O Mary, Mother of Mercy, watch over all people, that the Cross of Christ may not be emptied of its power, that man may not stray from the path of the good or become blind to sin, but may put his hope ever more fully in God who is "rich in mercy". May he carry out the good works prepared by God beforehand and so live completely "for the praise of his glory". – Pope John Paul II from the Encyclical Veritatis Splendor, August 6, 1993