English
In Dialogue with the Lord
The official resource of the Salesian Community Prayer moments
Only pages 9-22 out of the 223 page "manual": (See the pdf text for complete resource)
1. DAILY RECURRENCES
Morning Offering
I adore you, my God and I love you with all my heart. Thank you for the gift of life, for the blessing of Christian faith, and for your watchful care throughout the night. I offer you all my actions of this day. Grant that they may be done according to your will and for your greater glory. Keep me from sin and from every evil. In your kindness, keep me and all those who are dear to me always in your grace. Amen.
Angelus
L The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary,
A And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.
Hail Mary…
L Behold the handmaid of the Lord,
A Be it done unto me according to your Word.
Hail Mary…
L And the Word was made flesh,
A And dwelt among us.
Hail Mary…
L Pray for us, O holy Mother of God,
A That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
L Let us pray. Pour forth, we beseech you, O Lord, your grace into our hearts: that we, to whom the Incarnation of Christ your Son was made known by the message of an Angel, may by his Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of his Resurrection. Through the same Christ our Lord.
A Amen.
Regina Caeli (Easter Season)
English
L Queen of Heaven, rejoice alleluia.
A For He whom you did merit to bear, alleluia.
L Has risen, as He said, alleluia.
A Pray for us to God, alleluia.
L Rejoice and be glad O Virgin Mary, alleluia.
A For the Lord has truly risen, alleluia.’
L Let us pray. O God, who gave joy to the world through the resurrection of your Son our Lord Jesus Christ, grant we beseech you, that through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, His Mother, we may obtain the joys of everlasting life. Through the same Christ our Lord.
A Amen.
Latin
L Regina caeli, laetare, alleluia
A Quia quem meruisti portare, alleluia,
L Resurrexit, sicut dixit, alleluia,
A Ora pro nobis Deum, alleluia.
L Gaude et laetare, Virgo Maria, alleluia.
A Quia surrexit Dominus vere, alleluia
L Oremus. Deus, qui per resurrectionem Filii tui Domini nostri Jesu Christi mundu laetificare dignatus es: praesta, quaesumus, ut per eius Genitricem Virginem Mariam perpetuae capiamus gaudia vitae, per eundem Christum Dominum nostrum.
A Amen.
Meditation
Introduction
Option 1
L Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created.
A And You shall renew the face of the earth.
L Let us pray. O God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolation. Through Christ Our Lord.
A Amen.
Option 2
Come, O Creator Spirit,
visit our minds.
Fill with your grace
the hearts you have created.
O you who are called Paraclete,
gift of the Most High God,
living spring, fire, love,
anointing of the soul.
Finger of God's right hand,
the Saviour's promise,
send forth your seven gifts,
stir in us the word.
Be light to the mind,
burning love in the heart;
heal our wounds
with the balm of your love.
From the enemy defend us,
bring forth the gift of peace.
With your invincible hand
keep us from all harm.
Light of eternal wisdom,
unveil to us the great mystery
of God the Father and the Son
united in one single Love. Amen.
L Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created.
A And You shall renew the face of the earth.
L Let us pray. O God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolation. Through Christ Our Lord.
A Amen.
Option 3
Veni, creator Spiritus,
mentes tuorum visita,
imple superna gratia,
quae tu creasti pectora.
Qui diceris Paraclitus,
donum Dei altissimi,
fons vivus, ignis,
caritas et spiritalis unctio.
Tu septiformis munere,
dextrae Dei tu digitus,
tu rite promissum Patris
sermone ditans guttura.
Accende lumen sensibus,
infunde amorem cordibus,
infirma nostri corporis,
virtute firmans perpeti.
Hostem repellas longius
pacemque dones protinus;
ductore sic te praevio
vitemus omne noxium.
Per te sciamus da Patrem
noscamus atque Filium,
te utriusque Spiritum
credamus omni tempore. Amen.
L Emitte Spiritum tuum, et creabuntur.
A Et renovabis faciem terrae.
L Oremus. Deus, qui corda fidelium Sancti Spiritus illustratione docuisti: da nobis in eodem Spiritu recta sapere; et de eius semper consolatione gaudere. Per Christum Dominum nostrum.
