Although it has only been four days since my last post (about Theodore McCarrick, see my “The Essential Priesthood” April 17 article), the news of Pope Francis’ demise a mere 18 days after McCarrick’s death should make us all seriously ponder upon that inescapable day when each one of us will be required to render an account for our lives and actions. Tragically, both of these men called to the priesthood became, in the end, sources of grave scandal for Christ’s Church, and we should prayerfully commend them to God’s just mercy.
Their baneful legacy remains, however ~ a Church in greater disarray than perhaps at any time in its 2,000 year history, not that they are solely responsible but each played a singular role in creating the discord and confusion with which loyal Catholics are now contending. That we now need healing and a renewed leadership to begin to repairing and restoring an authentic Catholic voice in our troubled world is undeniable. The forthcoming conclave will be a crucial step in restoring orthodoxy and clarity after 12 years of ambiguity and dogmatic obfuscation. But such needed reform cannot be taken for granted. We must pray without ceasing that our prelates and cardinals will recognize the gravity of the situation and act according to the dictates of the Holy Spirit; not swayed by personal or political agendas in choosing the next Vicar of Christ (a title mysteriously rejected by the Bergoglian papacy.)
There are still many wolves among our shepherds, so do not assume that the ship will right itself. As such I am including a Litany for the Church under Siege which I hope you will share and pray every day until the successful election of our next Pontiff. If possible, to render our petition more powerful, try and pray it before or at the end of daily Mass.
Litany for the Church Under Siege
Lord have mercy on us. Lord have mercy on us.
Christ have mercy on us. Christ have mercy on us.
Lord have mercy on us. Lord have mercy on us.
Christ, Divine founder of the Church, Hear us.
Christ, who warned of false prophets, Hear us.
God the Father of Heaven, Have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit, Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God. Have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, Mother of the Church, Pray for us.
St. Joseph, protector of the universal Church, Pray for us.
St. Michael, our defender in the day of battle, Pray for us.
St. Peter, the rock on which Christ built his Church, Pray for us.
St. Paul, guardian of the faithful remnant, Pray for us.
St. Francis of Assisi, restorer of God’s holy Church, Pray for us.
St. Anthony, gentle hammer of heretics, Pray for us.
St. Pius V, champion of the Mass of the Ages, Pray for us.
St. Pius X, foe of Modernism, Pray for us.
All you holy angels and archangels, Pray that we may resist the snares of the devil.
St. Catherine of Sienna, Pray that Christ will send us a Vicar who will oppose the spirit of the world.
St. John Fisher, Pray that bishops have the courage to combat heresy and irreverence.
St. John Vianney, Pray that zeal for souls will be rekindled in all the clergy.
St. Charles Borromeo, Pray that seminaries will be protected from false teachings.
St. Vincent de Paul, Pray that seminarians may return to a life of prayer and meditation.
St. Therese of Liseux, Pray that religious may rediscover their vocation of love and sacrifice.
St. Thomas More, Pray that the laity may courageously oppose the great apostasy.
St Francis de Sales, Pray that the Catholic press may again become a vehicle of truth.
St. John Bosco, Pray that our children may be protected from immoral and heretical instruction.
St. Pascal Baylon, Pray that profound reverence for the Most Blessed Sacrament may be restored.
St. Dominic, Pray that we may ever treasure the Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Let us Pray:
Jesus, Our Lord and God, in these dark hours when Thy Mystical Body is undergoing its own crucifixion, and when it would almost seem to be abandoned by God the Father, have mercy we beg Thee on they suffering Church. Send down upon us the Divine Consoler to enlighten our minds and strengthen our wills.
Thou, O Second Person of the Most Blessed Trinity, Who canst neither deceive nor be deceived, Who has promised to be with Thy Church until the end of time, grant us a mighty faith that we may not falter; help us to do Thy Holy Will at all times, especially during these hours of grief and uncertainty. May Thy Most Sacred Heart and the Immaculate and Sorrowful Heart of Thy Holy Mother be our sure refuge in time and eternity. Amen.
Francis J. Pierson +a.m.d.g.
Abiding Truth - Dwelling Among Us 