Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome

Opening Prayer

Holy God, the whole of creation is Your universal temple. Each of us, made in Your image and likeness, is Your temple. In Christ and through His Spirit, we are the temple of His Body. You are everywhere – closer and more present than I can ever imagine! Everything and everyone must be holy, because You are within and among us. Thank you for making us the living stones of Your temple. Sometimes we think of Church as the building. Remind us that we are Your Church, and the building is where Your Church gathers. As You raised up the temple of Jesus’ body, continue to raise us up to a more profound awareness of how present You are – and help us to make Your temple a place of vibrant life, where the refreshing waters of your grace flow freely for your children and all creation. Lord, I remember that St. John Lateran is the Pope’s church as Bishop of Rome. Continue to bless him in his service to Rome and the world, especially as he challenges us to respect the dignity and life of every one of Your children.