Prayer for the World December 10, 2025

Empowering Others

Introduction

Monday of this week we celebrated the feast of Our Blessed Mother on December 8, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.   We remember how Mary was “full of God’s Grace, God’s love” and we continue to turn to Mary for her intercession today, as we experience the needs in our world.

Song: Holy Mother

https://youtu.be/x9uYu4R2nk8?si=u_9jCch7Z-dZhbG0 

Holy Mother, where are you?

Tonight, I feel broken in two

I've seen the stars fall from the sky

Holy Mother, can't keep from crying

Oh, I need your help this time

Get me through this lonely night

Tell me, please, which way to turn

To find myself again

Holy Mother, hear my prayer

Somehow, I know you're still there

Help me, please, some peace of mind

Take away this pain

I can't wait

I can't wait

I can't wait any longer

I can't wait

I can't wait

I can't wait for you

Holy Mother, hear my cry

I've called your name a thousand times

I've felt the anger running through my soul

All I need is a hand to hold

Oh, I feel the end has come

No longer my legs will run

You know I would rather be

In your arms tonight

When my hands no longer play

My voice is still, I fade away

Holy Mother, then I'll be

Lying in, safe within your arms

Source: Musixmatch Songwriters: Eric Patrick Clapton / Stephen Bishop Holy Mother lyrics © Stephen Bishop Music, E C Music Ltd Eric Clapton, Luciano Pavarotti, East London Gospel Choir - Holy Mother

For Reflection:  The Wedding at Cana. John Chapter 2:

On the third day there was a wedding in Cana, in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the wedding. When the wine ran short, the mother of Jesus said to Jesus, “They have no wine.” [And] Jesus said to her, “Woman, how does your concern affect me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servers, “Do whatever he tells you.”

Mary empowered, challenged Jesus to act.   How do these words empower us and in turn empower others today?

Leadership development dates to the earliest days of the OLVM community. Sisters were missioned into areas underserved by the Church to give Catholic instruction. But the Sisters also trained members of the local population to take on leadership roles. Sisters would then move on to the next community in need and repeat the process. That mission has continued throughout our history, taking on many forms.  They worked in remote areas as well as inner-city neighborhoods to create programs or situations to foster leadership from among those with whom we ministered. Now we continue to support organizations that develop new generations of leaders.

Silent Reflection and Prayer

Pope Leo XIV focuses on empowering others by emphasizing job creation, providing practical support for the poor, and calling for structural reforms that address the root causes of poverty. He encourages a leadership model based on service and humility, urges people to see themselves as "living stones" building the Church together, and calls for unity among world religions to promote peace and justice

Pope Francis emphasized the importance of leadership in various contexts, including his message to high school students, where he encourages them to "discover the fascination of the person of Jesus" and to "dream big, God does too!" He stresses the need for leaders to be accessible, empathetic, authentic, and to stretch goals beyond the status quo. He also highlights the courage to meet with others and the importance of using all five senses in leadership. Pope Francis's message is a call to all of us to follow Jesus with full confidence and to contribute to changing the world.

 Petitions:

*For our leaders in Church and State that they recognize the call to empower others to be leaders.  Let us pray … God hear our prayer

*For our youth that they recognize their call to be our future leaders.  Let us pray …

*For the oppressed that they find their God-given voice to proclaim justice for all.  Let us pray …

*For us that we may follow Mary’s example to find the way to empower those who need our help.  Let us pray …

(Renew our commitment)

We, Our Lady of Victory Missionary Sisters, rooted in a Marian and missionary spirituality:

• Proclaim the Word of God

• Foster justice

• Stand in solidarity with those living in poverty and oppression

• Promote the development of leaders

Silent Reflection

Song: Holy Mother