Papal Visit to England and Wales...

"Cor ad Cor Loquitur - Heart Speaks unto Heart" is the theme for the papal visit to the United Kingdom which commences tomorrow, the 16th. It is clear that the color or tone of the matter during these past months, whether it be the planning process, the media and press, the responses or silence of the Catholic bishops there, and the reactions and plans made by a wide variety of interest groups, has been fraught with complications. As with any time the Holy Father travels to engage sincerely with various peoples and cultures, let us with special consideration and intent raise our prayers to God that this particular journey be blessed with prayer, understanding, and safety.

God of truth and love,
your Son, Jesus Christ, stands as the light
to all who seek you with a sincere heart.
As we strive with your grace
to be faithful in word and deed,
may we reflect the kindly light of Christ
and offer a witness of hope and peace to all.
We pray for Pope Benedict
and look forward with joy
to his forthcoming visit to our countries.
May he be a witness to the unity and hope
which is your will for all people.
We make our prayer through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Our Lady, Mother of the Church — pray for us.
St Andrew — pray for us.
St George — pray for us.
St David — pray for us.