A Amen.
Option 4
L The Lord, who has called all of us to pray without ceasing, makes us aware of his presence, that we may be prepared for the priceless gift of his Spirit. In silence let us hear and meditate on the mystery of God.
L Come, O Creator, Spirit blest
A And in our souls take up Thy rest/Come with Thy grace and heav'nly aid/ To fill the hearts/ which Thou hast made.
Great Paraclete, to Thee we cry/ O highest gift of God most high/ O fount of life, O fire of love/ And sweet anointing from above.
Thou in Thy sev'nfold gifts are known/ The finger of God's hand we own/ The promise of the Father, Thou/ Who dost the tongue with fire endow.
Our senses kindle from above/ And make our hearts o'erflow with love/ With patience firm and virtue high/ The weakness of our flesh supply.
Drive far from us the foe we dread / And grant us Thy true peace instead/
So shall we not with Thee for guide/ Turn from the path of life aside.
O may Thy grace on us bestow/ The Father and the Son to know/ And Thee through endless times confessed/ Of both the eternal Spirit blest.
All glory while the ages run/ be to the Father and the Son/ Who rose from death; the same to Thee/ O Holy Ghost eternally. Amen.
Conclusion of meditation
Option 1: Act of entrustment
L Blessed are those who listen to God's word.
A And live by it every day.
L Let us renew our commitment to the Lord and our dedication to our mission on behalf of young people; let us ask Our Lady for the gift of fidelity.
L Most holy
A and Immaculate Virgin, Help of Christians,
Mother of the church,
you inspired the foundation of our congregation
and remain its support;
we place ourselves under your motherly protection,
and faithful to our Salesian vocation,
we promise to work always for the greater glory of God
and the salvation of the world.
L With trust in your intercession,
A we pray for the Church, for our Congregation and the Salesian family,
for the young, especially those in most need,
and for all redeemed by Christ.
L You were Don Bosco's teacher;
A show us how to imitate his virtues,
especially his union with God, his purity, humility and poverty,
his love for work and for temperance,
his kindness and wholehearted service of others,
his loyalty to the Pope and to the Bishops of the Church.
L Grant O Mary Help of Christians,
A that we may serve God with fidelity and generosity until death.
Help us to come at last to the endless joy of life together
in our Father's home in heaven. Amen.
(As modified by E. Viganò, AGC 309)
Option 2
L Lord, to whom shall we go?
A You have the words of eternal life
L Calling to mind our father and model Saint John Bosco, let us renew our commitment to the Lord.
A Lord God, our Father,
Love ever faithful, total and freely bestowed,
you are pleased to make use
of the service of those you have created
in the unfolding of your saving design.
In free response to your call,
many have cooperated with you
throughout the long history of salvation:
Abraham and Moses, Mary and the Apostles,
and Christian men and women
everywhere in your Church.
You called St. John Bosco to give himself completely
in the service of young people.
and he dedicated himself entirely to the salvation of youth.
You have called us also into the Salesian Family
to continue his mission.
Lord, we thank you for our vocation.
Give us your Spirit. Keep us faithful to our consecration,
so that freed from our selfishness,
we may share with young people
the living spirit of our Founder. Amen.
L Mary, Help of Christians,
A Pray for us.
Option 3
L In the morning let us know your love.
A And we shall praise you with joy throughout the day.
L Lord, we thank you for Don Bosco
A You have given him to us as our father and leader. In him we celebrate the wonders of your love, a splendid blending of nature and grace, and source of an original style of life and action in the service of the young.
L Virgin Mary,
A You were Don Bosco's constant guide and support in his work. We believe that you are present among us continuing your mission as “Mother of the Church and Help of Christians”. We entrust ourselves to you, the humble handmaid in whom the Lord has done great things, that we may be signs and bearers of the love of your Son for young people. Amen.
L Mary, Help of Christians
A Pray for us.
Lectio Divina
Reading (Lectio). The first step consists of an attentive, prayerful reading of a biblical passage. It is a listening-reading that patiently waits in trust for Jesus, the Word to reveal Himself. As the passage is read one or two times, be attentive to the phrase or word that stand out for you. After the reading, participants may, in an unhurried way, speak that word or phrase in turn, without commentary.
