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Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People
THE ROSARYOF MIGRANTS AND ITINERANT PEOPLE
VATICAN CITY
“It is an echo of the prayer of Mary, her perennial Magnificat for the work of the redemptive Incarnation which began in her virginal womb. With the Rosary, the Christian people sits at the school of Mary and is led to contemplate the beauty on the face of Christ and to experience the depths of his love. Through the Rosary the faithful receive abundant grace, as though from the very hands of the Mother of the Redeemer” (John Paul II, Apostolic Letter Rosarium Virginis Mariae [October 16, 2002], L’Osservatore Romano, weekly edition in English, October 23, 2002, special insert p. 1, No.1). Presentation Anyone who reads the letters of Etty Hillesum (Une vie bouleversée, suivi de Lettres de Westerbork, Ed. du Seuil, Saint-Amand-Montrond 1995, p. 263) will find the description, in a concentration and Jewish clearing camp, of “a group of religious moving in the shadows between two dark barracks saying the rosary, as unperturbed as if they were reciting it in procession in the cloister of their abbey”. This image is a good introduction to the presentation of this text, the Rosary of human mobility, which surely calls to mind the often sorrowful, if not tragic situations of refugees, migrants, nomads, and many other categories of itinerant peoples. Our Pontifical Council’s new proposal to recite the Rosary is meant to be a response to Pope John Paul II’s appeal for the Year of the Rosary that preceded and crowned his twenty-fifth year as the Bishop of Rome. In our proposal for recitation, we were inspired by the one of Blessed John XXIII, which is marked by indicating special personal intentions at each decade of Hail Mary’s (at each Mystery). Here, however, the intentions include the various sectors of pastoral concern that His Holiness has entrusted to our Pontifical Council. To enrich the contemplation of the Mysteries, illustrated by appropriate biblical quotations, we have included a brief Magisterial text to inspire a few moments of meditation. We entrust to the Church, and especially the praying faithful, this ancient and ever new exercise of Marian devotion. It can receive brilliant or earthy colors from the intentions of prayer rising in the Church for people in the varied and ever more significant world of human mobility.
Stephen Fumio Cardinal Hamao, President + Archbishop Agostino Marchetto, Secretary Brief Guide to Reciting the Rosary
Begin with the Sign of the Cross: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. O God, come to my assistance. Lord, make haste to help me. Glory to the Father … Announce the Mystery After each Mystery (including the reading of the Biblical text, the Magisterial text and the intention), recite: one Our Father ten Hail Mary’s one Glory be to the Father optional: O My Jesus At the end of the five Mysteries, recite: Hail Holy Queen and the Litanies of Loreto The Joyful Mysteries (Monday and Saturday) General Theme: Joy
In the First Joyful Mystery we contemplate THE ANNUNCIATION OF THE ARCHANGEL TO MARY
Biblical Text “The angel said to her, ‘…You are to conceive and bear a son, and you must name him Jesus’” (Luke 1:30-31). Magisterial Text “The many forms of pastoral activity carried out by groups of Gypsies who have an apostolic commitment by the Schools of Faith and the Schools of the Word, by the national and diocesan services, by the chaplaincies for Gypsies and, finally, by the Pontifical Council for he Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People, show how deeply the Church loves the Gypsy people” (John Paul II, Address to the Fourth International Congress of the Pastoral Care of Traveling People [June 8, 1995], Insegnamenti, XVIII, 1, pp. 1690-1691). Intention In this decade let us pray for the Gypsies so that with Mary's example, docile to the action of the Holy Spirit, and with the help of committed Christians in their environment, they will better understand their vocation and mission in the Church and in society. In the Second Joyful Mystery we contemplate MARY’S VISIT TO ST. ELIZABETH Biblical Text “Mary set out at that time and went as quickly as she could to a town in the hill country of Judah. She went into Zechariah’s house and greeted Elizabeth” (Luke 1:39-40). Magisterial Text “I would like to convey my esteem and regard for all those who set up their ‘craft’ in towns and villages, offering a moment of festivity and friendship to their visitors. The greatness of these professions consists in coaxing a smile from a child, brightening for an instant the blank stare of a lonely person, and through shows and entertainment, bringing people closer to one another” (John Paul II, Discourse to the Fourth International Meeting of the Pastoral Care for Circus and Fair People [December 16, 1993], Insegnamenti, XVI, 2, p. 1486). Intention In this decade let us pray in a special way for the young people in the world of circuses and amusement parks, so that they may draw the treasures of joy and happiness from the rich artistic and cultural patrimony of their ancestors and transmit them in order to reveal to everyone the beauty and goodness of God who shines in Christ’s face. In the Third Joyful Mystery we contemplate THE BIRTH OF JESUS IN BETHLEHEM Biblical Text “While they were there the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to a son, her first-born. