Let us pray with today’s Gospel Reading (Matthew 16:13-20):

God Our Father,

As Your people gather today as one Church, we thank You for the gift of faith that unites us around Your Son, Jesus Christ. Like Peter, we profess with courage: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Lord Jesus, You said, “On this rock I will build my Church.” Make us living stones of Your Church, faithful in what we believe, sincere in what we profess, and courageous in the way we live. May our faith never remain only words on our lips, but become visible in our love, forgiveness, service, justice, compassion, and holiness. Help us to live lives worthy of the faith we profess, so that through our words and actions others may encounter You.

Lord, we pray especially for our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV. Strengthen him with wisdom, courage, humility, and holiness. Grant him the grace to shepherd Your Church faithfully, preserve her unity, defend the truth, and lead Your people ever closer to Christ.

Lord, strengthen Your Church throughout the world. Where there is division, bring unity; where there is fear, bring courage; where there is persecution, bring strength; and where faith has grown weak, renew us through Your Holy Spirit.

May Mary, Mother of the Church, accompany us and teach us to say yes to God every day. Amen