Meditation (Meditatio). The scripture is read again. Here you ponder and ruminate what was read. The Word is savored and meditated upon in expectation - like Mary who “pondered these things in her heart.” This stage engages thought, imagination, emotion and desire. A question to be asked is: what does this Word mean for my life? After an appropriate time of silence, participants may briefly share a reflection.
Prayer (Oratio). You begin to dialogue with the Lord Jesus, starting from the text, with praise, thanksgiving, petitions. It is a response from the depths of your heart. A very simple definition of saint Teresa of Avila comes to mind: “Praying is nothing more than an intimate sharing between friends. It means taking time frequently to be alone with Him who we know loves us”. After an appropriate time of silence, participants may voice a prayer.
Contemplation (Contemplatio). You sit still with God, realizing that in this deep and profound relationship, words are not necessary. Be content and at peace with a wordless, quiet rest in God, which brings joy to the heart. Remember that contemplation is not your action or doing; rather, it is allowing God to act in you.
Action (Actio). Once you know what it is that God is calling on you to do, the next step is straightforward: do it. This is gospel action, which follows from a choice, a decision: a specific action is performed that changes the heart, that transforms your life.
Spiritual reading
The reading, done communally, unites the minds and hearts. Our tradition has it that every day,
every Salesian community shall “reserve some time for spiritual reading.” (Reg. 71)
Introduction
LA In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
L Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created.
A And you shall renew the face of the earth.
L Let us pray. O God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolation. Through Christ Our Lord.
A Amen.
Conclusion
Option 1
L Let us pray to God our Father, whose love for us gives us confidence that he will hear us. You have given us Don Bosco as our father and teacher.
A May we, like him, be signs and bearers of your love for the young.
L Render fruitful with your grace our apostolic work.
A May we imitate the zeal and gentle charity of St. Francis of Sales.
L Comfort our suffering brothers and sisters, especially those who are suffering for the faith.
A Free them from all their tribulations.
L Help us in the varied activities of our Salesian mission to assist the young in discovering the divine call in their lives.
A May our witness, our invitation and our accompaniment give rise to new apostolic vocations for the Church and the Congregation, for the missions and for our provinces.
L Let us remember our departed brothers.
(A reading of the Necrology of deceased confreres)
L Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.
A And let perpetual light shine upon them.
L May they rest in peace.
A Amen.
L O Lord, you have called us to follow you more closely and to cooperate with you in the salvation of youth. Grant us the grace to be faithful to our consecration and mission up to the end of our life. Through Christ our Lord.
A Amen.
Option 2
L Merciful Lord, in your providence you gave us St. John Bosco, to be a father and teacher of the young, and with the help of the Virgin Mary, to work with tireless zeal for the Church. Impelled by a love like his, may we seek souls and serve you alone. Through Christ our Lord.
A Amen.
L Mary Help of Christians,
A Pray for us.
Prayer before activities
Option 1
Lord, may your grace go before us and accompany us always, so that sustained by your fatherly help, we may never grow weary of doing good. Through our Lord Jesus Christ your Son who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.
Option 2
Actiones nostras, quaesumus Domine, aspirando praeveni et adiuvando prosequere: ut cuncta nostra oratio et operatio a te semper incipiat et per te coepta finiatur. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.
Option 3
O Father, you filled the heart of Don Bosco with preferential love for the young: enrich the heart of every Salesian with the same gift. Help us to discover the presence of Jesus in every young person so that we always may be ready to offer them our time, our talents, our energy, and our very lives. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer after activities
Option 1
We give you thanks, Almighty God, for all your benefits, you who live and reign for ever and ever. Amen.
Option 2
Agimus tibi gratias, omnipotens Deus, pro universis beneficiis tuis, qui vivis et regnas in saecula saeculorum. Amen.
Option 3
Lord God, our lips sing your praise, our spirit offers you praise, and since our very being is your gracious gift of love, may our entire life be an unceasing liturgy to your praise. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Visit to the Blessed Sacrament
"If you cannot receive [Holy Communion], make at least a spiritual Communion.
This means that you should arouse in yourself an ardent desire
to receive Jesus in your heart."
