Pesky Volcanoes

Here we go again, or do we? We await with baited breath as another Icelandic Volcano starts erupting. The spring/summer of 2010 is still fresh in our memory, I'm sure, when the pronounceable erupted and created chaos. Let's hope we do not have a repeat of it. While we may lament disruption to travel plans, erupting volcanoes can create ecological problems if the eruption is serious enough, and people living near them can face various dangers. So let us pray for a soothing of the latest volcano. At least I can pronounce this one: Bardarbunga......that sounds familiar.....why do parties come to mind???

Anyway, I draw your attention to the Church's great patrons of volcanic eruptions, the martyrs St Januarius and St Agatha. I wrote a prayer to them for all effected by natural disasters:

Novena to St Januarius and St Agatha

Patrons of Volcanoes

Blessed Martyrs, Januarius and Agatha,
you who offered your lives in witness to Christ,
into your hands we entrust all who are in danger.
Take into your special care those threatened by volcanoes
and the hazards of the natural world,
that the Lord may preserve them,
their homes and their livelihoods.
Guide all who travel and those who seek refuge,
may they find shelter in the Heart of Christ
and in the charity of their brothers and sisters in faith.

O holy Saints Januarius and Agatha,
courageous bishop and devoted virgin and bride of Christ,
commend us to the intercession of the Mother of God
so that we, like her,
may abandon ourselves to the will of the Father,
for the sake of the Son
with the help of the Holy Spirit.
Amen