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Daily Reading for April 3 • Richard, Bishop of Chichester, 1253

Born at Droitwich, Richard of Wyche became chancellor of Canterbury under Archbishop Edmund Rich. King Henry III refused permission for Richard to be consecrated Bishop of Chichester, until the Pope threatened to excommunicate the King. Richard was a deeply spiritual man and an excellent administrator. The Prayer of St. Richard of Chichester, which has recently been set to music by several composers, is now one of the most popular in the English language.

Praise to thee, Lord Jesus Christ,

for all the benefits thou has won for me,

for all the pains and insults thou has borne for me.

Most merciful redeemer,

friend and brother,

may I know thee more clearly,

love thee more dearly,

and follow thee more nearly, day by day. Amen.

From Richard of Wyche (1197-1253), quoted in 2000 Years of Prayer, compiled by Michael Counsell. Copyright © 1999. Used by permission of Morehouse Publishing, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. www.morehousepublishing.com

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