October 11 - Prayer to St. John XXIII

O humble and joyful Shepherdof loving Mother Church           who desired so           to bring her balm of mercy           to a confused and bitter world,           that it might become more fully human           by imbibing of the fountain           of her life-giving doctrine           and so discover the love and peace           it so desperately seeks           in vain ideologies           that pass like mist           in the light of the Lord Jesus Christ –           pray we all find our dignity           in Christ and in the Church           He founded for our salvation;           pray the eternal Truth           She teaches in His Name           will not be obscured by Satan’s wiles           but take root in the soil of Christian love           and be welcomed by all souls           who desire to possess a smile of joy           in the presence of God.