The Fourteenth Station of the Cross

The prayer of the Stations of the Cross for Vocations from the USCCB: 

THE FOURTEENTH STATION: JESUS IS PLACED IN THE SEPULCHER

V: We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You.

R: Because, by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.

V: Consider how the disciples carried the body of Jesus to its burial, while His holy Mother went with them and arranged it in the sepulcher with her own hands. They then closed the tomb and all departed.

R: We thank you, Jesus, for the infinite power of Your death and resurrection which brought salvation and healing to the world. We thank You for all whom You have called to follow You in the past 2000 years, men and women formally dedicating their lives to the building up of Your Church. We pray for all seminarians and novices in formation. Let all young men and women today reflect on the lives of the saints, and let them come to meet and know priests, religious, and lay ministers in our times who continue to respond to Christ’s call, “Come, follow me.”

(Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be...)

Virgin of all virgins blest / Listen to my fond request / Let me share your grief divine

.

PRAYER TO JESUS CHRIST CRUCIFIED

My good and dear Jesus, I kneel before You, asking You most earnestly to engrave upon my heart a deep and lively faith, hope, and charity, with true repentance for my sins, and a firm resolve to make amends. As I reflect upon Your five wounds, and dwell upon them with deep compassion and grief, I recall, good Jesus, the words the Prophet David spoke long ago concerning Yourself: ``They pierced My hands and My feet; they have numbered all My bones.''

The Thirteenth Station of the Cross

The prayer of the Stations of the Cross for Vocations from the USCCB: 

THE THIRTEENTH STATION: JESUS IS TAKEN DOWN FROM THE CROSS

V: We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You.

R: Because, by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.

V: Consider how, after Our Lord had died, He was taken down from the cross by two of His disciples, Joseph and Nicodemus, and placed in the arms of His afflicted Mother. She received Him with unutterable tenderness and pressed Him close to her bosom.

R: Jesus, touch the minds, hearts and spirits of those You call to serve the people of God. Fill them with the assurance of our Blessed Mother’s love and care for them, especially as they grow to embrace their vocations. Enable them to respond to Your call to bring Your redeeming presence to a world grieving, fearful and hungry for Your Truth through prayer and service.

(Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be...)

By the cross with you to stay / There with you to weep and pray / Is all I ask of you to give.

The Twelfth Station of the Cross

The prayer of the Stations of the Cross for Vocations from the USCCB: 

ALL: Gracious God, Each of us is called to discipleship with Your Son Jesus through the sacrament of Baptism. We are sent to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus, to share the good News of God’s saving love. Hear our prayer as we ponder the redemptive vocation of Jesus who continues to call men and women to walk in His way, renewing His Church and caring for His people. We give You thanks for the mystery of every vocation and we pray for all who have answered Your call. Send forth Your Holy Spirit upon the faithful and enkindle in them the fire of Your love, drawing many young men and women to dedicate themselves with an undivided heart to the love of Christ and His Kingdom. Amen.

THE TWELFTH STATION: JESUS DIES UPON THE CROSS

V: We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You.

R: Because, by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.

V: Consider how Jesus, after three hours of agony on the cross, is finally overwhelmed with suffering and, abandoning Himself to the weight of His body, bows His head and dies.

R: Jesus, give to all who are considering their vocation a deep love of the Eucharist, the Most Holy Sacrament of Your passion, death and resurrection. Let them find in the Mass a daily renewal of Your invitation to live their lives through You, with You, and in You, giving glory and honor to God our Father.

(Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be...)

Let me mingle tears with thee / Mourning Him who mourned for me / All the days that I may live.

Holy Triduum Schedule

Greetings,

Consider joining us in prayer near or far as we celebrate the Holy Triduum...

