Prayer for the Blessing

of the Holy Spirit on the Papal Conclave

 

O Most Holy Spirit, Fire of Understanding and Wisdom,

breathe into the souls of the Cardinals an openness

to your Holy Will for our Church in this Conclave.

Drive far from them any spirit of dissonance or human respect.

Pour into their hearts a burning love for the Church--

that same fire that burned in the hearts of the disciples

as they listened to Jesus on the Road to Emmaus.

 

Most Holy Trinity,

give the electors purity of heart and clarity of knowledge

in the task set before them--

perhaps the most important task of their lives.

Mary, Mother of the Church, be with the Cardinals

and form in them eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts to discern.

We ask all this through Jesus Christ Our Lord,

whose Church now seeks a saintly leader.

 

Amen.

 

Mother David