Let us all join in ardent prayer for His Holiness Pope Francis, whose Papal Visit to the Philippines on 15-19 January 2015 carries the theme "Mercy and Compassion".

National Prayer for the Papal Visit

To be prayed before the Post Communion Prayer of Every Mass From August 1, 2014 until January 14, 2015

Commentator: God of mercy and compassion, we come to you in our need and lift up to you our nation as we prepare for the apostolic visit of Pope Francis.

Commentator: After every invocation we say together: Bless your Church Lord!

Commentator: That we may be faithful to the Pope, the Vicar of Christ on earth All: Bless your Church Lord!

Commentator: That we may be eager to meet and listen to Pope Francis All: Bless your Church Lord!

Commentator: That we may be compassionate with the poor and the needy All: Bless your Church Lord!

Commentator: That we may be merciful with the weak and the lost All: Bless your Church Lord!

Commentator: That we may humbly confess our sins and return to God All: Bless your Church Lord!

Commentator: That we may frequently and devoutly receive Holy Communion All: Bless your Church Lord!

Commentator: Let us pray

God our Father, we are all your children. Make of us a nation of mercy and compassion eager to meet Pope Francis. Make us a nation of holiness and heroism through Christ our Lord. Amen