(St. John Bosco, BM III, 10)
Option 1
My Jesus, I believe that you are truly present in the Blessed Sacrament.
I love you above all things, and long for your presence in my soul.
Since I cannot receive you sacramentally at this moment, come spiritually into my heart.
I embrace you and unite myself intimately to you. Grant that I may never be separated from you. Amen.
Option 2
Jesus, my Lord,
in simplicity of heart and with living faith
I adore you truly present in the sacrament
of the holy Eucharist.
You Lord are the bread come down from heaven,
the food that sustains us on the journey of life;
you are the font of self-giving, sacrificial love
you are the pledge of eternal life.
Lord Jesus, by an outpouring of infinite love
you remain with us in this sacrament
where you give yourself intimately and completely to us.
Jesus, grant me the grace
to receive every sacramental communion
with pure faith and love.
O my Saviour,
draw me to close to you
that I may die to myself
and live solely for others.
Lord, grant me the grace:
to live a new and divine life in communion with you
until that day when I behold you beyond the veil of the sacrament,
contemplate you face to face,
and love you for all eternity. Amen.
(St. John Bosco)
Prayers for vocations
Daily prayer for vocations to the Salesian life
Father of love,
you have sown in the hearts of many young people
the seed of a vocation to the Salesian life.
Help them to discover and to develop the gift
of your call to be Salesian priests or Salesian brothers.
Increase the family spirit in our Salesian communities,
so that many young people will feel at home with us
and be attracted to know and to follow our Salesian vocation.
Grant that, through the witness of our personal and community life,
and our joyful and generous self-giving,
the young may find confirmation of your call
to live the gospel as sons of Don Bosco.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer for perseverance in one’s vocation
Almighty God,
in your provident designs
you raised up Saint John Bosco
as a sign of your love for young people.
Confirm our faith in the young
and strengthen our dedication to their service.
You entrust them to us
as the privileged portion of your kingdom,
the hope and the future of the Church
who accompanies her children through time
as she marks them with the seal of eternity.
O Christ, who reminded your disciples
that the poor and the needy would always be with them,
make us effective instruments of your grace to the young;
help us to be sober and vigilant,
intent on helping them to discover and rediscover
the joy and vibrancy of life that is appropriate to their youthful age.
O Spirit of true freedom,
make us intentional witnesses of your love,
defend us from those who would undermine our work,
deliver us from the darkness of passion and error
and usher us into a new era of deep fraternal understanding and solidarity. Amen.
Prayer to don bosco (at the end of vespers)
Saint John Bosco,
Father and Teacher of youth,
docile to the gifts of the Spirit
and open to the reality of your times,
you were for the young,
especially the little ones and the poor,
a sign of the love and the special care of God.
Be our guide as we walk
the path of friendship with the Lord Jesus,
so that we may discover in Him and in his Gospel
the meaning of our lives
and the source of true happiness.
Help us to respond with generosity
to the vocation we have received from God,
so that in daily life we may be
builders of communion,
and may collaborate with enthusiasm,
and in communion with the whole Church,
in creating a civilisation of love.
Obtain for us the grace of perseverance
in living a high standard of Christian life,
according to the spirit of the beatitudes;
and grant that, guided by Mary Help of Christians,
we may one day be with you
in the great family of heaven. Amen.
(Pascual Chávez)
Rosary
Joyful Mysteries
(Monday and Saturday)
- The Annunciation.
- The Visitation.
- The Nativity.
- The Presentation in the Temple.
- The Finding of Jesus in the Temple.
Sorrowful Mysteries
(Tuesday and Friday)
- The Agony in the Garden.
- The Scourging at the Pillar.
- The Crowning with Thorns.
- The Carrying of the Cross.
- The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus.
Glorious Mysteries
(Wednesday and Sunday)
- The Resurrection.
- The Ascension.
- The Descent of the Holy Spirit.
- The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
- The Coronation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Luminous Mysteries
(Thursday)
- The Baptism in the Jordan.
- The Wedding at Cana.
- The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God.
- The Transfiguration of Jesus.
- The Institution of the Eucharist.