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them at the inn” (Luke 2:6-7). Magisterial Text “I would like to add here another consideration that should make us attentive and solicitous towards the needs and role of foreign students … in order to find a solution. This should be sought in a policy that acts on the causes of migration within the countries of origin. At the source of the problem is actually the misery of those people. Students who have completed their studies abroad, thanks to their professional preparation, can offer the necessary drive to lead their country out of the shallows of underdevelopment. To invest in their formation should therefore be one of the preferred forms of co‑operation” (John Paul II, Message to the First Congress of Foreign Students [September 16, 1996], Nos. 3 and 4, Insegnamenti, XIX, 2, pp. 365-366). Intention In this decade let us pray for all the students who continue their studies in a foreign country so that they may experience the fraternal acceptance that will help them achieve human and Christian integration there, likewise for the benefit of ir countries of origin. In the Fourth Joyful Mystery we contemplate THE PRESENTATION OF JESUS IN THE TEMPLE Biblical Text “And when the day came … they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, observing what stands written in the Law of the Lord … Now in Jerusalem there was a man named Simeon. He was an upright and devout man … Prompted by the Spirit he came to the Temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus … he took him into his arms and blessed God” (Luke 2: 22, 25, 27). Magisterial Text “It is the task of Christians to work to ensure that in this new era ideological prejudices and selfish interests will give way to genuine solidarity among people and nations. I encourage the Apostleship of the Sea to renew its efforts to serve the spiritual needs of the men and women of the maritime environment, so often isolated from home and family, and so in need of signs and witnesses of God’s presence in their lives” (John Paul II, Message to the 21st World Congress of the Apostleship of the Sea [September 29, 2002], in People on the Move, Suppl. 90, p. 35). Intention In this decade let us pray for the people of the sea of different nationalities, languages, cultures and religions so that they may live aboard ships and in ports as brothers and sisters, as children of the one God, and celebrate the wealth of gifts from the Most High to every person. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, may their daily meetings lead to the joyful discovery of Christ’s presence in their midst, the Redeemer and Light of the world. In the Fifth Joyful Mystery we contemplate JESUS IS LOST AND FOUND AGAIN IN THE TEMPLE Biblical Text “Three days later, they [his parents] found him in the Temple, sitting among the doctors, listening to them, and asking them questions … ‘My child, why have you done this to us? See how worried your father and I have been, looking for you.’ ‘Why were you looking for me?’ he replied. ‘Did you not know that I must be busy with my Father’s affairs?’ ” (Luke 2:46, 48-49). Magisterial Text “Jesus Christ enters the scene of history as ‘the Way, the Truth and the Life’, and from the very beginning he includes himself in the journey of humankind and of his people, uniting himself in a certain way with each person … While still an infant, Jesus is a pilgrim at the temple of Zion to be presented to the Lord; as a boy, with Mary and Joseph, he goes to his Father’s house. His public ministry, which he carried out along the roads of his country, slowly takes the form of a pilgrimage towards Jerusalem, which is portrayed, especially by Luke, as a long journey, whose destination is not only the cross but also the glory of Easter and the Ascension” (Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People, The Pilgrimage in the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000 [April 25, 1998], No. 9). Intention In this decade, let us pray so that the religious practice of the pilgrimage, lived as an experience of faith in prayer and encounter with God in the sacraments, will arouse in the hearts of the faithful acts of fraternal charity and the willingness to make a renewed commitment to the Lord and their brethren in daily life. The Mysteries of Light (Thursday) General Theme: The Revelation of Jesus
In the First Mystery of Light we contemplate THE BAPTISM OF JESUS IN THE JORDAN RIVER Biblical Text “It was at this time that Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John. No sooner had he come up out of the water that he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit, like a dove, descending on him. