Feast Day Saint: Sr. Marie Richard Carmel, O.Carm.

St. Richard of Chichester is not well known in the United States but is popular in England where he was born in 1197 and eventually became the Bishop of Chichester. He served faithfully in his role as Bishop, defended the rights of the Catholic Church in England and is venerated by both Catholics and Anglicans. Although most people do not know much if anything about St. Richard, many would recognize the prayer he is famous for. It was made popular in the musical “Godspell” in the early 1970’s and the name of the prayer/song is “Day by Day”.

I always liked the name Richard as my Dad was John Richard and I also have a nephew named John Richard. I keep the “Prayer of St. Richard” on my desk and pray it daily. It reminds me to ask for the Lord’s grace to know, love and follow Him – day by day – no matter what the cost to myself might be. There is a version of the prayer “Day by Day” that is sung by Catholic singer, Donna Cori, that I particularly like (it is not from Godspell) and includes a video. It can be found on YouTube if interested.

The Prayer of St. Richard

Thanks be to thee, my Lord Jesus Christ

for all the benefits you have given me,

for all the pains and insults you have borne for me.

O most merciful Redeemer, friend and brother,

may I know Thee more clearly, love Thee more dearly,

and follow Thee more nearly, day by day. Amen.