Vatican City, Italy
Opening Prayer
Even to my old age, you are the same, and even when my hair is gray, you will carry me. You have made me, and you will bear me; you will sustain me, and you will deliver me. -Isaiah 46:4 (Silent reflection) Prayer of the Bible Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. Fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing. The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. -Psalm 34:8-10 (Free expression of praise and thanksgiving to God) Confession of Sin Surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. -Hebrews 12:1-2 (Time of silence for confession of sin) The Words of Jesus You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you. -Matthew 5:38-42 (Think deeply on these life-giving words of Jesus) Prayer for Ourselves and Others Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. -Romans 12:12 (Time to bring before God our own needs and the needs of others) Closing Prayer Patrick’s Breastplate: Christ, as a light- illumine and guide me. Christ, as a shield- overshadow me. Christ under me; Christ over me; Christ beside me, on my left and on my right. This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful. Be in the heart of each to whom I speak; in the mouth of each who speaks unto me, Lowly and meek, yet all-powerful. Christ as a light, Christ as a shield, Christ beside me, on my left and my right. -Patrick of Ireland (385-461) 
Athlone, Ireland
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