In our journey through life we walk the path Jesus walked, so it is hard for us to escape suffering, no more than he could. We remember his suffering and death, knowing that it brought him glory and that it will do the same for us.

God’s healing power was seen in the ministry of Jesus, and continues in the sacraments, in advances in medicine and in the work of the caring professions. Today we pray for strength, trusting that God will continue to show compassion to the whole world.

Greetings the presider might use at the start of Mass are given here in the more popular European languages, together with a phoenetic version for ministers not fluent in the languages. The suggested script reads: ‘Dear friends who are holidaying with us, we are delighted to welcome you among us.’