Corpus Christi, June 19, 2022

Corpus Christi, June 19, 2022

With hearts full of gratitude for Jesus’ real presence with us in the most holy Eucharist, we ask the father that the grace that flows from this sacrament may strengthen us for lives of faith in a shattered world.

1. That our Holy Father, Pope Francis, may lead the Church to a fuller understanding that “the Eucharist, although it is the fullness of sacramental life, is not a prize for the perfect but a powerful medicine and nourishment for the weak^[1].” We pray to the Lord
2. That the Body and Blood of Jesus, sacrificed for the salvation of the world, may be received as real food and real drink that sustains us in our efforts to bring his peace to those who suffer from war, abandonment, poverty, illness, or despair.  We pray to the Lord.
3. That in observance of Monday’s World Refugee Day all nations and people will resolve to promote the principle that individuals fleeing persecution, conflict, or abuse have the right to seek and find protection, respect, and dignity in another country.  We pray to the Lord.
4. That this week’s World Meeting of Families in Rome will be guided by the Holy Spirit as it seeks to promote family love as a vocation and a path to holiness in a world desperate for the experience of fraternity that the family can give.^[2]  We pray to the Lord.
5. That the Eucharistic meal shared by communities of 5, 50, or 5,000 will draw people together in faith that cares for those who long for healing and to hear of the kingdom of God but who are forced to search for lodging and provisions as they flee the destruction that surrounds them.  We pray to the Lord.
6. That when we see suffering, we will not merely ask the Lord to dismiss it from our sight but may have the faith to act to relieve that suffering even if our abilities and resources seem inadequate.  We pray to the Lord.
7. That fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, and Godfathers may selflessly guide and care for the young lives entrusted to them with faith, wisdom, and joy.  We pray to the Lord.
8. That as we join with Fr. Christopher in prayer and thanksgiving on this anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood, we ask that God grant him many years of restored and full service.  We pray to the Lord.
9. That married couples will “truly [be] guardians of life as they beget children, raise them, and accompany their growth but also care for the elderly in their family, and devote themselves to the service of those [in need].^[3]” We pray to the Lord.
10. That during this season of hurricanes and violent weather the families, homes, fields, and livelihood of those in jeopardy will be kept safe from harm.  We pray to the Lord. 
11. That the use of lethal weapons in war, within families, and in places designated for education, recreation, or worship may cease so that respect for the sacredness of life may be evidenced in all human activity.  We pray to the Lord.
12. That our forefathers in faith, the fathers of our country, and all the deceased whose lives we celebrate on this Father’s Day may be with God the Father in heaven for all eternity.  We pray to the Lord.

O God our Father, in this suffering world, we turn to you with thanks that your Son is with us always in the holy bread and consecrated wine that we are privileged to share.  May we never take this sacrament or your continuing love for us for granted despite the times we are unworthy that Jesus should come under our roofs.  We make these prayers through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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^[1] Paragraph 47, Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium of the Holy Father Francis, Nov 24, 2013.

^[2] Official Prayer for the X World Meeting of Families may be found at

https://www.romefamily2022.com/en/preghiera/

^[3] From Pope Francis’ preface for “Cathechumenal Itineraries for Married Life,” June 15, 2022.