Monday, June 10, 2013

Prayer for the Muslims, Part 3


A Prayer of St. Germanus of Constantinople


O most holy Theotokos, do thou hold the helm of the Church’s hierarchy, bringing them to quiet harbors, sheltered from the breakers of heresy and scandal. Clothe thy beloved priests with the festal garments of justice, joy, and a tried, inviolate, and earnest faith. In peace and progress, guide the scepter of the orthodox emperors who cling to thee above all purple and splendor of gold, above all jewels and precious stones, as to their diadem and royal robe and as to the most durable ornament of their kingdom. With divine might, overthrow the hostile, foreign peoples deceived by Mohamed, who cease not to blaspheme thee and the God born of thee, and stretch them prostrate at thy feet. In time of war give aid unto that army which ever relieth upon thine assistance. Endue those peoples subjected unto us with strength that they may persevere, according to God’s command, in the happy service of obedience unto us. With the triumphs of conquest, crown Constantinople, this city of thine own, whose tower and foundations thou art, with thy protection and strength. Amen.

(Migne PG 98: 307-310. This translation based upon the one given in Friethoff’s A Complete Mariology, p. 276)

Act of Consecration of the Human Race to the Sacred Heart of Jesus


Most sweet Jesus, Redeemer of the human race, look down upon us humbly prostrate before thy altar. We are thine and thine we wish to be; but to be more surely united with thee, behold each one of us freely consecrates himself today to thy most sacred Heart. Many indeed have never known thee; many too, despising thy precepts, have rejected thee. Have mercy on them all, most merciful Jesus, and draw them to thy Sacred Heart. Be thou King, O Lord, not only of the faithful who have never forsaken thee, but also of the prodigal children who have abandoned thee; grant that they may quickly return to their Father’s house, lest they die of wretchedness and hunger. Be thou King of those who are deceived by erroneous opinions, or whom discord keeps aloof, and call them back to the harbor of truth and unity of faith, so that soon there may be but one flock and one shepherd. Be thou King of all those who are still involved in the darkness of idolatry or of Islamism, and refuse not to call them all into the light and kingdom of God. Turn thine eyes of mercy toward the children of that race, once thy chosen people. Of old they called down upon themselves the Blood of the Savior; may it now descend upon them a laver of redemption and of life. Grant, O Lord, to thy Church assurance of freedom and immunity from harm; give peace and order to all nations, and make the earth resound from pole to pole with on cry: Praise to the Divine Heart that wrought our salvation; to It be glory and honor forever. Amen.

(Indulgence of 300 days, each time. Pope Pius XI, July 11, 1926)

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