How can we help?

The Cardinals are currently gathering in Rome, and the meetings (called Congregations) of the Cardinals will begin on Monday morning.  Most probably, either Monday or Tuesday of this week, the Cardinals will decide on the date when the Conclave will begin, but in the meanwhile, the best gift that we can offer them is our prayer.

As you do, keep in mind the words of Saint Matthew's gospel:
Jesus said to him, 'I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it'. (Matt 16:18)

Pray also to the Holy Spirit, asking that the Spirit will point out the one who will serve as our next Pope:
Come Holy Spirit!  We ask your blessing and inspiration upon the Cardinals and the next Pastor of the Universal Church.  Lord, make the successor of Saint Peter an instrument of your peace;
Where there is hatred, may he bring love,
Where there is conflict, may he bring forgiveness,
Where there is discord, may he bring unity,
Where there is error, may he bring truth,
Where there is doubt, may he bring faith,
Where there is despair, may he bring hope,
Where there are clouds, may he bring light,
Where there is sadness, may he bring joy.

Come Holy Spirit!  Endow him with your gifts of piety, wisdom, strength, counsel, intelligence and wisdom.  Come bestow your innumerable gifts upon the one who you call to be our next Holy Father.
Amen.

Lord, we bless and thank you for having shared with us the gift of Pope Benedict XVI who gave of himself without counting the cost, out of love for You and for your Church.  We entrust to your protection and guidance the Cardinals who will soon elect the next successor of Saint Peter within the walls of the Sistine Chapel.  We pray particularly for the one who you have chosen; give him the docility of spirit to accept the office to which you call him.

Follow this prayer with the recitation of one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory be to the Father ...