Holy Thursday~

5:00 p.m. Footwashing ~ Monastic Community

7:00 p.m. Eucharistic Celebration & Procesison

Good Friday~

8:30 a.m. Lauds

3:00 p.m. Good Friday Services

7:00 p.m. Culpa ~ Monastic Community

Holy Saturday~

8:30 a.m. Lauds

5:00 p.m. Vespers

8:00 p.m. Paschal Vigil Liturgy

*Easter reception with Guests after the Vigil

Easter Sunday~

9:00 a.m. Lauds
5:00 p.m. Vespers

The Eleventh Station of the Cross

The prayer of the Stations of the Cross for Vocations from the USCCB: 

ALL: Gracious God, Each of us is called to discipleship with Your Son Jesus through the sacrament of Baptism. We are sent to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus, to share the good News of God’s saving love. Hear our prayer as we ponder the redemptive vocation of Jesus who continues to call men and women to walk in His way, renewing His Church and caring for His people. We give You thanks for the mystery of every vocation and we pray for all who have answered Your call. Send forth Your Holy Spirit upon the faithful and enkindle in them the fire of Your love, drawing many young men and women to dedicate themselves with an undivided heart to the love of Christ and His Kingdom. Amen.

 

 

THE ELEVENTH STATION: JESUS IS NAILED TO THE CROSS

V: We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You.

R: Because, by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.

V: Consider Jesus, thrown down upon the cross, He stretched out His arms and offered to His eternal Father the sacrifice of His life for our salvation. They nailed His hands and feet, and then, raising the cross, left Him to die in anguish.

R: Jesus, instill in youth today a deep desire to make a difference in the world no matter what the cost. Let the courageous example of modern martyrs inspire them to meet all challenges with faith, hope and love. Fill them with Your presence and the grace to respond to the call to “go out to all the world.”

(Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be...)

Let me share with you His pain / Who for all our sins was slain / Who for me in torments died.

The Tenth Station of the Cross

The prayer of the Stations of the Cross for Vocations from the USCCB: 

ALL: Gracious God, Each of us is called to discipleship with Your Son Jesus through the sacrament of Baptism. We are sent to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus, to share the good News of God’s saving love. Hear our prayer as we ponder the redemptive vocation of Jesus who continues to call men and women to walk in His way, renewing His Church and caring for His people. We give You thanks for the mystery of every vocation and we pray for all who have answered Your call. Send forth Your Holy Spirit upon the faithful and enkindle in them the fire of Your love, drawing many young men and women to dedicate themselves with an undivided heart to the love of Christ and His Kingdom. Amen.

THE TENTH STATION: JESUS IS STRIPPED OF HIS GARMENTS

V: We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You.

R: Because, by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.

V: Consider how Jesus was violently stripped of His clothes by His executioners. The inner garments adhered to his lacerated flesh and the soldiers tore them off so roughly that the skin came with them. Have pity for your Savior so cruelly treated.

R: Jesus, grant that all those being called to the priesthood and consecrated life will clothe themselves with sincere compassion, humility, kindness, gentleness and patience, forgiveness and thankfulness…and over all these virtues, let them put on love. May they understand that their vocation discernment is their deepest response to Your love.

(Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be...)

Holy Mother, pierce me through / in my heart each wound renew / of my Savior crucified.

The Ninth Station of the Cross and Palms of Praise

The prayer of the Stations of the Cross for Vocations from the USCCB: 

ALL: Gracious God, Each of us is called to discipleship with Your Son Jesus through the sacrament of Baptism. We are sent to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus, to share the good News of God’s saving love. Hear our prayer as we ponder the redemptive vocation of Jesus who continues to call men and women to walk in His way, renewing His Church and caring for His people. We give You thanks for the mystery of every vocation and we pray for all who have answered Your call. Send forth Your Holy Spirit upon the faithful and enkindle in them the fire of Your love, drawing many young men and women to dedicate themselves with an undivided heart to the love of Christ and His Kingdom. Amen.

THE NINTH STATION: JESUS FALLS THE THIRD TIME

V: We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You.

R: Because, by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.

V: Consider how Jesus Christ fell for the third time. He was extremely weak and the cruelty of His executioners was excessive; they tried to hasten His steps though He hardly had strength to move.

R: Jesus, help those You call to know that all vocations are grace-filled; that priests, sisters, brothers, deacons, consecrated men and women, married and single are all favored by God. Instill in them the understanding that nothing can separate them from the love of God who is actively present in good times and in bad.

(Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be...)

