Irish Bishops announce year of prayer for renewal

The Irish Bishops have asked the faithful of Ireland to observe a year of prayer for the process of renewal in the Church in that land. The Year is to commence on the First Sunday of Advent, November 28th. They have asked all the faithful to pray the prayer that Pope Benedict gave them in his unprecedented pastoral letter to the Church in Ireland:

PRAYER FOR THE CHURCH IN IRELAND

God of our fathers,
renew us in the faith which is our life and salvation,
the hope which promises forgiveness and interior renewal,
the charity which purifies and opens our hearts
to love you, and in you, each of our brothers and sisters.

Lord Jesus Christ,
may the Church in Ireland renew her age-old commitment
to the education of our young people in the way of truth and goodness,
holiness and generous service to society.

Holy Spirit, comforter, advocate and guide,
inspire a new springtime of holiness and apostolic zeal
for the Church in Ireland.

May our sorrow and our tears,
our sincere effort to redress past wrongs,
and our firm purpose of amendment
bear an abundant harvest of grace
for the deepening of the faith
in our families, parishes, schools and communities,
for the spiritual progress of Irish society,
and the growth of charity, justice, joy and peace
within the whole human family.

To you, Triune God,
confident in the loving protection of Mary,
Queen of Ireland, our Mother,
and of Saint Patrick, Saint Brigid and all the saints,
do we entrust ourselves, our children,
and the needs of the Church in Ireland.

Amen.

Some dioceses, seminaries and religious congregations in Ireland are to undergo an Apostolic Visitation. The bishops hope that the visitation "will assist in purifying and healing the Church in Ireland and will help to restore the trust and hope of the faithful in our country."

Let's pray for that. All is not lost. Ireland is a land of tremendous faith. It can once again be a beacon of holiness for the Universal Church.

Further information:
Zenit
Irish Bishops Conference

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