Acts of 10th European Assembly of Lay Dominican Fraternities
Lay Dominicans in the Czech Republic put another wonderful link into the chain of the Preachers of hope, St. Zdislava of Lemberk. In this anniversary year, the Czech Dominican province wants to focus on this Saint and ask her to intercede for Europe. The basis of a healthy European society can only be found in healthy families and children raised in love and in the correct values. With her intercession for families, mothers, fathers and children St. Zdislava, as a patron of families, may heal the many pains of an old dying Europe.
This Saint also has also brought together the Czech and the German people since the 13 th century, which was the time of great social upheavals, and its novelty still lingers in our time. Lady Zdislava along with her husband Havel of Lemberk began to settle the Czech-German border region, mostly with German people. She was a very modern and energetic woman. She was able to perform the duties of her social status, she took care of the estate when her husband was travelling abroad or on war missions and she also looked after her four children. At the same time Zdislava was able to take care of the poor in a large area of her castle, she healed the ill and nourished the hungry. In the chronicles it is even said that she raised some from the dead. In Jablonné v Podještědí she founded the hospital and brought the Dominican friars there (barely 30 years after the establishment of the Order). She wanted this preaching Order to raise the intellectual and spiritual level in the colonized borderlands. Zdislava became one of their most faithful helpers and followers. We can say that Lady Zdislava is the first major lay Dominican in our countries. She is buried in Jablonné v Podještědí and the veneration for her is just slightly “younger” than the Dominican Order.
This year all the efforts of our Province are aimed at restoring the monastery in Jablonné v Podještědí. We want here, at the tomb of Saint Zdislava, to build a spiritual centre for families. That means a major reconstruction, a lot of money and a lot of work. At least we begin with small steps for now. The Basilica is an ideal space for the apostolate. In the summer season, we are dealing here with all sorts of pilgrims, believers and even non-believers, and we talk to them about St. Zdislava, about Dominicans, about God. Unfortunately, only in Czech … But you are heartily invited to visit Jablonné v Podještědí at any time in the pilgrimage season or after arrangement!
Let us connect with our Lady Zdislava and let us pray for our families, children, marriages and for the future of the whole of Europe.
Litany of St. Zdislava
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ hear us.
Christ graciously hear us.
God, the heavenly Father, have mercy on us.
God, the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God, the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, pray for us.
Holy Mother of God, pray for us.
Holy Virgin of virgins, pray for us.
Holy Mother of mothers, pray for us.
St. Joseph, pray for us.
Zdislava, mother of holy life, pray for us.
Zdislava, full of the Holy Spirit.
Zdislava, example of obedient childhood and noble adolescence.
Zdislava, example for the young.
Zdislava, intercessor for betrothed couples.
Zdislava, faithful and loving wife.
Zdislava, selfless and kind mother.
Zdislava, daily sanctifying her family.
Zdislava, generous helper of the poor and those in need.
Zdislava, selfless nurse of the sick.
Zdislava, protector of those oppressed and humiliated.
Zdislava, bringer of freedom to prisoners.
Zdislava, helper of the persecuted.
Zdislava, loving welcomer of foreigners.
Zdislava, zealous collaborator of priests.
Zdislava, builder of churches and shelters for the sick.
Zdislava of humble mind and joyful self-discipline.
Zdislava, filled with love for our Lord and his Mother.
Zdislava, lovingly contemplating the sufferings of our Lord.
Zdislava, haven of true peace – the peace of Christ.
Zdislava, always ready for sacrifice and self-denial.
Zdislava, faithful daughter of the Church.
Zdislava, spiritual daughter of our holy Father St. Dominic.
Zdislava, pride of your native Moravia.
Zdislava, protector of Northern Bohemia.
Zdislava, pearl of the Czech nobility.
Zdislava, glory and adornment of the holy Order of Preachers.
Zdislava, glory and shield of the city Jablonné.
Zdislava, heavenly intercessor for the Czech nation.
Zdislava, blessed citizen of the Heavenly Jerusalem.
Protector of the family whose tomb is ever adorned with many graces and miracles.
Lamb of God – you take away the sins of the world. Lord, forgive us.
Lamb of God – you take away the sins of the world. Lord, hear us.
The Chain:
Each Province/Vicariate is invited to share their stories and/or pictures with a next Province/Vicariate, if possible with a meeting. That Province/Vicariate invites the next Province/Vicariate, etc. For the Chain there is a route with a time table, which can be used. If every Province/Vicariate also sends their stories and pictures to the ECLDF website, we will create, in this way, a real chain of preachers of hope throughout Europe until the next Assembly October 2017 in Fatima.
Here you will find the announcement of the Chain and also an overview of all the contributions.
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