To continue with the theme of praying for the good use of the media, and in reparation for the misuse of the media, I’d like to invite you to pray a contemporary version of the original prayer, written by Blessed James Alberione, which he encouraged us to pray daily after communion. Originally entitled, For Those Who Thirst for Souls as Jesus Does, the current (adapted) version is entitled: A Eucharistic Offertory for the Media. In praying this prayer, you will be joined by all the Daughters of Saint Paul around the world.
As you can see, the prayer has three main themes:
- Reparation for the misuse of the media
- Prayer for those using the media
- That we may all use the media to communicate Christ’s saving love
A Eucharistic Offertory for the Media
(Pauline Offertory)
Based on a prayer of Blessed James Alberione
Father, in union with all those celebrating the Eucharist throughout the world, I wish to unite myself with the heart and intentions of your beloved Son, Jesus, who offered his life for our salvation:
— that the media may always be used to support the good of each person and the common good; to uplift the sacred dignity of every human person, especially those who are poor and most vulnerable; to nurture marriage and family life; to bring about solidarity, peace, greater justice, and equality for all people; and to build respect for the gifts of God’s creation;
— in reparation for the errors and scandals spread throughout the world through the misuse of the media;
— to call down your mercy upon those who have been deceived or manipulated by the misuse of the media, and led away from your fatherly love;
— for the conversion of those who have spread error, violence, or a disregard for the dignity of the person by wrongly using the media and rejecting the teaching of Christ and his Church;
— that we may follow Christ alone whom you, Father, in your boundless love, sent into the world, saying, “This is my beloved Son, hear him”;
— to acknowledge and to make known that Jesus alone, the Word Incarnate, is the perfect Teacher, the trustworthy Way who leads to knowledge of you, Father, and to a participation in your very life;
— that in the Church the number of priests, religious, and lay people who are dedicated as apostles of the media will increase in number and grow in holiness, making resound throughout the world the message of salvation;
— that all those who work in the media with good will (writers, artists, directors, editors, technicians, producers, advertisers, and distributors) may grow in wisdom and uprightness, living and spreading worthy human and Christian values;
— that the undertakings of Catholics in all forms of media may continually increase, so that by more effectively promoting genuine human and Christian values, they will silence the voices that spread error and evil;
— that well aware of our inadequacy and unworthiness, we may recognize our need to draw near the font of life with great humility and trust and be nourished with your Word, Father, and with the Body of Christ, invoking light, love, and mercy for all men and women.