Prayer of
Pope Pius XII
"O Lord Jesus, King of martyrs, Thou art the
comfort of the afflicted and firm support of all
who suffer for love of Thee and by reason of
their loyalty to Thy Spouse Holy Mother the
Church. In Thy mercy give ear to our fervent
prayers in behalf of our brethren of the
"Church of Silence" that they may never
be disheartened in the struggle nor waver in the
faith; rather may they taste the sweetness of the
consolations reserved by Thee for those souls
whom Thou dost vouchsafe to number among Thy
companions on the hill of the cross.
To those who must suffer torments and violence,
hunger and fatigue, be Thou the invincible
strength sustaining them in their trials and
assuring them of the rewards pledged by Thee to
those who persevere unto the end.
Many, on the other hand, are exposed to moral
constraints, which oftentimes prove much more
dangerous inasmuch as they are more deceitful; to
such then be Thou the light to enlighten their
mind, so that they may clearly see the straight
path of truth; be Thou also to them a source of
strength for the support of their will so that
they may triumph in every crisis and never yield
to any vacillation of weakness.
Finally, there are those who find it impossible
to profess their faith openly, to lead a normal
Christian life, to receive the Holy Sacraments
frequently, and to converse familiarly with their
spiritual guides. To such be Thou Thyself a
hidden altar, an invisible temple, a plenitude of
grace and a fatherly voice, helping and
encouraging them, providing a remedy for their
aching hearts and filling them with joy and
peace.
May they be helped by our fervent prayer; let our
fraternal solidarity assure them that they are
not alone. May their example redound to the
edification of the whole Church; especially may
it be profitable to us who regard them with so
much affection.
Grant, O Lord, that their period of trial be
shortened and that very soon all, including also
their converted oppressors, may enjoy the freedom
of serving and worshipping Thee, who with the
Father and the Holy Ghost livest and reignest
forever and ever. Amen."
+ Indulgence of 3 years. (S.P. Ap. July 16, 1957)
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