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The Religious of the Sacred Heart of the U.S. Province rejoice with the worldwide Catholic Church at the election of the 265th
pope on April 19, 2005, the second day of voting by the College of
Cardinals: Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who has chosen the name Benedict
XVI. Cardinal Ratzinger has long served the church as priest, bishop
and cardinal and has generated controversy during his long tenure as
prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. Knowing
that, like Jesus, he will be acclaimed by many and rejected by others,
we pray that he will remain close to the Heart of Christ as he begins
his reign. Confident of the Holy Spirit’s guidance of the Church, and
of God’s deep love for each person, regardless of religious affiliation
or faith, we will be praying for Joseph Ratzinger as he steps into his
new role as bishop of Rome, shepherd of Christians, and bearer of
Christ’s love to the world. May the gifts of the Spirit rain down on
him and on the church.
We pray:
God of providence,
our shepherd and guide,
give to your servant, Joseph,
a spirit of courage and right judgment,
a spirit of knowledge and love.
Fill him with loving kindness
that he may shape your church
into a sacrament of unity, love and peace
for all the world.
We ask this through Christ,
risen and reigning with you and the Spirit
for ever and ever. Amen.
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