Monday 8 June 2009

St Robert of Newminster (Solemnity)

A PRAYER CARD 850th Anniversary

St Robert of Newminster, Abbot
Memorial
(Solemnity in Fenham and Morpeth) 7th June

Born at Gargrave in Yorkshire. He spent the early years of his priesthood as rector of his home town, but later joined the Benedictine community at Whitby. In 1132 he helped to establish Fountains Abbey which embraced the Cistercian rule of St Bernard of Clairvaux. Fountains was to have a daughter abbey at Newminster near Morpeth and Robert became the first abbot in 1138/9. Little is known about Robert the man. He died on 7'h June 1159.

Opening Prayer
God our loving Father, you inspired Robert
to establish a new monastery, and to preside as abbot
with gentleness and justice.
As we honour today this man of prayer, may we also learn from his example.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Prayer over the Gifts
Lord,
accept our gifts
as we honour the memory of St Robert.
May they be for us a source of help and salvation. We ask this through Christ our Lord

Prayer after Communion
Father,
you nourish us with the Bread of Life.
Just as Robert gave his own food to the poor, make us eager to help those in need,
that in your mercy
they may welcome us at your table in heaven. We ask this through Christ our Lord.


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