Prayer Service

Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome, November 9, 2025

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Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome, November 9, 2025

On this Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica, founded more than 1700 years ago, we follow in the footsteps of the generations who have come before us as we offer our prayers to the Father.     

  1. That the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops assembling in Baltimore this week will be open and responsive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit in their discussions and in electing new leadership that will advance the mission “to encounter the mercy of Christ and to accompany his people with joy.”[1] We pray to the Lord.
  2. That despite the scandal of the deaths of innocents in Sudan and elsewhere, we may continue to hope “because even the most tragic death cannot prevent our Lord from welcoming our soul into his arms.”[2] We pray to the Lord. 
  3. That churches will not take on the appearances of marketplaces, merely promoting continual collections, but will be places of hospitality where Jesus is met and the spiritual and moral needs of people are ministered to.  We pray to the Lord.
  4. That people threatened by famine will be provided abundant fish, fresh water, fruit trees of every kind, and secure and peaceful lives.  We pray to the Lord.
  5. That we will strive through our words, thoughts, actions, and prayers to be holy temples of God built on the foundation of Jesus Christ.  We pray to the Lord.
  6. That military veterans who have sacrificed years of their lives, health, and many comforts to serve the people of our nation will receive respect, needed medical benefits, and employment that enable them to fully participate in the society they have protected.  We pray to the Lord. 
  7. That those in the military who express their willingness to die for us by their service will receive the spiritual guidance they need to make decisions that foster peace and the well-being of the people of all nations.[3]  We pray to the Lord. 
  8. That Catholic immigrants held in detention facilities will be allowed the freedom to practice their faith and be given access to Mass and the sacraments.[4]  We pray to the Lord.
  9. That the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict observed this past week will bring recognition of the fact that “there can be no durable peace if the natural resources that sustain livelihoods and ecosystems are destroyed” and determination to protect our planet from the debilitating effects of war.[5]  We pray to the Lord. 
  10. That those who are mentally ill will have access to services that will sustain them and enable them to live with hope and joy.  We pray to the Lord.
  11. That those who have died on the battle fields of this world defending the ideals of life, liberty and freedom to pursue happiness will not have died in vain and will be rewarded for their selflessness in the peace of heaven.  We pray to the Lord.

God, our Father, with thanksgiving for those who sacrificed so that we might have places to come together in worship, we offer these prayers through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

[1] Quote from mission statement of USCCB on its website.

[2] Quote from Pope Leo at Requiem Mass for prelates who have died this past year.  November 2, 2025.

[3] Motivated by U.S. Army’s decision to cancel all support contracts for military chapel services.

[4] Detainees, at least in an ICE facility in Chicago, have been denied access to the Eucharist.

[5] From the UN statement on the observance of this day, November 6, 2025.

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