Poem: “Into the Mystery of Jesus’ Life and Death” By Carlo Maria Cardinal Martini, S.J. (Italian, 1927 – 2012)

Mary, Mother of Jesus and our Mother,

we place ourselves with you

at the foot of your Son’s cross,

asking you to help us enter

into the mystery of his life and death;

to dwell in his heart;

to remain at his feet

in an attitude of listening and contemplation.

Arouse in us, Mary, your sentiments of participation

in the suffering of Christ and of the world.

You see how imperfect our words are

and how far removed our concepts are

from the truth you live.

Help each one of us;

help everyone who is untied with our prayer

and our adoration.

Grant us joy in your Son

by the grace of the Holy Spirit,

which we implore

from the power of the Father.  Amen.