1. European Laguages Week of Prayer

2. Background… To celebrate the diversity of European languages a day was set aside in 2001. This week promotes prayer in these languages, so we have included some well known prayers for you to try! There may be someone in your form who speaks this language or there may be someone who speaks another European language! Whichever - please feel free to adapt! Bon Chance!

3. Monday 23 rd September St Padre Pio a very holy Francisan priest who died in Italy in1968. His shrine is visited by thousands of people. ‘Jesus said to his disciples; “No-one lights a lamp to cover it with a bowl or put it under a bed. No, they put it on a lamp stand so that people may see the light when they come in.”’ (Gospel of Luke 8:16)

4. Let us pray… Attempt to make the Sign of the Cross in Spanish! En el nombre del Padre, y del Hijo, y del Espíritu Santo. Amén

5. Tuesday 24 th September: Our Lady of Walsingham Our Lady of Walsingham appeared in a vision to the Lady of the Manor in 1061 in a small Norfolk village. The shrine of the Holy House (modelled on the House that the Holy Family had lived in) became one of the great Shrines of Medieval times until destroyed by King Henry VIII. In the 19th Century Anglicans and then Catholics built shrines. The Shrine is the National Shrine of Our Lady in England. Our diocese goes on Pilgrimage to here in June.

6. Let us pray… Reader:‘My song is of mercy and justice, I sing to you O Lord. I will walk in the way of perfection. O when, Lord will you come?’ (Psalm 100:1-2) All:Lord, may our lives, helped by the prayers of Mary, our Mother, became a Holy House for you to dwell in. Through Christ our Lord. Amen

7. Attempt the Hail Mary in French! Je vous salue, Marie, pleine de grâce. Le Seigneur est avec vous. Vous êtes bénie entre toutes les femmes, et Jésus, le fruit de vos entrailles, est béni. Sainte Marie, Mère de Dieu, Priez pour nous, pauvres pécheurs, maintenant et à l'heure de notre mort. Amen

8. Wednesday 25 th September Reader:“I urge you then– I who am a prisoner in the Lord; live a life that measures up to the standard God set when he called you. Be always humble, gentle and patient. Show your love by being tolerant with one another. Do your best to preserve the unity which the Spirit gives by means of the peace that binds you together.” (St Paul’s letter to the Ephesians 4:1-3)

9. Let us attempt to pray the Glory be in Portuguese! Glória ao Pai, ao Filho e ao Espírito Santo, assim como era no princípio, agora e sempre, Amén.

10. Thursday 26 th September: Saints Cosmas and Damian Reader:Saints Cosmas & Damian two twins who were martyred for their faith in Syria probably around 287 AD. Reader 2:“’Herod had heard all that was being done by Jesus; and he was puzzled, because some people were saying that John had risen from the dead, others that Elijah had re- appeared, still others that one of the ancient prophets had come back to life. But Herod said ‘John? I beheaded him. So who is this I hear such reports about?’ And he was anxious to see Jesus.’ (Gospel of Luke 9:7-9)

11. Let us pray the Hail Mary in Italian! Ave o Maria, piena di grazia, il Signore è con te. Tu sei benedetta fra le donne e benedetto è il frutto del tuo seno, Gesú. Santa Maria, Madre di Dio, prega per noi peccatori, adesso e nell'ora della nostra morte. Amen

12. Friday 27 th September: St Vincent de Paul Reader:St Vincent de Paul A French priest who worked for the poor in the 1600’s Reader 2:‘O send forth your light and your truth; let these be my guide. Let them bring me to your holy mountain to the place where you dwell.’ (Psalm 42) All:Lord help us to proclaim your Kingdom by opening up our hearts to love you more and bringing healing to those who are in need. Amen

13. Let us pray the Our Father in German Vater unser im Himmel, geheiligt werde Dein Name. Dein Reich komme, Dein Wille geschehe, wie im Himmel so auf Erden. Unser tägliches Brot gib uns heute. Und vergib uns unsere Schuld, wie auch wir vergeben unsern Schuldigern. Und führe uns nicht in Versuchung, sondern erlöse uns von dem Bösen. Amen.