On the Feast of the Chair...

Greetings,

Today, the Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter the Apostle.  A day celebrating the gift of Apostolic Succession and the leadership of the Pope.  The first reading from the First Letter of Peter is an amazing reminder of how those called to lead must live for the flock.

Beloved:  I exhort the presbyters among you, as a fellow presbyter and witness to the sufferings of Christ and one who has a share in the glory to be revealed.  Tend the flock of God in your midst, overseeing not by constraint but willingly, as God would have it, not for shameful profit but eagerly.  Do not lord it over those assigned to you, but be examples to the flock.  And when the chief Shepherd is revealed, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.  1 Peter 5: 1-4

Join us today in praying for Pope Francis, Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI, and all those who lead and guide the Catholic Church.

O God, True Shepherd of all the faithful,
look with kindness on your servant
Pope Francis, whom you set as head
and shepherd of Your Church.

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.

O God, guide Your Church,
built on the rock of Peter,
with the power of Your Spirit
as we continue on the path
that leads to You.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen