Andorra, Italy, Malta, Portugal, San Marino, Spain, Vatican City

Intercessions

We are thankful for:

• the rich historical legacies and distinctive cultures in these countries.

• the faithful witness of the churches in the midst of empire building and colonization

• the many and diverse waves of migrants who have come to these lands.

• the hospitality that long has been shown to those arriving on their shores.

We pray for:

• the preservation of the fragile environments and shorelines in this region.

• an end to economic and political turmoil.

• stable governments that end corruption and serve the common good.

• policies that relieve disparities between those who are rich and poor.

Prayers

The fire prayer

Holy Spirit, set me on fire with your wisdom,
so that I may love only that which is holy.

Holy Spirit, enlighten me with your understanding,
so that I may perceive only that which is holy.

Holy Spirit, kindle in me your counsel,
so that I may see only that which is holy.

Holy Spirit, inflame me with your strength,
so that I may desire only that which is holy.

Holy Spirit, pour out your knowledge upon me,
so that I may do only that which is holy.

Holy Spirit, give me ardent devotion,
so that I may seek only that which is holy.

Holy Spirit, make me blaze in the fear of God
so that I may never again lose that which is holy.

(From the Book of Devotions – Devocionário – of the Franciscan Congregation of Nursing Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, Portugal.)

You are the way

You are the way, Lord.
You came from the Father, as Joseph,
to visit your brothers and sisters,
to greet us and bring us God’s salvation.
And we sold you, for a few coins.
You are our way, and we lost you.
But you have returned again.
You are constantly returning
to seek your lost brothers and sisters,
who are hungry, fearful, and cold,
in the dark night of this world,
downhearted, disconsolate, disheartened.
You join us on our journey
in every Eucharist.
Travelling through the world  
you are our guide,
our counsellor, torch-bearer, star,
our strength, motivator, joy,
our defence, refuge, protector,
our provider, sustainer, food for the journey,
our listener, friend and companion.

(Alberto Iniesta Jiménez [1923 – 2016], former auxiliary archbishop of the Archdiocese of Madrid)

Prayer before the proclamation of God’s word

Blessed are you, O God, for your word of strength, of encouragement, of hope - 
that contagious word which allows us to believe
and to move towards the renewal of our world.
Grant us to hear your word and to persevere in it, putting it into practice.
(From the Waldensian liturgy)

Jesus our Master, meet us while we walk the way, and long to reach the heavenly country; so that, following your light we may keep the way of righteousness, and never wander away into darkness of this world’s night, while you, who are the Way, the Truth, and the Life, are shining within us; for your own name’s sake.
(The Mozarabic Sacramentary)

Song