Dedication of England to Saint Peter

O Blessed Prince of Apostles,

Vicar of Christ,

Shepherd of the whole flock,

Rock on whom the Church is built,

we thank the Prince of Pastors,

who in the ages of Faith,

did bind this country

so sweetly and strongly to thee

and to that holy See of Rome

from which her conversion came.

We praise and bless our Lord

for those steadfast Confessors

who laid down their lives for thy honour and prerogative

in the hour when schism and heresy broke upon the land.

We desire to revive the zeal,

the devotion and the love of ancient days.

We consecrate our country,

as far as in us lies,

fervently and lovingly to thee.

We offer thee our homage.

We renew our loyalty to the Pontiff, thy successor,

who now fills the Apostolic See.

Do thou confirm and strengthen,

by thy powerful intercession,

the faith of the Pastors and people who invoke thee,

save us from apostasy,

from disunion, from religious indifference,

and from the losses to which ignorance

and temptation expose our little flock.

O most sincere and most humble penitent,

obtain for us tears of true repentance for our sins,

and a strong personal love

for our Divine Master;

O Key-bearer of the Heavenly Kingdom,

open to us the gate of Heaven,

that we may enter into the joy of the King of Glory.

Remember this realm of England,

which grew in grace and unity

under thy blessed apostolic influence

for nigh a thousand years.

Pray to Jesus that all may see the

and be Drought back to thy Fold,

which is the One Fold of Christ.

Amen.

V. Thou art Peter.

R. And upon this rock I will build My Church.

Let us pray.

Raise us up, we beseech Thee, O Lord,

by the apostolic might of Thy blessed Apostle, Peter;

that the weaker we are in ourselves,

the more powerful may be the assistance

whereby we are strengthened through his intercession;

that thus, ever fortified by the protection of Thine Apostle,

we may never yield to sin

nor be overwhelmed by adversity.

Through Christ our Lord.

Amen.