Author: diocesan-melbournebeach

A BLESSING FOR OUR NEW POPE

Gracious and loving God, source of all good and of all wisdom, we ask that you pour out an abundance of your Spirit today on your son, Leo, our new Pope.

Fill him with joy unexpected and make him laugh as your visitors did for Sarah behind her tent flap at Mamre.

Embolden him with courage in the midst of diversity and an unbending commitment to justice as you did our ancestors in faith—Deborah and Judith and Esther– who protected your people.

Help him discover life where others find only barrenness, as you did with your daughter, Hannah.

Vindicate his hopes as you did when Jesus, that glorious child of promise, came into the arms of Anna and Simeon in your temple.

Open his heart both to the joy of contemplation and to the generosity of service, as your Son did for Mary of Bethany and Martha her sister.

Console him with your loving presence in moments of loss or confusion, as Jesus did with his beloved Magdalene in the garden of resurrection.

Affirm his hospitality and graciousness, as did your apostle Paul in accepting Lydia and her household as his home in Philippi.

Strengthen him as a leader of your people, as you did for your Deacon Phoebe at Cenchreae, friend and mentor and co-worker of Paul.

Receive and bless and protect him, dearest Christ, as you did that anonymous woman in Bethany who, alone among your disciples, embraced you with precious fragrance and anointed you for your mission.

Christ, son of the living God, make him a vessel through which your life courses into our world, as the Spirit did for your mother, Mary of Nazareth.

Risen Christ, Wisdom Incarnate, who expounded the scriptures in Nazareth, who enflamed hearts with his words on the mountain in Galilee, who spoke with courage to the religious leaders in the Temple portico, who gathered his disciples in community, bless and abide with Leo today, bless his leadership, and bless the world we are all dedicated to serve. [Edited Version of Prayer offered by Sr. Barbara Reid, O.P., President of the Catholic Theological Union at Chicago]

Amen.

JOIN THE ICC WOMEN’S GUILD for fellowship, fun, food and important information regarding the upcoming Hurricane Season! As the season approaches, come join the Guild for a presentation by Brevard County Emergency Management on “Hurricane Preparedness”. Bring a friend and your favorite dish. Dessert and beverage provided by the Guild.