St Peter Claver Mass Celebration 2026
Celebrant opening prayer: St. Peter Claver’s life was changed by God’s call to serve. May our prayers express a conversion of life, which makes us recognize and respect the dignity which belongs to all of humanity.
Our response: Lord, hear our prayer.
- We pray for Pope Leo, Bishop Luis, and all our priests and deacons that they may be inspired by the example of St. Peter Claver and promote racial justice and reconciliation throughout the Church and around the world. We pray to the Lord:
- We pray for healing to address the persistent sin of racism which rejects the full humanity of some of your children, and the gifts and talents You have given them. We pray to the Lord:
- We pray for the grace to recognize the dignity of every person, for those who are seen as other, who bear the legacy of centuries of discrimination, fear, and violence. We pray to the Lord:
- We pray for a grace-filled society so all children have access to clean water, health care, and quality education. We pray to the Lord:
- We pray for a grace filled society so all children have homes where families can live in dignity and security. We pray to the Lord:
- We pray for the souls of those who have gone before us teaching us and reminding us that we are all God’s children. We pray to the Lord:
Celebrant’s closing prayer: Lord of all, we ask you to hear and answer our prayers. Give us eyes to see how the past has shaped the complex present, and to perceive how we must create a new way forward, with a new sense of community that embraces and celebrates the rich diversity of all, that helps us live out your call to reject the sin of racism, the stain of hate, and to seek a compassionate solidarity supported by Your grace and Your love. We ask this through Christ, Our Lord.
R: Amen.