VATICAN CITY, SEPT. 12, 2001 (Zenit.org).- Here is the text of the Prayer of the Faithful offered by John Paul II today at the end of his general-audience address.
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Brothers and Sisters,
In great dismay, before the horror of destructive violence, but strong in the faith that has always guided our Fathers, we turn to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, salvation of his people, and with the confidence of children, pray that He will come to our aid in these days of mourning and innocent suffering.
The Cantor: «Dominum deprecemur: Te rogamus, audi nos.
1. For the Church of East and West, and in particular for the Church that resides in the United States of America so that, though prostrate by loss and mourning, yet inspired by the Mother of the Lord, strong woman next to the cross of her Son, may nourish in hearts desires for reconciliation and peace, and commitment to the construction of the civilization of love.
2. For all those who bear the name of Christians, so that, in the sadness of human affairs, full of incomprehension and hatred, they will continue to be witnesses to the presence of God in history and the victory of Christ over death.
3. For the leaders of nations, so that they will not allow themselves to be dominated by hatred and the spirit of retaliation, and do everything possible to avoid that arms of destruction sow new hatred and more death, and make every effort to illuminate the darkness of human affairs with works of peace.
4. For those who are weeping and in sorrow over the violent loss of relatives and friends, so that in this hour of suffering they will not allow themselves to be overwhelmed by sorrow, despair and vengeance, but continue to have faith in the victory of good over evil, of life over death, and be committed to the construction of a better world.
5. For the wounded and suffering from the absurd terrorist acts, so that they will soon return to stability and health and, given the gift of life, nourish in their hearts desires of construction, collaboration and service for every form of life, free from rancor and feelings of vengeance, and become agents of justice and builders of peace.
6. For the brothers and sisters who met death in the folly of violence, that they find, in the peace of the Lord, sure joy and life everlasting, and that their death not be in vain but leaven for new times of brotherhood and collaboration among peoples.
The Holy Father:
O Lord Jesus, remember our deceased and suffering brothers before your Father. Remember us also, as we begin to pray with your words: Pater noster …
The Holy Father:
O Almighty and merciful God, you cannot be understood by the one who sows discord, you cannot be accepted by the one who loves violence: look upon our painful human condition, tried by cruel acts of terror and death, comfort your children and open our hearts to hope, so that our time may again know days of serenity and peace. Through Christ our Lord.
R/ Amen
[Translation of Italian original by ZENIT]
