 
 
Hail Mary, full of grace. 
Our Lord is with thee. 
Blessed art thou 
among women 
and blessed is the fruit 
of thy womb, 
Jesus. 
Holy Mary, Mother of God, 
pray for us sinners, 
now and at the hour 
of our death. 
Amen. 
148 
 
AN ACT OF CONSECRATION TO OUR LADY OF THE 
MIRACULOUS MEDAL 
 
O Virgin Mother of God, Mary Immaculate, we dedicate and consecrate ourselves to you under the title of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. May this Medal be for each one of us a sure sign of your affection for us and a constant reminder of our duties towards you. Ever while wearing it, may we be blessed by your loving protection and preserved in the grace of your Son. O most powerful Virgin, Mother of our Saviour, keep us close to you every moment of our lives. Obtain for us, your children, the grace of a happy death; so that, in union with you, we may enjoy the bliss of heaven forever. Amen. 
149 
 
AN ANGEL FROM HEAVEN 
 
God sent us an angel from Heaven, 
a treasure no money could buy. 
In those ..... short years 
you were with us, 
you were our pride and joy. 
As we gathered round that evening, 
and watched you play your game, 
nothing more we could do or say, 
as we watched your young life fade away. 
...................we will never forget you, 
your beauty, your brightness, your love. 
Watch over us, guide and protect us, 
from your new home in Heaven above. 
Goodbye our most beautiful angel, 
your halo will always shine bright. 
Please help us get over the heartache 
and guide us through life’s darkest night. 
150 
 
A midnight star is shining, 
on a grave not far away 
where I laid my loving brother 
one year ago today. 
 
Its there I often wander 
and think of things gone by. 
The hardest part is turning 
and leaving you behind. 
 
The voice is now silent, 
the heart is now cold, 
the smile and the welcome, 
that met us of old. 
 
We miss you and mourn you, 
in sorrow unseen 
and dwell in the memories, 
of days that have been. 
151 
 
No length of time 
can heal my grief, 
my love for you 
was far too deep. 
Sunshine fades, shadows fall, 
but memories of you, 
outlast them all. 
There is a comer in my heart, 
you visit everyday. 
Its there for you and you alone 
and there you will always stay. 
Just to say how much 1 love you, 
just to say how much 1 care, 
just to say how much 1 miss you, 
in every smile, in every tear. 
152 
 
Don’t think of him as gone away, 
his journey’s just begun. 
Life holds so many facets, 
this earth is only one. 
Just think of him resting, 
from the sorrows and the tears, 
in a place of warmth and comfort, 
where there are no days and years. 
Think how he must be wishing, 
that we could know today, 
how nothing but our sadness, 
can really pass away 
and think of him as living, 
in the hearts of those he touched, 
for nothing loved is ever lost 
and he was loved so much. 
153 
 
The passing of the seasons, 
sees leaves and petals fall, 
yet memory of their beauty, 
changes not at all. 
 
For beyond the highest wall, 
there is another land, 
where ...(Name)... is tended now, 
by God’s own loving hand. 
 
Smiling, singing, 
a joke or two, 
that’s how we’ll all 
remember you. 
154 
 
Those we love don’t go away, 
they step beside us everyday, 
unseen, unheard, but always near, 
still missed, still loved, 
still very dear. 
 
May the winds of love blow softly, 
so you alone can hear, 
that we love and miss you 
and wish that you were here. 
 
We never part from those we love, 
no distance can divide, 
for every day in memory, 
we still walk side by side. 
 
If memories bring us closer 
we won’t be far apart, 
you are always in our thoughts 
and forever in our hearts.