Inauguration of Pope Francis and Prayers for his Ministry as Shepherd

1. We will begin by making the sign of the Cross Leader: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. All: Amen We pause to think of any special intention we want to pray for today. We light our Form Candle for all our prayers today.

2. Fifth week of Lent On Tuesday of this week our new Holy Father Pope Francis will celebrate his Mass of inauguration. The Pope and his Cardinals will firstly pray at the tomb of St Peter under the vast dome of the Vatican Basilica, as he is the 266th successor of St Peter as head of the church. At the ceremony he will also be presented with the pallium (from the Latin for cloak) which is a woollen piece of material placed around his shoulders with six red crosses. The wool is a gift of the Trappist monks in the hills around Rome who present it on St Agnes Day (Agnus is Latin for Lamb so it is a pun on Agnes!) to the sisters of the Convent of St Agnes in Rome to make it into the pallium.

3. This link with the sheep reminds the Pope that he is to follow the example of Jesus, the Good Shepherd in symbolically carrying us his flock on his shoulders. The pallium has been placed over night onto the relic of St Peter and so reminds the Pope that he is in union with St Peter as the Bishop of Rome. These palliums are also worn by Archbishops as they share in the authority and service of the Pope. Secondly the Fisherman’s ring is given to him to wear on his right hand. In the past this was his seal, but now is a gold ring with the image of St Peter casting out his nets. The Pope sees that his role is to lead people to Christ. Lastly he is greeted by 12 people a number of which are Cardinals who elected him.

4. Monday 18th March 2013 Reader: “The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want. Fresh and green are the pastures, where he gives me repose. Near restful waters he leads me to revive my drooping spirit.” (Psalm 23) Together let us pray: Father of love and source of all blessings, pour out your spirit on our Holy Father Pope Francis. As he prepares to begin his ministry as Shepherd, help him always to put his trust in you. May your spirit fill your church. Amen

5. Tuesday 19th March St JosephThe Inauguration of Pope Francis I Reader: The word of the Lord came to Nathan: “Go tell my servant David… I will be a father to him and he a son to me. Your House and your sovereignty will always stand secure before me and your throne established for ever.” (2 Samuel 7:4,16) Reader 2: Father, just as St Joseph cared for the Christ Child, so may Pope Francis care for his church, leading her as the Good Shepherd cares for his flock. May his ministry as successor of Peter be truly blessed, so that all who follow him may know Jesus Christ. We make this prayer in Jesus’ name. Amen

6. We pray together: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. St Joseph – Pray for us! St Francis – Pray for us! St Benedict – Pray for us!

7. Wednesday 20th March 2013 Reader: “To the Jews who believed in him he said; ‘If you make my word your home you will indeed be my disciples, you will learn the truth and the truth will make you free.’ ” (Gospel of John 8:31) Together we pray: Lord make us instruments of your peace, where there is hatred let us sow love. Where there is injury, pardon, where there is doubt, faith, where there is darkness light, where there is sadness, joy. O Divine Master hear our Prayer for our church. Amen. (adapted from the prayer of St Francis)

8. Thursday 21st March 2013 Reader: “Consider the Lord and his strength; constantly seek his face. Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, the judgements he spoke.” (Psalm 104:4) Together we pray: Lord, St Francis heard your command to rebuild my church, while he gazed on your cross. We pray that as we prepare to celebrate with love and joy, your passion this Holy Week, we may faithfully follow you above all things and seek your face. We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen

9. Friday 22nd March 2013 Reader: I love you Lord, my strength, my rock, my fortress, my saviour. My God is the rock where I take refuge, my shield, my mighty help, my stronghold. The Lord is worthy of all praise; when I call I am saved from my foes.” (Psalm 17) Together we pray: Lord, by your cross and resurrection, you set us free. You are saviour of the world. Amen

10. Prayer to be used when a new Pope is chosen… Father, shepherd and guide, look with love on Pope Francis I. Through the work of your Spirit you have called him to dedicate his life as your servant and the pastor of our church. Fill him with your power to speak your words and inspire him in his guidance. May he be your sign of unity, so that all who have been entrusted to his care may know Jesus Christ more fully and be led to eternal life in joy with you. Through Christ our Lord. Amen

11. St Francis hears Jesus call from the cross at San Damiano“Francis, Go and rebuild my church.”

12. School Prayer Prayer of Saint Benedict We pray Lord, that everything we do may be prompted by your inspiration, so that every prayer and work of ours may begin from you, and be brought by you to completion. Amen Saint Benedict – Pray for us