Heavenwards

PRAYER OF THE INTERNATIONAL

⁵⁴²Years ago you set for us the goal
inspired by the Holy Spirit:
to proclaim you, who bear all life in your arms,
the Queen of the World.
⁵⁴³We were only a small group then,
but with each passing year and to your glory
we expanded to other noble nations
who live close together with us here.
⁵⁴⁴In your motherly kindness
forgive the failings of our omissions:
that we did not become greater or deeper
or more widely open Schoenstatt’s portals.
⁵⁴⁵Because of this, the world2 is not yet sufficiently mature
to banish the onerous curse of Adam’s sin
or to raise you willingly to the throne
and place the scepter in your hands.
⁵⁴⁶On their behalf accept our humble veneration
and look on our readiness to go to battle.
We present to you the nations living here
who share with us the fate of exile.
⁵⁴⁷Be their Mother and their Queen!
May they return home transformed—
a firm guarantee for peace among the nations
and for unity in the City of God on earth.
⁵⁴⁸Through our striving we want to replace
the love and faithfulness they deny you
through their flight from the cross of Christ.
We want to live for you and your work alone.
⁵⁴⁹Rule over us as pleases God
and make us the salt and leaven of the world.
Let us become one heart and one soul
as Our Lord implored during his earthly life
⁵⁵⁰and despite each individual way remain united,
dedicating ourselves to the Father as an ideal kingdom
and overcoming all barriers of nationality
even when hate infests the masses of the nations.
⁵⁵¹Increase the numbers and depth of our family
and use us as your instrument forever.
May we fulfill the great mission which you have implored for us
in accordance with the Father’s will.
Amen.