The forthcoming Apostolic Visit of Our Holy Father to the United Kingdom invites us to pray boldly for the conversion of England: the return of Mary's Dowry to obedience to Peter. I cannot help but think of all those souls, beginning with the English Martyrs, who suffered and prayed for this intention: Blessed Dominic of the Mother of God Barbieri, C.P., Venerable Father Ignatius of Saint Paul Spencer, C.P., Mother Mary of Saint Peter (Adèle) Garnier of Tyburn, Father Benedict Williamson, O.SS.S., Mother Mary Potter, and so many others.
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O BLESSED VIRGIN MARY,
Mother of God and our most gentle Queen and Mother,
look down in mercy upon England thy "Dowry"
and upon us all who greatly hope and trust in thee.
By thee it was that Jesus our Saviour and our hope was given unto the world;
and He has given thee to us that we might hope still more.
Plead for us thy children,
whom thou didst receive and accept at the foot of the Cross,
O sorrowful Mother.
Intercede for our separated brethren,
that with us in the one true fold
they may be united to the supreme Shepherd, the Vicar of thy Son.
Pray for us all, dear Mother,
that by faith fruitful in good works
we may all deserve to see and praise God,
together with thee, in our heavenly home. Amen.
Nicholas Patrick Stephen Cardinal Wiseman (1802-1865)
