Visit of Pope Benedict XVI

Today, to our great joy, our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI arrivedin Great Britain. In the days preceding his visit we have all been busy preparing to welcome the Vicar of Christ to this island. By way of special preparation we have been praying the novena below and invite our readers to do the same for the course of the Holy Father's visit.

O glorious St Peter chosen by Jesus Christ to lead the Apostles and given by him the primacy over the whole Church, obtain for us the grace of a lively faith and a sincere loyalty to our holy mother, the Church.

Grant that we may ever remain closely united to the Vicar of Christ, the Roman Pontiff, who is the heir of your faith and of your authority. May Pope Benedict's visit to our countries be a time of grace and renewal. Grant that we may have the courage to follow his teaching and his advice.

O Holy Apostle St Peter, you are the Rock upon which Christ has built His church, obtain for us lively faith, firm hope and burning love. By means of your intercession and your glorious merits, may we be worthy to appear before the chief and eternal Shepherd of souls, Jesus Christ, Who with the Father and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns for ever. Amen.

V Pray for us, Saint Peter the Apostle, R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

LET US PRAY God of truth and love, your Son, Jesus Christ, stands as the light to all who seek you with a sincere heart. As we strive with your grace to be faithful in word and deed, may we reflect the kindly light of Christ and offer a witness of hope and peace to all.

We pray for Pope Benedict May he be a witness to the unity and hope which is your will for all people. We make our prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Our Lady, Mother of the Church - pray for us. St Peter - pray for us St Andrew - pray for us. St George - pray for us. St David - pray for us St Norbert - pray for us St John Paine - pray for us

Members of the community will be present at the Papal events and groups from our two parishes will attend in London and Birmingham.

May God continue to bless the visit of His Vicar.

VIVA IL PAPA!