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; my favor rests on you’” (Mark 1:9-11). Magisterial Text “You meet together to pray [workers in the pastoral care of gypsies], to get to know better Jesus Christ, his words and his work, and to participate in them. For these words of Christ are living: they form our life” (John Paul II, Discourse to the Second International Congress for the Pastoral Care of Nomads [September 16, 1980], On the Move, No. 31, p. 31). Intention In this decade let us pray for all those who strive for the social and spiritual promotion of Gypsies so that, sustained by God’s grace, they will guide these brothers and sisters to full awareness of their dignity as children of God and help them to become messengers of the Good News of the Kingdom of God. In the Second Mystery of Light we contemplate JESUS REVEALS HIS NATURE AT THE WEDDING IN CANA Biblical Text “This was the first of the signs given by Jesus: it was given at Cana in Galilee. He let his glory be seen, and his disciples believed in him” (John 2:11). Magisterial Text “In your [circus people] long journey along the roads of so many regions and so many countries, go on bringing to old and young your characteristic message of solidarity, goodness, happiness and honesty, reminding all of us that – as the Sacred Scripture invites us to – we should always serve the Lord with joy (cf. Ps. 99 [100] 2), even at the cost of personal sacrifice” (John Paul II, General Audience [February 4, 1981], Insegnamenti, IV, 1, p. 230). Intention In this decade let us pray for those who have the gift of communicating joy through art, especially circus people, religious artists of the pavement and entertainment park workers, so that they may use the wealth of their talents wisely to build a culture of solidarity and peace in societies threatened by selfishness and hatred. In the Third Mystery of Light we contemplate JESUS PROCLAIMS THE KINGDOM OF GOD AND CALLS TO CONVERSION Biblical Text “After John had been arrested, Jesus went into Galilee. There he proclaimed the Good News from God. ‘The time has come’ he said ‘and the kingdom of God is close at hand. Repent, and believe the Good News’ ” (Mark 1:14-15). Magisterial Text “The World Refugee Day … emphasizes the solidarity we owe to millions of people who are living the difficult plight of refugees. This scourge has unfortunately increased in recent years: consequently the need for international protection has increased, but so have the number of countries that tend to restrict it. As I hope that the causes of forced migration everywhere will be removed, I invite people to renew their efforts to see that refugees never lack the just understanding and help they need” (John Paul II, Angelus [June 17, 2001], Insegnamenti, XXIV, 1, p. 1223; L’Osservatore Romano, weekly edition in English, June 20, 2001, p. 2). Intention In this decade let us pray for the many persons who arrive in our countries in search of refuge fleeing from war, violence, danger to their lives, the privation of rights and fundamental goods, above all freedom, so that they will find acceptance in our institutions and communities, friendship, understanding, fraternal sharing and, above all, hope. In the Fourth Mystery of Light we contemplate THE TRANSFIGURATION OF JESUS Biblical Text “Now about eight days after … [Jesus] took with him Peter and John and James and went up the mountain to pray. As he prayed, the aspect of his face was changed and his clothing became brilliant as lightning. Suddenly there were two men there talking to him; they were Moses and Elijah appearing in glory, and they were speaking of his passing which he was to accomplish in Jerusalem” (Luke 9:28-31). Magisterial Text “Let us raise our voice firmly once again to invite and exhort all men of good will to contribute towards making the civil and Christian custom, inspired by Gospel values of fraternity, kindness, mutual respect and aid, enter more deeply and finally become visible in the sector [of traffic safety too], which, like every other sector of human life, is subject to the precise rules of the Law of God and of moral conscience” (Paul VI, Discourse to the General Assembly of the Automobile Club of Italy [November 30, 1972], Insegnamenti, X, pp. 1221 and 1222). Intention In this decade let us pray for all those who use the road, drivers and pedestrians, so that they will sanctify themselves daily in driving and behaving responsibly and see in others a brother and sister and traveling companion. In the Fifth Mystery of Light we contemplate JESUS WHO INSTITUTES THE EUCHARIST Biblical Test “On the same night that he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread, and thanked God for it and broke it, and he said, ‘This is my body, which is for you; do this as a memorial of me’. In the same way he took the cup after supper, and said, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Whenever you drink it, do this as a memorial of me’” (1 Cor 11:23-25). Magisterial Text “In the Eucharistic celebration, the fulcrum of every ecclesial community, the welcome offered to visitors has its deepest expression. In this celebration the community lives its union with the Risen Christ, builds its unity with its brethren, and offers the most explicit witness that communion goes well beyond the ties of blood and culture. The universality of the Church assembled by the Savior echoes most strongly in this meeting of brethren coming from such different places, who are united in one prayer proclaimed in different languages” (Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People, Guidelines for the Pastoral Care of Tourism [June 29, 2001], No. 19). Intention In this decade let us pray so that the Christian communities and the tourists whom they receive will be capable of welcoming one another so that they can celebrate together the one sacrifice of the Lord, just as “the scattered grains of wheat that have become one sole bread”. The Sorrowful Mysteries (Tuesday and Friday) General Theme: Redeeming Suffering