Prayer at the end of the day
I adore you, O my God, and I love you with all my heart. I thank you for having created me, for having made me a Christian and for having preserved me this day. Pardon me for the evil I have done today. If I have done anything good, be pleased to accept it. Protect me while I take my rest and deliver me from all dangers. May your grace be always with me and with those I love. Amen.
2. Monthly recurrences
After benediction: The divine praises
Blessed be God.
Blessed be His Holy Name.
Blessed be Jesus Christ, true God and true Man.
Blessed be the Name of Jesus.
Blessed be His Most Sacred Heart.
Blessed be His Most Precious Blood.
Blessed be Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar.
Blessed be the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete.
Blessed be the great Mother of God, Mary most Holy.
Blessed be her Holy and Immaculate Conception.
Blessed be her Glorious Assumption.
Blessed be the name of Mary, Virgin and Mother.
Blessed be St. Joseph, her most chaste spouse.
Blessed be God in His Angels and in His Saints. Amen.
Monthly recollection
“Our will for conversion is strengthened
in the monthly recollection”
(Const. 91)
Opening prayer
The recollection could begin with the corresponding hour of the Breviary or with the following introductory dialogue:
L “Come away by yourselves and rest a while.”
A At your invitation, O Lord,
we disconnect from the concerns of the day
and remember that you alone give meaning and purpose to our life.
L “One thing alone is necessary.”
A Open our hearts to receive your Word with its promise of light, peace and fullness of life.
L “The one who abides in me will bear much fruit.”
A Renew us by your presence; make us credible witnesses of your love.
Invocation to the Holy Spirit
A song dedicated to the Spirit or the following prayer
Come Holy Spirit, sanctify me.
Come Spirit of wisdom, take hold of me.
Come Spirit of intelligence, enlighten me.
Come Spirit of counsel, advise me.
Come Spirit of fortitude, strengthen me.
Come Spirit of compassion, comfort me.
Come Spirit of knowledge, teach me.
Come Spirit of the fear of God, guard me
Come Spirit of peace, give me your peace. Amen.
L Let us pray. O Father, who guide believers to the fullness of truth through your gift of the Holy Spirit, help us to savour the wisdom in the Spirit and to delight always in his consolation. Through Christ our Lord.
A Amen.
Meditation
Examination of conscience
Every month we examine our fidelity to the Lord’s call: trusting in his Mercy, we humbly recognize our weaknesses and strive for growth. Each month, certain themes could be the focus of the examen, or some questions could be chosen for each theme.
L Let us pray. Lord Jesus, send us your Spirit of Truth so that we may renew once again our commitment to conform our lives to you and to your Gospel. You who live and reign for ever and ever.
A Amen.
- The Word of God calls us to continual conversion (Const. 90)
“You must therefore be perfect just as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Mt 5, 48).
Have I slipped into spiritual mediocrity? Do I strive to overcome my limitations? Do I make compromises that weaken my spiritual life? What was the fruit of my last monthly recollection? Of the annual retreat? Do I seek the voice of the Holy Spirit to guide my conscience? How frequently do I approach the sacrament of Reconciliation? Am I faithful to the personal examination of conscience each day?
- Pastoral charity is at the centre of the Salesian spirit (Const. 10)
“The good Shepherd is one who lays down his life for his sheep” (Jn 10, 11)
How zealous am I in my pastoral and apostolic commitments? Do I dedicate all my time and energy to the mission entrusted to me? Have I placed my personal interests before the good of the young? Do I seek to improve and update my educational and pastoral competencies?
Do I work on improving my character so as to be welcoming and loving? Am I a father, brother and friend to all I meet, without discrimination or prejudice?
Do I allow difficulties to discourage me? Do I spread joy and optimism? Do I have a spirit of initiative? Do I evaluate my work periodically?
III. Fraternal and apostolic communion (Const. 49)
“The whole group of believers was united, heart and soul” (Acts 4, 32)
Do I carry out the tasks entrusted to me with responsibility and in a collaborative spirit? Do I participate faithfully and actively in community meetings? Do I help create family spirit in the community? Do I avoid gossip and grumbling?
Am I prompt to forgive, taking the first step towards reconciliation, if necessary?
Do I foster a sense of belonging to my Province? Do I cultivate a true love for the Church by means of a renewed and current ecclesial awareness?