Make me feel as You have felt / Make my soul to glow and melt
With the love of Christ, my Lord.

Also...

We began Holy Week with the celebration and palm branches of praise and Jesus Christ's entrance into the city of Jerusalem.  Welcoming sisters, family, and guests into the Chapter room, we began with the readings and blessing of palms before processing joyfully into chapel all together.  Holy Father Francis' also began Holy Week with praise and joy.  His homily reminded us all that we are called to live in joy, that Jesus' passion should lead us to joy, and announced to the youth that he would join them in joy at World Youth Day.



The Eighth Station of the Cross

The prayer of the Stations of the Cross for Vocations from the USCCB: 

ALL: Gracious God, Each of us is called to discipleship with Your Son Jesus through the sacrament of Baptism. We are sent to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus, to share the good News of God’s saving love. Hear our prayer as we ponder the redemptive vocation of Jesus who continues to call men and women to walk in His way, renewing His Church and caring for His people. We give You thanks for the mystery of every vocation and we pray for all who have answered Your call. Send forth Your Holy Spirit upon the faithful and enkindle in them the fire of Your love, drawing many young men and women to dedicate themselves with an undivided heart to the love of Christ and His Kingdom. Amen.

 

 

THE EIGHTH STATION: JESUS SPEAKS TO THE WOMEN

V: We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You.

R: Because, by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.

V: Consider how the women wept with compassion seeing Jesus so distressed and dripping with blood as He walked along. Jesus said to them, ``Weep not so much for Me, but rather for Your children.''

R: Jesus, remove any prejudices or biases from all whom You call to walk with You as priests or in the consecrated life. Let those who follow You see that all God’s people are created equal, male and female, regardless of race or culture, and that our heavenly Father has no favorites. Let their words and example speak of Christ’s justice, peace and joy.

(Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be...)

O sweet Mother! Fount of Love / Touch my spirit from above / Make my heart with yours accord.

 

The Seventh Station of the Cross

The prayer of the Stations of the Cross for Vocations from the USCCB: 

ALL: Gracious God, Each of us is called to discipleship with Your Son Jesus through the sacrament of Baptism. We are sent to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus, to share the good News of God’s saving love. Hear our prayer as we ponder the redemptive vocation of Jesus who continues to call men and women to walk in His way, renewing His Church and caring for His people. We give You thanks for the mystery of every vocation and we pray for all who have answered Your call. Send forth Your Holy Spirit upon the faithful and enkindle in them the fire of Your love, drawing many young men and women to dedicate themselves with an undivided heart to the love of Christ and His Kingdom. Amen.

THE SEVENTH STATION: JESUS FALLS THE SECOND TIME

V: We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You.

R: Because, by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.

V: Consider how the second fall of Jesus under His cross renews the pain in all the wounds of the head and members of our afflicted Lord.

R: Jesus, teach those You call to the priesthood and consecrated life to accept their own and others’ limitations, relying on God’s merciful grace. Help them in these times of darkness to reach out especially to those whom the world calls “fallen”—persons who are addicted, imprisoned, poor, aged, of ill health.

(Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be...)

For the sins of His own nation / Saw Him hang in desolation / Till His spirit forth He sent.

The Sixth Station of the Cross

The prayer of the Stations of the Cross for Vocations from the USCCB: 

ALL: Gracious God, Each of us is called to discipleship with Your Son Jesus through the sacrament of Baptism. We are sent to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus, to share the good News of God’s saving love. Hear our prayer as we ponder the redemptive vocation of Jesus who continues to call men and women to walk in His way, renewing His Church and caring for His people. We give You thanks for the mystery of every vocation and we pray for all who have answered Your call. Send forth Your Holy Spirit upon the faithful and enkindle in them the fire of Your love, drawing many young men and women to dedicate themselves with an undivided heart to the love of Christ and His Kingdom. Amen.

 

These outdoor, tile-mosaic Stations of the Cross were designed
by our own Artisan Sisters of the Monastery.
And Sister Blogger's favorite Station...

THE SIXTH STATION: VERONICA OFFERS HER VEIL TO JESUS

V: We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You.

R: Because, by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.

