Our Lady of the Way

Today, May 31^st 2023, we place the Church’s entire synodal process especially the work of the 16^th ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops (which will take place in Rome this October) under the protection of Mary, Mother of the Church, mother of all those who are companions and disciples of her son – ‘Our Lady of the Way’.

We invoke the help of Mary and invite her to walk with us every step of the way, especially when we are feeling lost, confused or hesitant.

Under the protection of Mary, Mother of the Church

This request of Pope Francis to the Universal Church to hold a moment of Marian Prayer on 31st May (the Feast of the Visitation) is to place the work of the Synod, especially the upcoming assembly in October, under the protection of Our Lady, Mother of God and Mother of the Church.

The Synodal Pathway of the Catholic Church in Ireland has organised a day of prayer at Knock Shrine, and an open invitation is being extended to all to join in this special day.  We can join in this Universal Prayer online or wherever we are able to be present at a prayer service or liturgy today.

This beautiful litany to Mary, Our Mother for this occasion, is just one of the inspirational resources offered by Knock Shrine (Ireland) – and which you can download With-Mary-Towards-the-Synodal-Assembly

Litany – Our Lady of the Way

Holy Mary Mother of God
Walk with us on our synodal journey

Mother of the Church
Walk with us and pray for us

Mother of the disciples of Jesus
Walk with us and pray for us

Mother of the lost and the lonely
Walk with us and pray for us

Mother of the confused and hesitant
Walk with us and pray for us

Mother of those who are searching and
questioning
Walk with us and pray for us

Mother of those who are on the margins
Walk with us and pray for us

Mother who gives us direction and points
the way ahead
Walk with us and pray for us

Woman of silence and reflection
Help us to listen to the Spirit

Woman of service and action
Help us to listen to the Spirit

Woman who sets out in mission
Help us to listen to the Spirit

Woman who directs us towards your Son
Help us to listen to the Spirit

You journeyed from Nazareth to Bethlehem
Be with us on our pilgrim way

You journeyed on the refugee road into
Egypt
Be with us on our pilgrim way

You journeyed as a pilgrim to Jerusalem
Be with us on our pilgrim way

You accompanied your Son Jesus on the
road to Calvary
Be with us on our pilgrim way

You walked with the disciples as they
shared the Good News
Be with us on our pilgrim way

Let Us Pray:

Holy Mary,
Mother of God
and Mother of the Church.
Guide our steps along the right path.
Direct us towards your Son and
help us to follow Him faithfully.

Our Lady of the Way
Pray for us

Our Lady of the Way
Stay with us

Our Lady of the Way
Walk with us

Let us now place our petitions at the feet of Our Lady, placing the entire synodal process and the work of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, taking place in Rome this October, under the protection of Mary, Mother of the Church.

Note: 

Madonna Della Strada or Santa Maria Della Strada (English: Our Lady of the Wayside or Saint Mary of the Good Road) is a painting of the Blessed Virgin Mary enshrined at the Church of the Gesù in Rome, mother church of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) religious order of the Catholic Church; it is a variation on the basilissa (imperial) type of icon.[1]

The Madonna Della Strada is the patron saint of the Society of Jesus. The society’s founder, Ignatius of Loyola, was said to have been protected by the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary during battle in his service as a soldier.  See HERE

Useful links:  

https://www.knockshrine.ie/prayer-service-for-the-synodal-assembly-wednesday-31st-may/

And https://synod.ie/

Our Lady Mother of the Church – Vatican News Facebook