The saints are always with us in the Mass. We call upon them in the Confiteor, they are mentioned in the Apostles' Creed, frequently invoked in prefaces to the Eucharistic Prayer. During the Eucharistic Prayer Our Lady and St Joseph, as well as the saint of the day and/or the patron saint of the parish, are called upon for their intercession. Preface I for Saints has some beautiful words: "For you (God the Father) are praised in the company of the saints and, in crowning their merits, you crown your own gifts. By their way of life you offer us example, by communion with them you give us companionship, by their intercession, sure support, so that, encouraged by so great a cloud of witnesses, we may run as victors in the race set before us and win with them the imperishable crown of glory through Christ our Lord." As we participate in the liturgy, let us rejoice with the saints as they participate in the heavenly liturgy, and conceive in our hearts a burning desire to be joined with them in glory.
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