In England and Wales, 4 May is the feast of the English Martyrs: the Catholics put to death for their faith during the Reformation, from the Carthusian monks of 1535 to the last executions in the 1680s. Forty of them were canonized together in 1970.
Historical Context
A May 4 Prayer for Firefighters
Lord, on St Florian’s day, bless every firefighter:
career and volunteer, on structure fires, wildfires and rescues.
Keep them safe, keep them strong,
and bring them home to their families.
Remember those who died in the line of duty,
and comfort those who miss them.
St Florian, pray for them.
Amen.
For Protection from Fire
Lord, protect our homes, schools and forests from fire.
Amen.
With the English Martyrs
Holy Martyrs of England and Wales,
you gave your lives rather than deny the faith.
Pray for us, and for the conversion of hearts in your land.
Amen.
Best Times for This Prayer
- On 4 May.
- At a firehouse, before a shift.
- At a firefighter’s memorial or funeral.
Scripture Connection
“When thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” — Isaiah 43:2
Firefighters walk through fire for a living. Isaiah’s promise is that God goes with them.
Related prayers
For St Florian, see the Prayer to St Florian. For firefighters, the Fire Force Prayer. For May, the May 6 Prayer.