V: Consider the compassion of the holy woman, Veronica. Seeing Jesus in such distress, His face bathed in sweat and blood, she presented Him with her veil. Jesus wiped His face, and left upon the cloth the image of His sacred countenance.

R: Jesus, call forth numerous men and women to see Your face on all whom they meet. Help Your servants to truly understand that whatever good is done to the least of Your brothers and sisters is done to You.

(Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be...)

Bruised, derided, cursed, defiled / She beheld her tender Child / All with bloody scourges rent.

The Feast of the passing of Saint Benedict

Happy Feast Day!

Today, we join Benedictines around the world in celebrating the Passing of our Holy Father Saint Benedict.  St. Gregory the Great recounts the death of Benedict in his Dialogues: 
 

The death of Saint Benedict depicted in the gardens
at his monastery of Monte Cassino in Italy.

 In the year that was to be his last, the man of God foretold the day of his holy death to a number of his disciples. In mentioning it to some who were with him in the monastery, he bound them to strict secrecy. Some others, however, who were stationed elsewhere he only informed of the special sign they would receive at the time of his death.

Six days before he died, he gave orders for his tomb to be opened. Almost immediately he was seized with a violent fever that rapidly wasted his remaining energy. Each day his condition grew worse until finally, on the sixth day, he had his disciples carry him into the chapel where he received the Body and Blood of our Lord to gain strength for his approaching end. Then, supporting his weakened body on the arms of his brethren, he stood with his hands raised to heaven and, as he prayed, breathed his last.

That day two monks, one of them at the monastery, the other some distance away, received the very same revelation.  They both saw a magnificent road covered with rich carpeting and glittering with thousands of lights. From his monastery it stretched eastward in a straight line until it reached up into heaven. And there in the brightness stood a man of majestic appearance, who asked them, "Do you know who passed this way?"  "No," they replied.

"This, he told them, is the road taken by blessed Benedict, the Lord's beloved, when he went to heaven." Thus, while the brethren who were with Benedict witnessed his death, those who were absent knew about it through the sign he had promised them. His body was laid to rest in the Chapel of St. John the Baptist, which he had built to replace the altar of Apollo.

The Fifth Station of the Cross

The prayer of the Stations of the Cross for Vocations from the USCCB:

ALL: Gracious God, Each of us is called to discipleship with Your Son Jesus through the sacrament of Baptism. We are sent to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus, to share the good News of God’s saving love. Hear our prayer as we ponder the redemptive vocation of Jesus who continues to call men and women to walk in His way, renewing His Church and caring for His people. We give You thanks for the mystery of every vocation and we pray for all who have answered Your call. Send forth Your Holy Spirit upon the faithful and enkindle in them the fire of Your love, drawing many young men and women to dedicate themselves with an undivided heart to the love of Christ and His Kingdom. Amen.



These outdoor, tile-mosaic Stations of the Cross were designed
by our own Artisan Sisters of the Monastery.

THE FIFTH STATION: SIMON HELPS JESUS CARRY THE CROSS

V: We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You.

R: Because, by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.

V: Consider how weak and weary Jesus was. At each step He was at the point of expiring. Fearing that He would die on the way when they wished Him to die the infamous death of the cross, they forced Simon of Cyrene to help carry the cross after Our Lord.

R: Jesus, send forth your grace upon those you call to church leadership. Help them to accept and affirm others’ gifts in the building of community, in proclaiming the message and in reaching out in service.

(Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be...)

Can the human heart refrain / From partaking in her pain / In that Mother's pain untold?

The Third & Fourth Stations of the Cross

 The prayer of the Stations of the Cross for Vocations from the USCCB:

ALL: Gracious God, Each of us is called to discipleship with Your Son Jesus through the sacrament of Baptism. We are sent to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus, to share the good News of God’s saving love. Hear our prayer as we ponder the redemptive vocation of Jesus who continues to call men and women to walk in His way, renewing His Church and caring for His people. We give You thanks for the mystery of every vocation and we pray for all who have answered Your call. Send forth Your Holy Spirit upon the faithful and enkindle in them the fire of Your love, drawing many young men and women to dedicate themselves with an undivided heart to the love of Christ and His Kingdom. Amen.

