Medjugorje is one of the many “shrines” participating in the Annual Global Rosary Relay for Priests. Forty-eight Rosaries will be prayed at 48 “shrines” in 24 hours on July 1, 2011.
Coincidently, today, exactly 30 years since Our Lady first appeared in Medjugorje, it was announced by the Relay organisers that Pope Benedict XVI has composed a special prayer that can be prayed anytime, but especially during the rally as each country passes on the mystery of the Rosary to the next location. The connecting link will be the Holy Father’s prayer.
The Relay begins at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, Los Angeles and finishes at the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help in Wisconsin.
Medjugorje is the 17th stage on the relay. The Rosary will be timed at 10.00am local time and 8.00am GMT.
This is the prayer composed by the Holy Father for the Global Rosary Relay for Priests:
Lord Jesus Christ, eternal High Priest, you offered yourself to the Father on the altar of the Cross and through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit gave your priestly people a share in your redeeming sacrifice.
Hear our prayer for the sanctification of our priests. Grant that all who are ordained to the ministerial priesthood may be ever more conformed to you, the divine Master. May they preach the Gospel with pure heart and clear conscience.
Let them be shepherds according to your own Heart, single-minded in service to you and to the Church and shining examples of a holy, simply and joyful life.
Through the prayers of the blessed Virgin Mary, your Mother and ours, draw all priests and the flocks entrusted to their care to the fullness of eternal life where you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
• Further information at: worldpriestday.com
