The Rant's mission is to offer information that is useful in business administration, economics, finance, accounting, and everyday life. The mission of the People of God is to be salt of the earth and light of the world. This people is "a most sure seed of unity, hope, and salvation for the whole human race." Its destiny "is the Kingdom of God which has been begun by God himself on earth and which must be further extended until it has been brought to perfection by him at the end of time."
Lord, our God, you graciously chose St. Dymphna as patroness of those afflicted with mental and nervous disorders. She is thus an inspiration and a symbol of charity to the thousands who ask her intercession. Please grant, Lord, through the prayers of this pure youthful martyr, relief and consolation to all suffering such trials, and especially those for whom we pray. (Here mention those for whom you wish to pray.) We beg you, Lord, to hear the prayers of St. Dymphna on our behalf. Grant all those for whom we pray patience in their sufferings and resignation to your divine will. Please fill them with hope, and grant them the relief and cure they so much desire. We ask this through Christ our Lord who suffered agony in the garden. Amen.
Good Saint Dymphna, great wonder-worker in every affliction of mind and body, I humbly implore your powerful intercession with Jesus through Mary, the Health of the Sick, in my present need. (Mention it.) Saint Dymphna, martyr of purity, patroness of those who suffer with nervous and mental afflictions, beloved child of Jesus and Mary, pray to Them for me and obtain my request. (Pray one Our Father, one Hail Mary and one Glory Be.) Saint Dymphna, Virgin and Martyr, pray for us.
These can be recited daily, during times of distress, or as part of a novena (a nine-day prayer cycle).
Creating a Personal Solitary Prayer Practice
Building a solitary practice around prayer, especially one invoking St. Dymphna for mental well-being, emphasizes personal communion with God in a quiet, introspective way—drawing from Christian traditions like those modeled by Jesus, who often withdrew to pray alone. This isn't about rigid rules but fostering a habit that supports your spiritual and emotional health. Here's a step-by-step guide to get started:
Set Intentions and Space:
Choose a dedicated quiet spot in your home, like a corner with a candle, icon of St. Dymphna (or a simple cross), and perhaps a journal. This creates a "sacred space" for focus.
Decide on a consistent time—mornings for intention-setting, evenings for reflection, or whenever suits your schedule. Start small: 10-15 minutes daily to build discipline.
Incorporate Silence and Solitude:
Begin with a few minutes of silence: Sit still, breathe deeply, and let go of distractions. This aligns with practices like centering prayer, where you quiet the mind to listen for God's presence.
Avoid multitasking; solitude means being alone with your thoughts and God, away from noise or people.
Structure Your Practice:
Opening: Light a candle and say a short invocation, like "Lord, through St. Dymphna's intercession, grant me peace of mind."
Prayer Time: Recite one of the St. Dymphna prayers above, then add personal petitions—speak freely about your struggles, gratitude, or needs.
Journaling: Write down insights, feelings, or answered prayers. This helps track growth and maintains a spiritual frame of mind.
Closing: End with the Lord's Prayer or a Glory Be, then extinguish the candle.
Expand as Needed:
For deeper immersion, plan a personal retreat: A half-day or full day alone, perhaps in nature, combining prayer, walking, and fasting from distractions.
This practice can evolve over time, becoming a source of comfort and resilience. If you're dealing with serious mental health issues, consider combining it with professional support, as faith and therapy often complement each other.
