Lord of all creation, we are reminded in this month of October
of your call to your followers, that, through our baptism
we have been made sharers in the mission of the Church
to “go and make disciples of all nations”.
Through different times in human history you have invited us
to share in the task of transforming our world so that people
of all nations and cultures may have the opportunity
of experiencing the saving love and mercy of your Son Jesus Christ.
The world of today is torn by division, conflict and mistrust
and the planet on which we depend for our survival is threatened
with extinction through greed and ignorance of the consequences
of not preserving the gift of creation which you have bequeathed to humankind.
Empower us through the gifts of the Holy Spirit to be courageous
and zealous in bearing witness to the Gospel.
Grant to leaders of different nations a listening ear, to hear the cries
of the poor and afflicted in their midst, that people everywhere may share
in the riches of your creation and become partakers in the task
of making all things new in the name of your Son our Lord Jesus Christ
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God for ever and ever.
Amen.
-- By Fr. Bernie McDermott
The Columbans are a society of missionaries, including priests and lay people, who minister to people of various cultures as a way of witnessing to the universal love of God.