Prayer for the Church in Ireland

Translation of Song - Ag Criost an Siol

To Christ the seed, to Christ the crop, in barn of Christ may we be brought.

To Christ the sea, to Christ the fish, in nets of Christ may we be caught.

From growth to age, from age to death, Thy two arms here, O Christ, about us.

From death to end, not end but growth, in blessed Paradise may we be. Amen.

Prayer for the Church in Ireland - Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI

God of our fathers,
renew us in the faith which is our life and salvation,

the hope which promises forgiveness and interior renewal,

the charity which purifies and opens our hearts
to love you, and in you, each of our brothers and sisters.

Lord Jesus Christ,
may the Church in Ireland renew her age-old commitment
to the education of our young people in the way of truth and goodness, holiness and generous service to society.

Holy Spirit, comforter, advocate and guide,
inspire a new springtime of holiness and apostolic zeal
for the Church in Ireland.

May our sorrow and our tears,
our sincere effort to redress past wrongs,
and our firm purpose of amendment
bear an abundant harvest of grace
for the deepening of the faith
in our families, parishes, schools and communities,
for the spiritual progress of Irish society,
and the growth of charity, justice, joy and peace
within the whole human family.

To you, Triune God,
confident in the loving protection of Mary,
Queen of Ireland, our Mother,
and of Saint Patrick, Saint Brigid and all the saints,
do we entrust ourselves, our children,
and the needs of the Church in Ireland.

Amen.