In the First Sorrowful Mystery we contemplate JESUS’ PRAYER IN THE GARDEN Biblical Text “He then left to make his way as usual to the Mount of Olives, with the disciples following. When they reached the place he said to them, ‘Pray not to be put to the test’. Then he withdrew from them … and knelt down and prayed. ‘Father’, he said, ‘if you are willing, take this cup away from me. Nevertheless, let your will be done, not mine’ ” (Luke 22:39-42). Magisterial Text “By her nature, the Church is in solidarity with the world of migrants who, with their variety of languages, races, cultures and customs, remind her of her own condition as a people on pilgrimage from every part of the earth to their final homeland. This vision helps Christians to reject all nationalistic thinking and to avoid narrow ideological categories. It reminds them that the Gospel should be incarnated in life in order to become its leaven and soul, also through a constant effort to free it from the cultural incrustations that inhibit its inner dynamism” (John Paul II, Message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, n. 2 [February 2, 1999], Insegnamenti, XXII, 1, p. 305; L’Osservatore Romano, weekly edition in English, February 24, 1999, p. 8). Intention In this decade, let us pray so that the Church may fulfill Jesus’ exhortation to watch, pray and recognize the Migrant in Him agonizing in the Gethsemane of history and, in communion with organizations in civil society, find the most suitable answers to improve the quality of migrants’ and refugees’ human and Christian life. In the Second Sorrowful Mystery we contemplate THE SCOURGING OF JESUS AT THE PILLAR Biblical Text “Pilate then had Jesus taken away and scourged; and after this, the soldiers twisted some thorns into a crown and put it on his head, and dressed him in a purple robe. They kept coming up to him and saying, ‘Hail, king of the Jews!’; and they slapped him in the face” (John 19:1-3). Magisterial Text “In the light of this universal horizon of communion, every situation in which human persons or groups are obliged to flee their own land to seek refuge elsewhere stands out as a serious offense to God and man” (John Paul II, Angelus [June 15, 2003], L’Osservatore Romano, weekly edition in English, June 18, 2003, p. 1). Intention Let us pray in this decade so that the Lord may enlighten and help us to understand that the grave sufferings of refugees and the homeless represent a failure for the human community, which is also made possible through our indifference and insensitivity to the responsibility of making a common commitment of searching for ways to stop this unacceptable drama. In the Third Sorrowful Mystery we contemplate JESUS CROWNED WITH THORNS Biblical Text “The governor’s soldiers took Jesus with them into the Praetorium and collected the whole cohort around him. Then they stripped him and made him wear a scarlet cloak, and having twisted some thorns into a crown they put this on his head” (Matthew 27:27-29). Magisterial Text “At a time when for various reasons many people are crossing frontiers in the search for asylum and a new life, airport chaplains can provide much needed support and understanding to those uprooted from their homes and all that is familiar to them” (John Paul II, Message to the Third European Meeting of Civil Aviation Chaplains [May 14, 2001], Proceedings, p. 7). Intention In this decade let us pray for the airport chaplains and pastoral workers so that their vigilant and charitable presence may express in the airport context the Church’s maternal concern for those who are passing through or working there, especially those in need of aid and support. In the Fourth Sorrowful Mystery we contemplate JESUS CARRING HIS CROSS TO CALVARY Biblical Text “So in the end Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified. They then took charge of Jesus, and carrying his own cross he went out of the city to the Place of the Skull or, as it was called in Hebrew, Golgotha” (John 19:16-17). Magisterial Text “Is it not true that never before our times has such perfection been achieved in efficient and rapid means of travel over the roads of the land, the sea and the heavens? But it is also just as frequent and sorrowful to note that the drama of traveling ends in the tragedy of death and tears. Before us in fact are the striking statistics regarding the dead and injured in road accidents that almost match in numbers the disasters of past wars” (John XXIII, Respect for Human Life, the Foundation of Effective Road Discipline [August 9, 1961], Discorsi, III, p. 382). Intention In this decade let us pray for all those who directly or indirectly have been victims of a road accident so that the suffering endured will have a redeeming sense and be transformed into a commitment and responsibility on the road to avoid further suffering. In the Fifth Sorrowful Mystery we contemplate THE CRUCIFIXION AND DEATH OF JESUS Biblical Text “When the sixth hour came there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. And at the ninth hour … Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last … The centurion, who was standing in front of him, had seen how he had died, and he said, ‘In truth this man was a son of God’” (Mark 15:33-34, 37, 39). Magisterial Text “But Jesus’ road does not end on the hill called Golgotha. The earthly pilgrimage of Christ crosses the boundary of death, into the infinite and in the mystery of God, beyond death. On the Mount of the Ascension, the final step of his pilgrimage takes place. As he promises to come back, the risen Lord rises to Heaven and goes to his Father’s house to prepare a place for us, so that where he is, we may be with him, too. In fact, this is how He summarizes his mission: ‘I came from the Father and have come into the world and now I leave the world to go to the Father ... Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, so that they may always see the glory you have given me’” (Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People, The Pilgrimage in the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000 [April 25, 1998], No. 10). Intention In this decade let us pray so that the pious practice of the pilgrimage may prepare the spirit for sincere repentance for one’s sins, awaken sentiments of understanding for the weaknesses of others, inspire concrete acts of fraternal solidarity, and reinforce the commitment in faith. The Glorious Mysteries (Wednesday and Sunday) General Theme: Glory
In the First Glorious Mystery we contemplate THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS Biblical Text “But the two men [the angels] said to them, ‘Why look among the dead for someone who is alive? He is not here; he has risen. Remember what he told you when he was still in Galilee: that the Son of Man had to be handed over into the power of sinful men and be crucified, and rise again on the third day’ ” (Luke 24:5-7). Magisterial Text “Technico-economic development, mutual relations between citizens and nations, ever-increasing interdependence, the search for new economic horizons, the desire for greater union in the human family and the growth of the mass media have opened up wider horizons and introduced new forms of progress … Modern human mobility which promotes reciprocal knowledge and international collaboration is working towards unity and the consolidation of fraternal relations between peoples, ensuring a two-way traffic in development” (John Paul II, Message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees [September 10, 1989], Insegnamenti, XII, 2, pp. 492-493; L’Osservatore Romano, weekly edition in English, October 30, 1989. p. 8). Intention In this decade let us pray so that the Church, born from the side of Christ died and risen, will promote a widespread movement of solidarity towards all migrants and make living communities grow, in which the risen Christ is manifested in their love for their brothers and sisters of every ethnic group, culture and religion. In the Second Glorious Mystery we contemplate THE ASCENSION OF JESUS INTO HEAVEN Biblical Text “And so the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven: there at the right hand of God he took his place, while they, going out, preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word by the signs that accompanied it” (Mark 16:19-20). Magisterial Text “ ‘The Resurrection has, and confers the freedom that animates free time as its most intimate principle’, and this, in turn, ‘should make it possible for man … to achieve authentic humanism’ … that of the ‘paschal man’. For Christians, therefore, tourism fully enters into the paschal dynamism of renewal; it is a celebration of the gift received; it is a voyage of encounter toward other persons with whom to celebrate the joy of salvation; it is a time to be shared in action with solidarity that brings us closer to the restoration of all things in Christ” (Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People, Guidelines for the Pastoral Care of Tourism [June 29, 2001], No. 16). Intention In this decade let us pray that tourist activity will be an increasingly effective instrument for promoting the personal and social growth of individuals and entire peoples for the consolidation of participation and cooperation among nations, cultures and religions. In the Third Glorious Mystery we contemplate THE DESCENT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT UPON MARY AND THE APOSTLES Biblical Text “When Pentecost day came around, they had all met in one room, when suddenly they heard what sounded like a powerful wind from heaven, the noise of which filled the entire house in which they were sitting; and something appeared to them that seemed like tongues of fire; these separated and came to rest on the head of each of them. