National Prayerfor thePapal Visit

God of mercyand

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.

That we may be faithful to the Pope, the Vicar of Christ

on earth.

Leader:

BLESS YOUR CHURCH,

LORD!

ALL:

That we may be eager to meet and listen to Pope Francis.

Leader:

BLESS YOUR CHURCH,

LORD!

ALL:

That we may be compassionate

withthe poor and the

needy.

Leader:

BLESS YOUR CHURCH,

LORD!

ALL:

That we may be merciful with the

weak and the lost.

Leader:

BLESS YOUR CHURCH,

LORD!

ALL:

That we may humbly confess

our sins and return to God.

Leader:

BLESS YOUR CHURCH,

LORD!

ALL:

That we may frequently and

devoutly receive Holy

Communion.

Leader:

BLESS YOUR CHURCH,

LORD!

ALL:

Let us pray.Leader:

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