The Deacon's Bench
This is an initiative launched by the Knights of Columbus. A press release sent out tonight reads:
The Knights of Columbus – the world’s largest Catholic fraternal group – is asking its members and all Catholics to pray daily for the pope and the church in anticipation of Pope Benedict XVI’s retirement and the election of a new pope.
The Knights’ campaign comes at a time when Pope Benedict XVI has publicly asked for prayers for himself, his successor and the church. During the papal audience on Wednesday of this week, the Holy Father said: “Continue to pray for me, for the church, and for the future pope.” He also thanked all those who have kept him in their prayers.
The Knights are asking people to record their pledge to pray at
The names of those who have made the pledge online will be brought to the Installation Mass for the new pope. In addition, physical prayer cards are available from the Knights of Columbus for use by parishes, schools or local Knights of Columbus councils. Cards can be ordered by calling (203) 752-4483 or by emailing [email protected]
The Knights are also encouraging people to send their prayerful support to Pope Benedict XVI directly by tweeting “I am praying for you” and the hashtag #prayerforthechurch to the pope’s twitter account @pontifex
The prayer, written by Knights of Columbus Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore, reads:
“O Lord Jesus Christ , Supreme Pastor of Your Church,
we thank you for the ministry of Pope Benedict XVI
and the selfless care with which he has led us
as Successor of Peter, and Your Vicar on earth.Good Shepherd, who founded Your Church
on the rock of Peter’s faith
and have never left Your flock untended,
look with love upon us now,
and sustain Your Church in faith, hope, and charity.Grant, Lord Jesus, in Your boundless love for us,
a new Pope for Your Church
who will please You by his holiness
and lead us faithfully to You,
who are the same yesterday, today, and forever.Amen.”
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