These outdoor, tile-mosaic Stations of the Cross were designed
by our own Artisan Sisters of the Monastery.

THE THIRD STATION: JESUS FALLS THE FIRST TIME

V: We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You.

R: Because, by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.

V: Consider the first fall of Jesus. Loss of blood from the scourging and crowing with thorns had so weakened Him that He could hardly walk; and yet He had to carry that great load upon His shoulders. As the soldiers struck Him cruelly, He fell several times under the heavy cross.

R: Jesus, let those You call know that they do not have to be perfect. Let them be open to Your transforming grace that can accomplish more than anyone could imagine. Give to those who respond to Your call to the priesthood and consecrated life, a deep trust that You will complete what You have begun in them.

(Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be...)

Christ above in torment hangs / She beneath beholds the pangs / of her dying, glorious Son



These outdoor, tile-mosaic Stations of the Cross were designed
by our own Artisan Sisters of the Monastery.



THE FOURTH STATION: JESUS MEETS HIS AFFLICTED MOTHER

V: We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You.

R: Because, by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.

V: Consider how the Son met His Mother on His way to Calvary. Jesus and Mary gazed at each other and their looks became as so many arrows to wound those hearts which loved each other so tenderly

R: Jesus, instill in young men and women the desire to come to know Your Mother and find in their prayerful reflection of the scriptures, a woman of faith, hope and love whose vocation is an example for all. Help parents to promote and support vocations among their children, families and church communities.

(Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be...)

Is there one who would not weep / 'whelmed in miseries so deep / Christ's dear Mother to behold.

The First & Second Stations of the Cross

The prayer of the Stations of the Cross for Vocations from the USCCB:

ALL: Gracious God, Each of us is called to discipleship with Your Son Jesus through the sacrament of Baptism. We are sent to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus, to share the good News of God’s saving love. Hear our prayer as we ponder the redemptive vocation of Jesus who continues to call men and women to walk in His way, renewing His Church and caring for His people. We give You thanks for the mystery of every vocation and we pray for all who have answered Your call. Send forth Your Holy Spirit upon the faithful and enkindle in them the fire of Your love, drawing many young men and women to dedicate themselves with an undivided heart to the love of Christ and His Kingdom. Amen.



These outdoor, tile-mosaic Stations of the Cross were designed
by our own Artist Sisters of the Monastery.

THE FIRST STATION: PILATE CONDEMNS JESUS TO DIE

V: We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You.

R: Because, by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.

V: Consider how Jesus Christ, after being scourged and crowned with thorns, was unjustly condemned by Pilate to die on the cross.

R: Jesus, we ask that You call young men and women today to publicly accept Your invitation to follow You in spite of what others may think or say. Give to them a passion for reaching out through Your love to the needs of Your brothers and sisters.

(Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be…)

Through her heart, His sorrow sharing / All His bitter anguish bearing 
Now at length the sword has passed



These outdoor, tile-mosaic Stations of the Cross were designed
by our own Artist Sisters of the Monastery.

THE SECOND STATION: JESUS ACCEPTS HIS CROSS

V: We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You.

R: Because, by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.

V: Consider Jesus as He walked this road with the cross on His shoulders, thinking of us, and offering to His Father in our behalf, the death He was about to suffer.

R: Jesus, help those You call to see in the cross the symbol of union with You. Give to them the zeal and talent to minister to those who are burdened with pain, sorrow, confusion and alienation. Let them see that in the cross is life.

(Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be...)

O, how sad and sore depressed / Was that Mother highly blessed
of the sole Begotten One

A Prayer for Pope Francis

A Prayer for Pope Francis

O God, shepherd and ruler of all the faithful,
look favorably on your servant Francis,
whom you have set at the head of your Church as her shepherd;

Grant, we pray, that by word and example
he may be of service to those over whom he presides
so that, together with the flock entrusted to his care,
he may come to everlasting life.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
 who lives and reigns with you in the
unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.

Habemus Papam! Pope Francis!

Greetings,

When Pope Francis stepped out on the balcony to greet the gathered congregation in Vatican City, he spoke from the heart to his new diocese. The Vatican Today news agency for the city has already translated the Holy Father's "First Words" for us...

