Blessing of St. Nicholas Bread

On one occasion, when St. Nicholas was very ill, it is related in his life that the Blessed Virgin appeared to him in a vision and told him to procure a little bread and eat it, moistened with water, and he would be cured. The saint did so, and he was instantly restored to health. From this fact the Blessed Bread of St. Nicholas had its origin. [From the Augustinian Prayer Book]

Presider:

Let us pray to Christ, the Lord, who went about doing good and curing all those who were sick, that he may bestow upon his body, the Church, the gifts of his love. Let us pray together:

R/: Lord, here our prayer.

Lord Jesus, you who feed us with the Eucharist, he living bread from heaven; grant that those who receive this bread with true devotion receive your grace and blessing in their moments of suffering and need. We pray to the Lord. R/

Lord Jesus, you who are the Good Samaritan, and have compassion on the suffering; grant that those who receive this bread of St. Nicholas of Tolentine experience your goodness in their lives and learn how to relieve the sufferings of their brothers and sisters. We pray to the Lord. R/

Lord Jesus, you who daily feed us with the bread of your Word and the Eucharist; bless in your mercy all those present here, and grant that they may always receive your divine help in the sacraments. We pray to the Lord. R/

Lord Jesus, you who mercifully cured the needy who came to you; help now through the intercession of St. Nicholas our brothers and sisters who are ill, restore them to health and free them from all that is evil. We pray to the Lord. R/

Presider: Let us pray . . .

Almighty and eternal God, who are Lord of all things, bless + this bread and those who receive it with true devotion in honor of St. Nicholas of Tolentine, and grant them health of mind and body. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

[Sprinkle the bread with holy water and invite all to come and take a piece of blessed bread]

All recite together:

Almighty God,
in Saint Nicholas of Tolentine
you show us the ideal of the apostolic life.
He brought comfort to the sorrowful,
reconciliation to the estranged,
relief to the poor,
gifts of healing to the sick,
not for his own glory
but for the glory of your Son.
In hope of that vision of your splendor
promised to the clean of heart,
Saint Nicholas spared no pains
to give himself to the way of the Gospel.
Your glory has shone upon the Church
through the holiness and miracles
of Saint Nicholas of Tolentine.
Through his intercession
keep your holy people in peace and unity.
Amen.