Sunday, January 21, 2018

Prayer with Peruvian Saints

This morning, at 10:00am EST, the Holy Father, Pope Francis arrived at the Cathedral of Saint John the Apostle and Evangelist in order to pray in the presence of the Relics of the Peruvian saints.


Upon his arrival, the Pope, accompanied by the Archbishop of Lima, Cardinal Juan Luis Cipriani Thorne, was welcomed by the Metropolitan Chapter of Canons.  There were approximately 2,500 people present in the Cathedral including priests, religious men and women, seminarians and members of Ecclesiastical movements as well as lay pastoral workers.


Following the entrance hymn and the presentation of a floral bouquet by a family, Pope Francis paused in prayer before the Relics of the Peruvian Saints.


When he had completed his private prayer, the Holy Father imparted his blessing and then went to the residence of the Archbishop of Lima for his scheduled meeting with the Bishops of Perú.


Prayer recited by the Holy Father, Pope Francis
in presence of the relics of the Peruvian Saints

God our Father,
through Jesus Christ
you founded your Church
on the rock of the Apostles,
that, guided by the Holy Spirit,
she may be a sign and instrument
of your love and mercy in the world:
we thank you for the gifts you have
bestowed upon our Church in Lima.

We thank you in a special way
for the holiness that has flourished in our land.
Our Archdiocesan Church has been made fruitful
by the apostolic labours of Saint Turibius of Mogrovejo,
enlarged by the prayer, penance and charity
of Saint Rose of Lima and Saint Martin de Porres,
adorned by the missionary zeal of Saint Francisco Solano
and the humble service of Saint Juan Macías.
It has been blessed by the witness of Christian life and fidelity to the Gospel
of many others of our brothers and sisters.
We give you thanks for all that you have accomplished in our history
and we ask you to keep us faithful to the heritage we have received.

Help us to be a Church that goes forth,
drawing near to all, especially the less fortunate.
Teach us to be missionary disciples
of Jesus Christ, the Lord of Miracles,
living in love, seeking unity
and practising mercy,
so that, protected by the intercession
of Our Lady of Evangelization,
we may live the joy of the Gospel
and proclaim it before the world.
(Original text in Spanish; translation by Libreria Editrice Vaticana)

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