On Tuesday, September 3rd, the Mary Ward Centre, in collaboration with the Magdala Colloquy and St. Basil’s Catholic Parish, hosted a special Vespers celebration in honor of St. Phoebe, a deacon and leader in the early Church. Held at St. Basil’s Parish, the event brought together members of the St. Basil’s and USMC communities for an evening of prayer, reflection, and fellowship.
The Vespers was a moving tribute to women of faith and service, with a focus on the inspiring life of St. Phoebe. Together, we prayed for the grace to follow her example of listening to the cries of those who suffer and responding in ministry. The celebration concluded with a warm gathering, where participants shared conversations about the vital role of women in the Church and their ongoing contributions to the mission of service and leadership.
The prayer to St. Phoebe, written by Elizabeth Young, RSM, served as a heartfelt reminder of our call to communion, participation, and mission.
PRAYER TO ST. PHOEBE
All pray together:
God of Vision, You see beyond our horizons and enlarge our tents.
You draw us into communion, participation, and mission.
Inspired by St. Phoebe, our Deacon forbear in faith, may we hear the cries of those who suffer, discern our response with the Holy Spirit, and reach out in ministry to share the Good News with all creation.
May we proclaim your Reign, in which all are kin, welcomed with healing and hope.
May our Church lead and serve in the spirit of Jesus, who raised up those bowed down.
God of Vision, light our way that all might shine.
St. Phoebe, pray for us. Amen
(Words by Elizabeth Young, RSM)
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