Church of Silence

Prayer for the Church of Silence

By His Holiness, Pope Pius XII

  O Lord Jesus, King of martyrs, comfort of the afflicted, support and consolation of all those who suffer for love of You and because of their loyalty to your Spouse, Holy Mother the Church, in your kindness hear our fervent prayers for our brothers of the "Church of Silence."  Grant that they may never weaken in the struggle nor waver in the Faith.  Rather may they experience the sweetness of the consolation You reserve for those souls whom you deign to call to be Your companions at the height of the cross.

  To those who must bear torments and violence, hunger and toil, may You be the unshakable strength which supports them in their trials and fills them with the certainty of the rewards promised to those who persevere to the end.

  To those who are subjected to moral constraints, often all the more dangerous because they are more deceitful, may You be the light which illuminates their understanding so that they may clearly perceive the straight road of truth.  May You be the strength which supports their will, enabling them to overcome every crisis, every vacillation and weariness.

To those for whom it is impossible to progress their Faith openly, to practice the Christian life regularly, to receive the holy Sacraments frequently, to talk in a filial way with their spiritual guides, may You Yourself be the hidden altar, the invisible temple, superabundant grace and paternal voice, which helps them, encourages them, heals their ailing spirits and gives them joy and peace.

  May our fervent prayer be of help to them  May our fraternal solidarity make them feel that they are not alone.  May their example be edifying for the whole Church, especially for us who think of them with so much affection.

  Grant, O Lord, that the days of trial be shortened and that very soon-together with their converted oppressors-they may freely serve and adore You, who with the Father and the Holy Spirit live and reign forever and ever.  Amen.

  Imprimatur:  John F. O'Hara, C.S.C., D.D., Archbishop of Philadelphia, Nov. 15, 1957