Pope
Francis will visit the Philippines from January 15-19, 2015.
According
to Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, “the central theme of the Papal Visit is Mercy
and Compassion. It has been a recurring theme from the symbolic actions of the
Father. We can prepare best for his coming through our spiritual renewal,
returning to the word of God, frequenting the Eucharist and Adoration and
returning to God through the sacrament of Reconciliation. Another way is to do
works of mercy; the Corporal and Spiritual works of mercy.”
The
Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBPC) came up with the
“national prayer for the papal visit” starting on Friday, August 1 until
January 14 of next year. Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas, CBCP
president, said the prayer is to be recited “before the post communion prayer
of every Mass.”
Here’s
the full text of the prayer:
NATIONAL PRAYER FOR THE PAPAL VISIT
Leader:
God of mercy and compassion, we come to you in our need and lift up to you our
nation as we prepare for the apostolic visit of Pope Francis.
L:
That we may be faithful to the Pope, the Vicar of Christ on earth
All: Bless your Church Lord!
L:
That we may be eager to meet and listen to Pope Francis
A: Bless your Church Lord!
L:
That we may be compassionate with the poor and the needy
A: Bless your Church Lord!
L:
That we may be merciful with the weak and the lost
A: Bless your Church Lord!
L:
That we may humbly confess our sins and return to God
A: Bless your Church Lord!
L:
That we may frequently and devoutly receive Holy Communion
A: Bless your Church Lord!
Leader:
Let us pray: God our Father, we are all your children. Make of us a nation of
mercy and compassion eager to meet Pope Francis. Make us a nation of holiness
and heroism through Christ our Lord. Amen.”
Note: *The prayer is to be recited before
the post communion prayer of every Mass.
