INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
Newly elected Pope Leo swiftly endorsed his predecessor‘s legacy. That endowment includes Pope Francis’ dedication of the Monday after Pentecost Sunday to Mary, Mother of the Church.
On this Pentecost day of mission and in the face of increasingly divisive populism, it’s worth remembering Francis’s words in Fratelli tutti: ‘The Church is a home with open doors, because she is a mother. And in imitation of Mary, the Mother of Jesus, we want to be a Church that serves, that leaves home and goes forth from its places of worship, goes forth from its sacristies, in order to accompany life, to sustain hope, to be the sign of unity . . . to build bridges, to break down walls, to sow seeds of reconciliation’ (#276).
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
We pray for the church at large, that it be a loving home where all ‘the joys and hopes, griefs and anxieties’ of humankind are welcomed and shared.
SAMPLE INTERCESSIONS
These intercessions are offered for selected use at Sunday Mass in the parish alongside those that express local needs and concerns.
PRESIDER
Dear friends, stirred by the fire and love of the Holy Spirit, let us pray together for a new heaven and a new earth.
READER
We pray for the world-wide Christian family, that all who walk in the way of Christ will spread the joy and peace of the Holy Spirit across the face of the earth. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord
We pray for all who have been sealed by the Holy Spirit in the sacrament of confirmation, that the seven-fold gifts they have received will bear much fruit for the life of the world. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord
We pray for the many peoples who dwell on earth, that in all their rich diversity they will speak the one divine language of love to one another. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord
We pray for children everywhere, that this week’s World Day Against Child Labour will help protect them from exploitation and keep them safe and free. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord
We pray for all who dwell in this great land of the Holy Spirit, Australia, that they will gladly work together for the sake of peace, justice and the common good. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord
We pray for communities across the land overwhelmed by flood or drought, that they will stay strong and united in the face of adversity and be given the prompt and ongoing support they need. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord
We pray for the parents and teachers of young adults, that they will be blessed with wisdom, patience and love as they guide them through adolescence to adulthood. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord
We pray for prisoners being released from gaol, that they will receive the bridging support they need to make a fresh and positive start to their life in the community. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord
We pray for those who have died recently . . . . , and those whose anniversary of death occurs around this time, that the Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead will raise them to everlasting life. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
PRESIDER
Mighty God, Creator of heaven and earth, you have bestowed on us your life-giving Spirit. Free us from fear and kindle in us the fire of your love. We ask this through Christ who is Lord of glory for ever and ever.