Prayers for Paris and France

At the embassy of France to Italy in Rome this morning

Early mornings in Rome tend to be quiet, especially on Saturdays and Sundays. This morning was no exception.

I set out about 8:00 a.m. with the intention of praying the Litany of King Saint Louis IX of Francis for Paris in the church in Rome which bears his name (San Luigi). When I arrived, I learned that the church does not open until 10:00 a.m. each day (welcome to Rome). Having been thwarted this morning, I will try again this afternoon.

I decided then to go to the Basilica of St. Peter to seek the intercession of the Prince of the Apostle for Paris and for the Great River TEC #302, which is being held this weekend. As I made my way back to the Casa Santa Maria, I passed through the Piazza Farnese where the French embassy to Italy is located in Rome. Many bouquets of flowers have been left on the pavement before the embassy in token of prayers and sympathies for the people of France.

As you pray for Paris and for France, you might consider praying this prayer from the Mass in Time of War or Civil Disturbance:

O God, author and lover of peace,

to know you is to live, to serve you is to reign;

defend against every attack those who cry to you,

so that we, who trust in your protection,

may not fear the weapon of any foe.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever.

If you'd like something a bit more, Vultus Christi has posted an excellent Litany for France which invokes a good many of the French Saints.