Today Is The Feast Of The Maternity Of The Blessed Virgin Mary-The Fiftieth Anniversary Of The Second Vatican Council-The Start Of The Year Of Faith:

 

 The collect:

O God, who wast pleased that, at the message of an Angel, Thy Word should take flesh in the womb ob the blessed Virgin Mary, grant to us Thy suppliants, that we, who believe her to be truly the Mother of God, may be helped by her intercession with Thee. Through...

 

The prayer used at the Second Vatican Council and then prayed by all the Bishops at the beginning of every session: 

We stand before you, Holy spirit,
conscious of our sinfulness,
but aware that we gather in your name.

Come to us, remain with us, and enlighten our hearts.
Give us light and strength to know your will,
to make it our own,
and to live it in our lives.

Guide us by your wisdom, support us by your power,
for you are God, sharing the glory of Father and Son.

You desire justice for all:
enable us to uphold the rights of others;
do not allow us to be misled by ignorance
or corrupted by fear or favour.

Unite us to yourself in the bond of love
and keep us faithful to all that is true.

As we gather in your name
may we temper justice with love,
so that all our decisions may be pleasing to you,
and earn the reward promised to
good and faithful servants.

You live and reign with the Father and the Son,
one God, forever and ever.
Amen.