Brothers and sisters good evening.

You all know that the duty of the Conclave was to give a bishop to Rome. It seems that my brother Cardinals have gone almost to the ends of the earth to get him… but here we are. I thank you for the welcome that has come from the diocesan community of Rome.

First of all I would like to say a prayer pray for our Bishop Emeritus Benedict XVI. Let us all pray together for him, that the Lord will bless him and that our Lady will protect him.

Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory to the Father…

And now let us begin this journey, the Bishop and the people, this journey of the Church of Rome which presides in charity over all the Churches, a journey of brotherhood in love, of mutual trust. Let us always pray for one another. Let us pray for the whole world that there might be a great sense of brotherhood. My hope is that this journey of the Church that we begin today, together with the help of my Cardinal Vicar, may be fruitful for the evangelization of this beautiful city.

And now I would like to give the blessing. But first I want to ask you a favour. Before the Bishop blesses the people I ask that you would pray to the Lord to bless me – the prayer of the people for their Bishop. Let us say this prayer – your prayer for me – in silence.

[The Protodeacon announced that all those who received the blessing, either in person or by radio, television or by the new means of communication receive the plenary indulgence in the form established by the Church. He prayed that Almighty God protect and guard the Pope so that he may lead the Church for many years to come, and that he would grant peace to the Church throughout the world. Immediately afterwards Pope Francis gave his first blessing Urbi et Orbi – To the City and to the World. The approximate English translation follows.]

 I will now give my blessing to you and to the whole world, to all men and women of good will.

May the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, in whose power and authority we have confidence, intercede on our behalf to the Lord. Response: Amen.

Through the prayers and merits of the Blessed Mary ever-virgin, of Blessed Michael the Archangel, of Blessed John the Baptist, and of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and of all the saints, may Almighty God have mercy on you, and with your sins forgiven, may Jesus Christ lead you into everlasting life.
Response: Amen.

May the Almighty and merciful Lord grant you indulgence, absolution, and remission of all your sins, time for a true and fruitful penance, an always repentant heart and amendment of life, the grace and consolation of the Holy Spirit, and final perseverance in good works. Response: Amen.

And may the blessing of Almighty God, + the Father, + the Son, and + the Holy Spirit, descend on you and remain with you always. Response: Amen.

Brothers and sisters, I am leaving you. Thank you for your welcome. Pray for me and I will be with you again soon... We will see one another soon.

Tomorrow I want to go to pray to the Madonna, that she may protect Rome.

Good night and sleep well!

Lenten Springtime

Greetings,

The work of Lent continues in the quiet of the monastery.  The sisters gather in silence before our morning prayer of Lauds and celebration of the Eucharist.  Following the guidance of Benedict throughout our observance, we continue the day in work and service to each other and the Church.  We are called to bring our Lenten awareness to our paperwork and classrooms, to our cleaning and cooking, and even to our laughter and leisure together. 

We continue to share our simple abstinence and fasting during these days of Lent.  Our Wednesday soups and meat free Fridays are easy but powerful reminders to continue to pray.  The sisters serving away from the monastery also share in our fasting and abstaining; however, they might not have the addition offering of giving up Wednesday's fresh pies from the monastery bakery.

This year's Lent has included blizzard and sleet, thunderstorms, and brilliant sunshine, but Lent is a reminder of springtime, a time to prepare for new life in our hearts and souls.  This year it includes new life for the Church in the election of the Pope.  After Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI's resignation on February 28th, we began to pray for the Cardinals in their preparation for the Conclave.  Please join us in this prayer as they begin the work of the Spirit on this Tuesday, March 12th.

O God, Shepherd of us all,
we pray for the descent of the Holy Spirit
upon the Cardinals who will meet in conclave
to elect the next Vicar of our Lord Jesus Christ.

May the hearts of our Cardinals
be open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit,
beyond any human judgment,
freeing them to elect the candidate
who will guide the Church at this time in history.

In your mercy grant your Church a shepherd
who will walk in your ways
and whose watchful care
will bring us your blessing.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen