Prayer for the Fifth Week of Lent.

(This prayer is designed to be said within the family

before a Crucifix during the fifth week of Lent.)

Mother or a child:

From a homily of Pope St. Leo.

Dearly beloved, the apostle Paul has said:

"If we suffer with Christ,

we shall also be glorified with Him.

Therefore whoever participates in the sufferings of our Redeemer

enjoys the sure and certain hope of the glory He has promised."

Father:

Hail, O Cross,

Family:

you are the only hope of man.

Father:

Let us pray. God, all powerful,

look upon Your family with kindness:

may your generous bounty take care of our bodies

and Your solicitude watch over our souls.

This we ask of You through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son.

Family:

Amen.

Favor this dwelling, Lord,

with your presence.

Far from it repulse all the wiles of Satan.

Your holy angels, let them live here,

to keep us in peace.

And may your blessing remain always upon us.

This we ask of You through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son.

Father:

Let us bless the Lord.

Family:

Thanks be to God.

Father:

May the almighty and merciful Lord,

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless and keep us.

Family:

Amen.