The Chair Of St Peter and Prayers For The Holy Father

 
 This grandiose sculpture monument was created to enclose the wooden throne of St Peter.
The four gigantic statues of Doctors of the Church are: St. Ambrose, St. Anthanasius (left); and St. John Chrysostom, St. Augustine (right).

Today the Church commemorates the Feast of the Chair of Peter, the first Pope. It reminds of the role of teacher and pastor given to Peter and his successors by Christ Himself. It is also a day to offer some special prayers for our current Pope, Benedict XVI.
In some ways I believe that his pontificate is one of the most difficult in recent history. The Church, now more than ever, seems to be under brutal attack.
Perhaps today we can pray united as Christ's Mystical Body an Our Father, Hail Mary and a Glory Be, as well as the prayer for the Pope given below, for Pope Benedict XVI.
I have also provided some links on the history and significance of this feast.

Prayer For The Pope
O Lord, we are the millions of believers, humbly kneeling at Thy feet and begging Thee to preserve, defend and save the Sovereign Pontiff for many years. He is the Father of the great fellowship of souls and our Father as well. On this day, as on every other day, he is praying for us also, and is offering unto Thee with holy fervoUr the sacred Victim of love and peace.
Wherefore, O Lord, turn Thyself toward us with eyes of pity; for we are now, as it were, forgetful of ourselves, and are praying above all for him. Do Thou unite our prayers with his and receive them into the bosom of Thine infinite mercy, as a sweet savor of active and fruitful charity, whereby the children are united in the Church to their Father. All that he asks of Thee this day, we too ask it of Thee in union with him.
whether he weeps or rejoices, whether he hopes or offers himself as a victim of charity for his people, we desire to be united with him; nay more, we desire that the cry of our hearts should be made one with his. Of Thy great mercy grant, O Lord, that not one of us may be far from his mind and his heart in the hour that he prays and offers unto Thee the Sacrifice of Thy blessed Son. At the moment when our venerable High Priest, holding in His hands the very Body of Jesus Christ, shall say to the people over the Chalice of benediction these words: "The peace of the Lord be with you always," grant, O Lord, that Thy sweet peace may come down upon our hearts and upon all the nations with new and manifest power.
Amen.



Feast of the Chair of St Peter, Apostle
 St Peter's Basilica

Comments

Michael said…
What a nice reminder to pray for Pope Benedict.

I had the fortune of seeing that monument and I'll never forget what a moving experience it was. (Not to mention how gigantic it all is!)

God Bless.
Unknown said…
Thanks Michael. I had a feeling that the picture didn't do the monument justice.
Anne said…
Love, love, love the prayer!
Thanks Karinann! This is a wonderful prayer. I remember to pray for our Papa at every Eucharist. Hope you are well!
Gabriella said…
That is truly a beautiful monument - the whole of St. Peter's is grandiose. It is awesome to see how 'little' man offered his very best, the maximum he could do, when praying, carving, building, or painting for his Creator.

Thank you for the prayer.