Photo was taken yesterday at Seskin, Bantry, West Cork (Irl)

A bumblebee works a clover flower in lovely sunshine yesterday

Thought on Saturday – May – 08/06/2019

We remember again today all those doing the Junior and Leaving Cert exams which started officially on Wednesday. (In Ireland the state exams get underway each year on the first Wednesday of June). It is easy to say to anyone sitting an exam: “Do your best, to know there is life after the exams and that all will be well.” We know this to be true but for those sitting the exams it is still a very anxious time. St.Joseph of Cupertino is the patron saint for those doing exams. He is not a miracle worker but he has been known to grant many favours to those who ask. We entrust into his care all those doing the exams. We pray for inner calm, strength, good memory and to gently guide and direct anyone who is particularly anxious at this time.


Here is a short prayer for students doing the exams:

Loving God, I turn to you today. As the exam approaches I am nervous and so I ask you to help me. You know how important these exams are to me. Set me free from worry, give me your peace and help me to think clearly. Help me to remember what I have learned, to use my time well, not to panic, to do my best and not to worry about the outcome. Help me to realise that the exams are not there to catch me out but to find out how much I know.

Lord, keep me calm so that I can write down all I know. Keep my friends calm too, we’re all in this together! Let me sleep each night so that I am refreshed and renewed for the next exam. Even if I struggle I must always remember that there is a bigger picture of which these exams are only a small part of.

Most important of all calm me down, keep me focussed, guide me along, get me through the scary moments and make sure I attempt every question. Thank you for being my friend today and always. Amen