Please note: The text of the prayers hereafter reflects the Latinized spelling of Thorlak's name, Thorlac, as used in official Church documents.
The following is the Novena (nine-day devotion) in honor of the life and way of Saint Thorlak. On each successive day, the same introductory prayers are said, and then the respective day's devotion is read.
Audio of Daily Introductory Prayers - Spoken English
BEGIN EACH DAY:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the holy life and example of Saint Thorlac of Iceland. Inspired at the youngest age to seek wisdom, he found it in You; in the psalms and writings of Holy Scripture; in the virtuous instruction of the priests who fostered him; and in the majestic natural wonders of his homeland.
Receiving Holy Orders at eighteen, Thorlac devoted his entire life to feeding the spiritual and material hunger of his people. His quiet compassion for the poor and suffering led him to long hours of prayer on their behalf. He afforded peasants and penitents the same dignity he showed chieftains and kings. May Saint Thorlac help us live and to love, according to Your will. Amen.
Saint Thorlac, quietly humble and pure of heart. Pray for us !
Saint Thorlac, mentor in wisdom. Pray for us !
Saint Thorlac, gentle pastor. Pray for us !
Saint Thorlac, merciful confessor. Pray for us !
Saint Thorlac, champion of families and holy matrimony. Pray for us !
Saint Thorlac, defender of authentic Catholic living in all states of life. Pray for us !
Saint Thorlac, fatherly intercessor. Pray for us !
Saint Thorlac, true ambassador for Christ. Pray for us !
Saint Thorlac, devoted patron of Iceland. Pray for us !
Let Us Pray:
Heavenly Father, we pray that all people in Iceland may be united in Christ under the patronage of Your holy servant, Saint Thorlac. May all taste Your unending love and mercy, and rejoice in Your presence. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name; thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit;
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
DAILY REFLECTIONS:
(Each link leads to English text and audio)
Illustrations by Sigurbjorg Eyjolfsdottir
