St.
Crispin's Day: Thursday 25th October 2018
and
International
Religious Freedom Day: Saturday 27th
October 2018
Crispin
is believed to have been born to a noble Roman family in the 3rd
century A.D. He and his brother fled the Diocletian persecution of
Christians, settling in Soissons, about 100 km north east of Paris.
They earned their living there as shoemakers, but so successfully
that they drew the attention of Rictius Varus (aka Rexius Vicarius),
the governor of Roman Gaul. He had them tortured, thrown into the
river with millstones round their necks, and, when they survived
that, beheaded. Some stories say the governor subsequently repented
and converted to the Christian faith himself. The day is most famous,
however, for the battles that occurred on it: Agincourt (1415),
Balaclava (1854) and Leyte Gulf (1944).
27th
October is International Religious Freedom Day, which began to
commemorate four members of the Society of Friends (Quakers) who were
executed by public hanging for their religious beliefs, under the
legislation of the (Puritan) Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1659, 1660,
and 1661. The punishment of several other Friends was commuted to
that of being whipped out of the colony and from town to town.
The
short liturgy, below, adapted from the prayers of various faith
traditions, may be used on either day, and is appropriate for use by
individuals or groups. If using it in a group, then everyone is
invited to join in saying the responsive words in bold
type.
There may be one leader to say the biddings, you can take it in
turns, or simply share the reading as is best for your group.
The
liturgies, celebrations, ceremonies, prayers, and reflections offered
on this blog are the result of my thoughts, reflections, and
experiences, woven together using my own words and sometimes adapting
the words others have used: I am indebted to their wisdom. Please use
these liturgies freely, adapting them as suits your own context. I am
always pleased to hear from people who have used them.
Praise
be to the Maker, god, goddess, universal spirit, mystery of
mysteries, from whom all worlds flow in continual creation,
like
a fountain bubbling up, a cup that is never empty.
Blesséd
are You, who has kept us in life, sustained us,
and
brought us to this moment.
Enrich
our hearts that we may more perfectly love you
and
more joyfully offer thanks.
We
offer thanks for all the gifts of creation,
for
the air we breath, giving us strength,
for
the sun, lighting each new day,
for
the beauty and guidance of the stars,
for
the teachers of all times and traditions.
Show
us the straight way, and keep us from going astray.
As
sparks from a blazing fire, flying forth by the thousand,
so
do all beings come forth from the imperishable,
and
return again to the inner Self of all beings.
May
we become at all times protectors for those without protection,
guides
for those who have lost their way,
ships
for those with oceans to cross.
May
we become bridges for those with rivers to cross,
sanctuaries
for those in danger,
places
of refuge for those who lack shelter,
and
servants to all in need.
May
blessings rest upon us and upon all creatures,
for
we are all partakers of the same Divine Nature:
We
are all animated by the same Presence,
all
sustained by the One Power, all united with One Voice,
through
many languages, many creeds, many customs.
We
are all free to choose to honour the tradition into which we were
born, and we are all free to express our own truth.
We
are all called to the responsibility of respecting
each
other's choices, and ensuring each other's dignity.
May
love surround us:
And
may we learn at last how to live in harmony.
Amen. So may it be.
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