Lord Jesus, You prayed
Your disciples would be united
under the banner of faith, hope, and love.
Help us strive toward that unity for which
You suffered and died; help us recognize
true friends even among strangers and above
all open our ears to listen to the highest
hopes and deepest hurts of our
Brothers and sisters.

May we welcome each guest
as if they were Christ himself
and may we offer hospitality to all
as Abraham and Sarah once
entertained angels unawares.

Grant us healing, O Lord
that we may serve You and Your people
with renewed strength and zeal.
Let us look beyond the things
that divide us and help us help
each other along the paths of righteousness
according to Your will.

Amen.

~ Father Joseph R. Veneroso, M.M.

At Your baptism, Lord Jesus,
the Holy Spirit set Your heart ablaze
with love for sinners, the poor,
the oppressed, and those on the margins
of society, the church, or perhaps even
our friends and family.

Make our relationships healthy and holy
through Your spirit of reconciliation.
Give us the courage and humility
to ask “May I...?”
the strength to say “I’m sorry”
and the wisdom to say “Thank you”
to all people through whom
You bless and fill my life.

May my baptism compel me
to cross every border,
to travel any distance, great or small,
to leave the comfort of this world
to seek, find, and share with all
Your gospel of peace, mercy and truth.

Amen.

~ Father Joseph R. Veneroso, M.M.

At Your baptism, Lord Jesus,
the Holy Spirit set Your heart ablaze
with love for sinners, the poor,
the oppressed, and those on the margins
of society, the church, or perhaps even
our friends and family.

Make our relationships healthy and holy
through Your spirit of reconciliation.
Give us the courage and humility
to ask “May I...?”
the strength to say “I’m sorry”
and the wisdom to say “Thank you”
to all people through whom
You bless and fill my life.

May my baptism compel me
to cross every border,
to travel any distance, great or small,
to leave the comfort of this world
to seek, find, and share with all
Your gospel of peace, mercy and truth.

Amen.

~ Father Joseph R. Veneroso, M.M.