Lord Jesus,
we entrust to your heart
this new International Forum of Catholic Action encounter
may it be a fruitful ecclesial encounter
so that in a synodal spirit and in communion
we may grow into a lively and missionary Church.
So that from a deep and renewed experience
of our identity at the service of the Kingdom
as a Church at the service of humanity,
we may strive for “social friendship”
and create strong fraternity bonds
aware of the fact that we all belong to the one People of God.
We want this to be an opportunity
to grow in holiness
in the midst of the fragilities
caused by this pandemic.
Journeying in the merciful presence of the Father
may we see ourselves as a Samaritan Church
marked by an attitude of mercy
in the face of all human misery.
May the Holy Spirit renew our apostolic fervour
and inspire us with the right deed and word
in front of our lonely and helpless brother,
and help us to show our availability
to those who feel distressed and who have lost hope.
May we be able to discern the signs of the times
and discover: “how to be the Church
which the world needs today”.
May our parishes, our groups
and missionary efforts
be places and occasions of truth and love,
of freedom, justice and peace,
so that all may find in them
a reason to continue to hope. Amen.
