In the First Book of Samuel, Hannah longed for a child for many years and suffered the ridicule of others. At the sanctuary at Shiloh she poured out her heart to God so intensely that the priest Eli thought she was drunk. God heard her prayer, and she gave birth to Samuel, who became a great prophet. After his birth she sang a hymn of praise that echoes later in Mary's Magnificat. Hannah's words are a gift to couples struggling with infertility or waiting to adopt, and to any

St. Aloysius is a patron of youth and purity. Ask him for a clean heart. The Prayer O blessed Aloysius, adorned with angelic virtues, I recommend to thee especially the chasteness of my soul and body. Obtain for me purity of heart and the grace to serve God faithfully all the days of my life. Amen. Sources: Traditional prayer to St. Aloysius; classic manuals, public domain.

Parents and godparents pray this traditional petition for the faith and protection of children. The Prayer O God, Who hast given little children as a precious gift, watch over them with Thy fatherly care. Grant that they may grow in wisdom, age, and grace before Thee and men. Keep them from all evil, guide them by Thy Holy Spirit, and bring them safely to the joy of Thy kingdom. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Traditional prayer for children; classic manuals, public domain.