Our Lady of the Way

Pope Francis

Mother of the silence that preserves the mystery of God, deliver us from the idolatry of the present to which those who forget are condemned. Purify the eyes of pastors with the balm of memory that we might return to the freshness of the beginning as a praying and penitent Church. Mother of the beauty that blossoms from fidelity to daily work, remove us from the torpor     of laziness,     of pettiness,     and defeatism. Cloak pastors with that compassion that unifies and integrates, so that we might discover the joy of a humble and fraternal servant Church. Mother of the tenderness which enfolds in patience and mercy, help us burn away the sadness, impatience, and rigidity of those who have not known what it means to belong. Intercede with your Son that our hands, our feet and our hearts may be swift to serve, and that we may build the Church with the truth in charity. Mother, we, the People of God, ask you to accompany us on our pilgrimage towards the Kingdom. Amen.

Links

• "Pope Francis' Prayer to Mary," 24 May 2014 — feast of Our Lady of the Way; freely adapted to my taste.