Prayer Before the Relics of the Peruvian Saints (21 January 2018)

This is the Holy Father's prayer before the relics of Peruvian Saints on Sunday, 21 January, at the Cathedral of Saint John the Apostle, in Lima.

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.

[Original text: Spanish]