- Life of obedience (Const. 64)
“My food is to do the will of the one who sent me” (Jn 4, 34)
Do I live obedience as a seeking for the will of God in common with my community? Do I obey “with a cheerful and humble spirit”? Do I collaborate even if I see things differently or when my opinion is not heeded? If I am the superior, do I direct, guide and encourage others with a discreet use of my authority? Do I engage in the fraternal chat with the Superior as a “privileged moment of dialogue” for my own good and for that of the community and the apostolate? Do I make efforts to know and to act in accordance with the documents of the magisterium?
- Life of poverty (Const. 72)
“If you wish to be perfect, go and sell what you own…...” (Mt 19, 21)
Am I detached from earthly goods, with a standard of life that witnesses to consecrated poverty? Do I accept to be dependent on the community in the use of temporal goods? Do I accept inconveniences and privations? Do I share fraternally the fruits of my work, my gifts, talents, energies and experiences? Do I work diligently every day?
- Life of chastity (Const. 80)
“Happy the pure in heart: they shall see God” (Mt 5, 8)
Do I live chastity as an expression of my undivided love for God and for the young? Does this “resplendent” virtue lead me to sincere love for the young? Does it motivate me to educate them in the ways of love and purity? Do I practice necessary mortification and custody of the senses? Do I make discreet and prudent use of the means of social communication? Do I make use of the natural means that contribute to physical health and psychological balance? Above all, do I have recourse to the supernatural means for sustaining spiritual health such as prayer and the sacraments? Do I have a spiritual guide with whom I meet regularly and especially in moments of trial and difficulty? Do I turn with filial trust to Mary, the Immaculate Help of Christians?
VII. Life of prayer (Const. 86.93)
“We need to pray continually and never lose heart” (Lk 18, 1)
Do I respect community prayer times?
Am I faithful to the practice of mental prayer?
Do I cultivate union with God that leads me to celebrate the liturgy of life?
Do I meditate on the sacred Scriptures daily so as to nourish my union with God?
Is the daily celebration of the Eucharist the central act that enlightens my day?
Do I make frequent visits to the Blessed Sacrament daily to draw energy and constancy in my spiritual life?
Do I celebrate the Liturgy of the Hours with the dignity and fervor recommended by Don Bosco?
Am I faithful to praying the Hours which are not recited in common?
How attentive am I to the mysteries of the Lord celebrated on Sundays and throughout the liturgical year?
What place does Mary hold in my life? Do I pray the rosary willingly?
Do I pray to Don Bosco and to our patron saints?
Closing Prayer
L Have mercy on us, Lord.
A For we have sinned against you.
L Lord, you call us to follow you in obedience to the Father, Lord have mercy on us.
A Lord, have mercy.
L Christ, you made yourself poor to offer us the riches of your forgiveness, Christ have mercy on us.
A Christ, have mercy.
L Lord, you call us to love you with undivided heart, Lord have mercy on us.
A Lord, have mercy.
L Let us pray. Lord, in your loving mercy, you call us to ongoing conversion in Christ. Grant that we may surrender more fully to the power of your love, put on the new man, and be conformed to the image of your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
A Amen.
Prayer for a happy death
O Father, Lord of time and lover of life,
who from all eternity call humanity to everlasting life,
admit us, at the end of our earthly pilgrimage,
to the peace of heaven.
Grant that at every moment of life
we may know how to desire you alone,
until we come into your reign of infinite joy.
O Christ, only begotten Son,
who have prayed to the Father that your disciples
might not be seduced by the world,
help us to have your name always on our lips,
to impart to the young a legacy of gratuitous love
and the desire to live in your friendship.
O Spirit of consolation,
who instil courage in those who are afraid
and hope in the afflicted,
help us to grow in holiness and wisdom,
so that with pure and undivided hearts
we may be admitted one day to the eternal banquet of heaven.
May the intercession of Mary our Help,
and the friendship of Don Bosco and all the saints
assist us at the sunset of our lives,
so that, having been nourished each day by Jesus, the Bread of Life,
we may take leave of our friends in this world
and embrace those who have preceded us to the Eternal Banquet.
Amen.
