Prayers to Saint Etheldreda of Ely
O Saint Etheldreda,
you were called by name
before the world knew your path.
You kept your vow through hardship and delay,
trusting not in power, but in promise.
Pray for us,
that we may hold fast to purity
in a world of noise,
and build, as you did, a house of light
where Christ is all in all.
Amen.
Ave gemma pretiosa, virgo decens et formosa,
Etheldreda Deo digna, pia mater et benigna.
Hail, precious jewel, modest and beautiful virgin,
Etheldreda, worthy before God, pious mother and kind.
Prayer to Saint Etheldreda for Purity and Chastity
Prayer to Saint Etheldreda for
Healing of Throat
and Neck Ailments
Prayer to Saint Etheldreda for Perseverance in Vocation and Guidance for Communities
O royal virgin, Saint Etheldreda,
you who kept a pure heart
through every trial,
look with kindness on all who seek
a clean and undivided love for God.
Obtain for us steadfast purity,
the freedom to choose what is true,
and the quiet courage to keep our promises before Him.
Guard the young in innocence,
strengthen the resolved,
and turn wandering hearts
back to the narrow way.
May your intercession
grant integrity of mind and body,
humility without display,
and a joy that no praise
of the world can give.
Amen.
O gentle abbess, Saint Etheldreda,
you who bore a swelling of the neck with patience and peace,
draw near to all
who suffer in throat or neck.
Obtain for the sick
relief and healing,
for the fearful calm of spirit,
and for all of us a humble heart
free from vanity.
Let our speech bless
and not wound,
our voices praise and not complain,
and our bodies be kept in
the service of God.
May your intercession
bring health where there is weakness,
patience where there is pain,
and gratitude in every gift restored.
Amen.
O mother and abbess,
Saint Etheldreda,
you who gathered a house of prayer and led by quiet example,
watch over all who are called to serve.
Obtain for us perseverance
in our state of life,
clarity to choose the good,
and fidelity when the way is hard.
Keep communities
in charity and peace,
give superiors
wisdom and gentleness,
and let every work be done
for God alone.
May your intercession
sustain the weary,
unite the divided,
and lead us all into
the stillness of His will.
Amen.
