We know it's imminent. His last duty may be personally escorting Terri to the Golden Gates - bringing God's Little Lamb home - something so right about that
OREMUS (let us pray)
Blessed are you, Father,
who, in your infinite love, gave us your only-begotten Son. By the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate in the spotless womb of the Virgin Mary and was born in Bethlehem
He became our companion on life's path and gave new meaning to our history, the journey we make together in toil and suffering, in faithfulness and love, towards the new heaven and the new earth where You, once death has been vanquished, will be all in all.
Praise and glory to You, Most Holy Trinity, you alone are God most high!
By your grace, O Father, the Jubilee Year began a new millennium, a time of deep purification and conversion wherein you invited the Church and the entire human race to return to you in and through your Son Jesus Christ. In such a wonderful way you have given us the gift of Pope John Paul II, in this significant moment in the history of the Church and the world, to teach, pastor and lead us into this millennium.
We now pray for your servant, Pope John Paul II who has faithfully and tirelessly proclaimed in word and deed the Good News of Jesus Christ. As he enters the "autumn" of his wonderful service, Lord, hold Him close to your heart; heal and comfort him, let Him know your deep, intimate presence as He continues to pour himself out for you and, in your Son, for the sake of the world.
May we truly encounter, as he prayed in the Jubilee, a time of reconciliation between people, and of peace restored among nations, a time when swords are beaten into ploughshares and the clash of arms gives way to songs of peace.
Father, grant great favor to our beloved Pope, so docile to the voice of the Spirit, faithful to the way of Christ, diligent in listening to your Word and in leading so many to the wellsprings of grace.
Praise and glory to You, Most Holy Trinity, you alone are God most high!
Father, by the power of the Spirit, strengthen the Church's commitment to the new evangelization Pope John Paul has proclaimed and guide our steps along the pathways of the world, to proclaim Christ by our lives, and to direct our earthly pilgrimage towards the City of heavenly light as he has both taught and demonstrated through his own holy life, extraordinary teaching and prophetic invitation.
May Christ's followers show forth their love for the poor and the oppressed; may they be one with those in need and abound in works of mercy; may they be compassionate towards all, that they themselves may obtain indulgence and forgiveness from you.
Praise and glory to You, Most holy Trinity, you alone are God most high!
Father, grant that your Son's disciples, purified in memory and acknowledging their failings, may be one, that the world may believe. May dialogue between the followers of the great religions expand, and may all people discover the joy of being your children.
May the intercession of Mary, Mother of your faithful people, the one to whom this Pope consecrated himself, his fruitful service and the entire Church and world, in union with the prayers of the Apostles, the Christian martyrs, and the righteous of every people and every age, bring comfort, healing, mercy and consolation to your son, John Paul II and make this millennium a time of renewed hope and of joy in the Spirit for each of us and for the whole Church.
Praise and glory to You, Most Holy Trinity, you alone are God most high!
To you, Almighty Father, Creator of the universe and of mankind, through Christ, the Living One, Lord of time and history, in the Spirit who makes all things holy, be praise and honor and glory now and forever.
Amen