Apostleship of Prayer

This year we are celebrating the sixtieth anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations and today Pope Benedict will travel to New York City where, at 10:45 AM, he will address the world at the United Nations. As Apostles of Prayer we are committed to praying for the Holy Father and his intentions. Surely he is depending upon us in a special way at this time. Then, at 6 PM he will celebrate an ecumenical prayer service with other Christian leaders at St. Joseph’s Church in Manhattan. Joseph is Pope Benedict’s baptismal name and St. Joseph was proclaimed the Patron of the Universal Church by Pope Pius IX on December 8, 1870. Let us pray today for Pope Benedict and our Church with a prayer that was officially approved by the Church in 1885.

O blessed Joseph, on whom God bestowed the name and dignity of foster-father of Jesus; and gave Mary ever Virgin to be your most pure spouse; head of the Holy Family on earth; finally chosen by the Vicar of Christ as Patron and Protector of the Universal Church established by the Lord Jesus Christ, with the greatest confidence I implore for that same Church militant on earth, your most powerful assistance. Keep, I beseech you, in the special care of that paternal love with which you burn forever, the Roman Pontiff, all bishops and priests united to the See of Peter. Be the defender of all who labor for the salvation of souls among the sorrows and trials of this life. Bring all peoples of their own free will to submit themselves to the Church, which is everywhere the necessary means of salvation. Accept, most holy Joseph, the offering of myself, whole and entire, which I make to you, freely and willingly. I consecrate myself wholly to you, to be always my father, protector, and leader in the way of salvation. Obtain for me exceeding great cleanliness of heart, and a burning love of the interior life. Grant that, following your footsteps, I may direct all my actions to the greater glory of God, in union with the love of the Divine Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of the Virgin Mary. Finally, pray that I may share in the peace and joy that was yours in your most holy death. Amen.

Today’s Readings:  Acts 13:26-33;  Psalm 2:6-11ab;  John 14:1-6

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