Who has not heard of the attacks against our beloved Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, that have made this past Lent a true Pilgrimage in the Desert for him? The Lord has called him to the most difficult “job” in the world, that of showing His face, His love and His mercy to the whole world, and to shepherd His flock. Just as they attacked Jesus, the world is attacking the Pope, we should not be surprised. Our job, as the flock, is to pray for the Holy Father, because only with God’s help can he bear the great cross that he is carrying on his shoulders. Here is a novena that the Knights of Columbus are asking all Catholics to pray, beginning today, Divine Mercy Sunday. I encourage everyone to pray it faithfully, for the full nine days, until April 19, which is the 5th anniversary of his election to the pontificate.

PRAYER FOR POPE BENEDICT XVI

Opening Prayer: Lord, source of eternal life and truth, give to Your shepherd, Pope Benedict, a spirit of courage and right judgment, a spirit of knowledge and love. By governing with fidelity those entrusted to his care, may he, as successor to the Apostle Peter and Vicar of Christ, build Your Church into a sacrament of unity, love and peace for all the world. Amen

Intercession: Let us pray for Benedict, the Pope
Response: May the Lord preserve him, give him long life, make him blessed upon the earth, and not hand him over to the power of his enemies.

Intercession: May Your hand be upon Your holy servant.
Response: And upon your son, Pope Benedict, whom You have anointed.

Conclusion: Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…