...and for the hour – whether in grand cathedrals, far-flung missions... or even right here – the Catholic world is united in prayer.
At least, that's the intent. To aid it along, live from Rome, here's a feed of the central Eucharistic Holy Hour being echoed right now across the globe, led by Pope Francis in St Peter's Basilica on this Corpus Christi Sunday.
(SVILUPPO: The following is an on-demand fullvid of the rite as it took place earlier today....)
...and here, the pontiff's intentions for the worldwide prayer:
First: “For the Church spread throughout the world and united today in the adoration of the Most Holy Eucharist as a sign of unity. May the Lord make her ever more obedient to hearing his Word in order to stand before the world ‘ever more beautiful, without stain or blemish, but holy and blameless.’ That through her faithful announcement, the Word that saves may still resonate as the bearer of mercy and may increase love to give full meaning to pain and suffering, giving back joy and serenity.”-30-
Second: “For those around the world who still suffer slavery and who are victims of war, human trafficking, drug running, and slave labour. For the children and women who are suffering from every type of violence. May their silent scream for help be heard by a vigilant Church so that, gazing upon the crucified Christ, she may not forget the many brothers and sisters who are left at the mercy of violence. Also, for all those who find themselves in economically precarious situations, above all for the unemployed, the elderly, migrants, the homeless, prisoners, and those who experience marginalization. That the Church’s prayer and its active nearness give them comfort and assistance in hope and strength and courage in defending human dignity.”