A prayer for the Papal Visit

One of the consequences of being part of a Church in the midst of an unbelieving world, seemingly surrounded by its enemies and beset with divisions and problems of all kinds, is that we can so easily forget the joy and hope of the Gospel and the very real signs of progress towards the unity of all Catholic Christians.

The following prayer of preparation for the visit of Pope Benedict to Britain has been recommended to us by the Bishop of Ebbsfleet. We should pray it daily

God of truth and love,
your Son, Jesus Christ, stands as the light
to all who seek you with a sincere heart.
As we strive with your grace
to be faithful in word and deed,
may we reflect the kindly light of Christ
and offer a witness of hope and peace to all.
We pray for Pope Benedict
and look forward with joy
to his forthcoming visit to our countries.
May he be a witness to the unity and hope
which is your will for all people.
We make our prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen.


Our Lady, Mother of the Church — pray for us.
St Andrew — pray for us.
St George — pray for us.
St David — pray for us.