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak foreign languages as the Spirit gave them the gift of speech” (Acts 2:1-4). Magisterial Text “It is important that these same [foreign] students should be aware of their responsibility towards their homeland. One of the keys to its development is in their hands: they must not shrink from this responsibility! They must not deprive their homeland of the skills that they have acquired as physicians, engineers, agronomists or experts in one field or another of social life. As Christians they must feel obliged to make a Gospel option of service to the poor, thus becoming living stones of the community that begot them in the faith. They will therefore diligently attend to their cultural improvement and spiritual formation, in order to be peacemakers and messengers of a more united, reconciled and free world” (John Paul II, Message to the First Congress of Foreign Students [September 16, 1996], No. 4, Insegnamenti, XIX, 2, p. 366). Intention In this decade let us pray for the students who are studying far from their native countries so that they will prepare themselves both as Christians and scholars for their future in order to make an effective contribution to the development of their countries of origin as well. In the Fourth Glorious Mystery we contemplate THE ASSUMPTION OF MARY MOST HOLY INTO HEAVEN Biblical Text “Christ has in fact been raised from the dead … Just as all men die in Adam, so all men will be brought to life in Christ; but all of them in their proper order … and the last of the enemies to be destroyed is death … Never give in then, my dear brothers, never admit defeat; keep on working at the Lord’s work always, knowing that, in the Lord, you cannot be laboring in vain” (1 Cor 15: 20, 22, 26, 58). Magisterial Text “St. Augustine writes: ‘I contemplate the vast expanse of sea around me, I am filled with wonder and admiration; I seek its maker’ (Homily on Psalm 41,7). These words effectively sum up the Christian’s attitude toward creation, God’s great gift to humanity, and especially, toward the majesty and beauty of the ocean … It is important not to leave those who belong to the great family of the sea without spiritual support. They should be given an opportunity to meet God and to discover the true sense of life in him. It is the mission of believers to witness that men and women everywhere are called to live a ‘new humanity’, reconciled with God” (John Paul II, Discourse to the Participants in the Plenary of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People [April 29, 2002], L’Osservatore Romano, weekly edition in English, May 8, 2002, p. 11). Intention Let us pray during this mystery, for all seafarers and their families, for ship owners and agents and for all those who work in this sector so that in their work they may not be directed by purely personal and material considerations. We also pray so that they are not overwhelmed by feelings of insecurity, anxiety and loneliness but they find consolation in the loving heart of Mary, assumed into Heaven. In the Fifth Glorious Mystery we contemplate THE CORONATION OF MARY MOST HOLY AND THE GLORY OF THE ANGELS AND THE SAINTS Biblical Text “Now a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman, adorned with the sun, standing on the moon, and with the twelve stars on her head for a crown” (Rev 12:1). Magisterial Text “Mary is the humble servant of the Lord who, as the Second Vatican Council II so opportunely reminds us, now shines upon earth ‘before the people of God on a pilgrimage as a sign of sure hope and consolation until the coming of the day of the Lord’ (Lumen Gentium, No. 68) … We venerate Mary under the title of Our Lady of Loreto, patroness an protectress of people traveling by air. We invoke her so that she may watch over the sometimes risky and tiring activities of your work and of all those who in various ways contribute to the proper functioning of airport services … May the Virgin Mary protect you … Let us turn our thoughts to her again. Mary is the way of Christ, the way to Christ; she is our life’s hope and support” (John Paul II, Homily during the Eucharistic Celebration in the “Leonardo da Vinci” Airport [December 10, 1991], Insegnamenti, XIV, 2, pp. 1354-1356). Intention In this decade let us pray for all those involved in airports, “the crossroad of humanity on the move”, so that with the help of the chaplains present in them, they may understand the importance of carrying out their service with care, in a spirit of openness and understanding of diversity, thereby making the meaning of the Church’s universality tangible and immediate. Hail Holy Queen Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To you we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To you we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, O most gracious advocate, your eyes of mercy toward us, and after this our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus. O clement! O loving! O sweet Virgin Mary! The Litany of Loreto Lord, have mercy Lord, have mercy God the Holy Ghost
“ Mother of Christ “ Mother of the Church
“ [Star of the sea]
“ Queen of peace “ Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord.
Let us pray Grant, we beseech You, O Lord God, unto us Your servants, that we may rejoice in continual health of mind and body; and, through the glorious intercession of Blessed Mary ever Virgin, may be delivered from present sorrow and enjoy eternal gladness. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen. Our Father Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen. Hail Mary Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen. Glory be to the Father Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be world without end. Amen. O My Jesus (optional prayer) O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to Heaven, especially those who have most need of your mercy.
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