Presider’s Page for the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica (Sunday 9 November)
Opening Comment
Every year on 9 November, we celebrate the dedication of the pope’s cathedral in Rome, the Lateran Basilica, which is dedicated to our Most Holy Saviour. We praise our loving God who provides a home for us on earth as in heaven.
Alternative Opening Prayer (from 1998 ICEL Missal)
God all-holy, in every place on earth
you gather your people into your presence to proclaim the wonders of your love.
As we celebrate the dedication of the cathedral church of Rome,
deepen our unity with your faithful throughout the world
and build us up into a house of prayer for all nations.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.
Introduction to the Scripture Readings
Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12 The baptistry of the Lateran Basilica is dedicated to St John the Baptist: this reading conveys the cleansing and healing power of the waters of baptism.
1 Corinthians 3:9-11, 16-17 The Christian community is the church of God: this makes its gathering place sacred.
John 2:13-22 The most important temple for us is the body of the Lord, who was raised to life as our glory and our hope.
BIDDING PRAYERS
Introduction (by the Presider) As we gather on this special anniversary, let us pray for our needs and the needs of the Church:
- For the Christians of Rome and their bishop, Pope Leo, that the Church of Rome may continue to follow in the footsteps of Peter, its first bishop (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
- For our diocese (of ___________ ) and our bishop ( ___________), that the Christians of this place may be united with the Christians of Rome (pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
- For all the people of our parish, that our faith may show itself in deeds of kindness (pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
- For people on the margins of life, that the welcome they receive in their church may remind them of God’s care (pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
- For all who take care of our church, that their work may give glory to God (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
- For Catherine Connolly, as she begins her term as our President this week, that God may be with her (pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
The presider prays for all the dead (especially N and N), that having passed through the waters of baptism, they may share Christ’s victory over death (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
Conclusion (by the Presider) God of heaven and earth, you reward those with clean hands and pure hearts: in our unworthiness we bring our prayers to you, through Christ our Lord.
Prayer Over the Gifts: Accept, Lord, the sacrifice we offer, and grant that all who seek your aid may be strengthened by the power of the sacraments and receive an answer to their prayers. We make our prayer in the name of Jesus, the Lord.
PREFACE: It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation, always and everywhere to give you thanks, holy Father, almighty and eternal God.
You are pleased to dwell in every house of prayer, that, by the constant working of your grace, you may build us up as the temple of the Holy Spirit, resplendent with life and holiness.
Every house of prayer is a sign also of the Church on earth. Day by day you make it holy, preparing it for heavenly glory as the spotless Bride of Christ and the joyful Mother of a great company of saints.
Now, with all the angels and saints, we praise your glory without end: Holy, holy……
Prayer after Communion: O God, you chose to foreshadow in your Church on earth the new and heavenly Jerusalem. Through our sharing in this sacrament, fashion us into a temple of your grace and lead us one day to the place where your glory dwells. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
SONGS AT MASS (Suggestions) Abide With Me; Christ Be Our Light; Let us Build the City of God; How Great Thou Art.
