Novena for the Conclave

With the impending Conclave to elect a new Pope, and as we begin the novemdiales, it seems only right and proper to pray a novena for the Cardinals and the choice they will make. A very suitable prayer to use is that issued a while ago by Bishop Athanasius Schneider. Why not join me in offering this prayer for the next nine days?

Prayer for Imploring Holy Popes

Kyrie Eleison! Christe Eleison! Kyrie Eleison! 

Lord Jesus Christ, You are the Good Shepherd! With your almighty hand you guide Your pilgrim Church through the storms of each age. 

Adorn the Holy See with holy Popes who neither fear the powerful of this world nor compromise with the spirit of the age, but preserve, strengthen, and defend the Catholic Faith unto the shedding of their blood, and observe, protect, and hand on the venerable liturgy of the Roman Church.

O Lord, return to us through holy Popes who, inflamed with the zeal of the Apostles, proclaim to the whole world: “Salvation is found in no other than in Jesus Christ. For there is no other name under heaven given to men by which they should be saved” (Acts 4:10-12). 

Through an era of holy Popes, may the Holy See - which is home to all who promote the Catholic and Apostolic Faith - always shine as the cathedra of truth for the whole world. Hear us, O Lord, and through the intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mother of the Church, grant us holy Popes, grant us many holy Popes! Have mercy on us and hear us! Amen.

Compline with Bishop Schneider at the Oxford Oratory

Last night the Oxford Oratory welcomed Bishop Athanasius Schneider O.R.C., titular bishop of Celerina and auxiliary bishop of the Archbishopric of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Astana, Kazakhstan.

Bishop Schneider at the Oxford Oratory house

Image: Oxford Oratory website

The Bishop, who is well known as a writer and speaker concerned to recall the Church to the beauty and reverence of holiness in life and liturgy, is visiting various churches here during his visit. At the Oratory her presided at Sung Compline and Solemn Benediction, as well as preaching on the centrality of the Cross, its folly and its manifestation of Divine Love. the text of his sermon can be read at Visit of Bishop Schneider

This was a beautiful, austere Lenten celebration of the Office for the end of the day, an occasion to nourish the soul as the season progresses.

 

Image: Oxford Oratory website