Prayer to the Relics of Peruvian Saints in the Cathedral of Lima

This morning, at 10.00 local time (16.00 in Rome), the Holy Father Francis travelled to the Cathedral of San Juan Apóstol y Evangelista for the prayer to the relics of Peruvian saints.

Upon arrival the Pope, accompanied by the archbishop of Lima, Cardinal Juan Luis Cipriani Thorne, was welcomed by the Metropolitan Chapter. Around 2,500 people were present in the Cathedral, including priests, men and women religious, members of ecclesial movements and pastoral agents.

After the blessing, the Holy Father proceeded to the archbishopric of Lima for the meeting with bishops.

The following is the prayer recited by the Holy Father before the relics of the Saints of Peru:

Prayer of the Holy Father

God our Father,
through Jesus Christ
You founded your Church
on the rock of the Apostles,
that, guided by the Holy Spirit,
she may be a sign and instrument
of your love and mercy in the world:
we thank you for the gifts you have
bestowed upon our Church in Lima.

We thank You in a special way
for the holiness that has flourished in our land.
Our Archdiocesan Church has been made fruitful
by the apostolic labours of Saint Turibius of Mogrovejo,
enlarged by the prayer, penance and charity
of Saint Rose of Lima and Saint Martin de Porres,
adorned by the missionary zeal of Saint Francisco Solano
and the humble service of Saint Juan Macías.
It has been blessed by the witness of Christian life and fidelity to the Gospel
of many others of our brothers and sisters.
We give You thanks for all that You have accomplished in our history
and we ask You to keep us faithful to the heritage we have received.

Help us to be a Church that goes forth,
drawing near to all, especially the less fortunate.
Teach us to be missionary disciples
of Jesus Christ, the Lord of Miracles,
living in love, seeking unity
and practising mercy,
so that, protected by the intercession
of Our Lady of Evangelization,
we may live the joy of the Gospel
and proclaim it before the world.