God of the living and the dead,
Lord of saints and sinners,
today we remember that cloud of witnesses that has gone before us.
You were their rock, fortress, and strength,
You were their joy and delight,
You were their pillar of light leading the way through each day.
Make our faith be strong like theirs,
and help us live out our Baptism.
Like Cecilia, Ephrem, Rose of Lima, and Sr Thea Bowman,
may we joyfully sing praise to you.
Like Oscar Romero, Blase, and John XXIII,
may we be a voice for the voiceless and proclaim justice, truth, and peace.
Like Elizabeth of Portugal, Wenceslaus, and Louis of France,
may we lead with integrity, honesty,
and hearts attuned to the needs of our people,
Like Dorothy Day, Francis of Assisi, Martin de Porres, and Teresa of Calcutta,
may we serve our sick, our hungry, and our poor.
Like Juan Diego, Isaac Jogues, and Thomas Merton,
may your gospel guide us as we face new and difficult situations.
Like Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, and Julian of Norwich,
may we be people of prayer.
Like Charles Lwanga, Lorenzo Ruiz, and Kateri Tekawitha,
may we dedicate our lives in your service
despite persecution and hatred.
With John Paul II, Josephine Bakhita, Maximilian Kolbe,
With Andrew Kim Taegon, Miguel Pro, Edith Stein,
and all the saints and souls who have gone before us,
may we offer you thanks and praise,
and grow in, share, and proclaim love for all the world.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
Who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
One God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Written by Dr. Mary Dumm. Copyright (C) 2022, Catholic Liturgical Ensemble Formation.
