Prayers for the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica
Most people assume St. Peter's is the Pope's cathedral, but it is St. John Lateran. Its full name is the Archbasilica of the Most Holy Savior and of Sts. John the Baptist and John the Evangelist, and an inscription at its door calls it "the mother and head of all churches of the city and of the world." It was dedicated by Pope St. Sylvester around the year 324, soon after Christians were first allowed to worship in freedom, and the whole Church keeps its anniversary on November 9.
Celebrating a building may seem odd, but the feast is really about the Church herself and about us: "Know you not, that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?" (1 Corinthians 3:16). Below are the traditional Introit and the two collects for the dedication of a church. Pray them for the Holy Father, for your own parish church, and for the living temple of your soul.
The Prayer
Introit (Genesis 28:17; Psalm 83): Terrible is this place: it is the house of God, and the gate of heaven; and shall be called the court of God. How lovely are thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts! my soul longeth and fainteth for the courts of the Lord. For the anniversary of a dedication: O God, who dost bring round to us every year the day of consecration of this Thy holy temple, and who dost ever bring us in safety to the holy mysteries: graciously hear the prayers of Thy people, and grant that whoever enters this temple to implore blessings may rejoice in obtaining all his requests. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen. For the day of dedication: O God, who invisibly containest all things, and yet for the salvation of the human race showest signs of Thy power: glorify this temple by the virtue of Thy indwelling, and grant that all who come hither to pray, in whatever trial they call on Thee, may obtain the benefit of Thy consolation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen.
Idea: Pray today for your parish, its priests, and everyone who will walk through its doors this week.
See also: Prayer for the Pope and Prayer for the Church.
Sources: Introit and Collects for the Anniversary of the Dedication of a Church from The Mass Every Day of the Year (1916) (Douay-Rheims text); 1 Corinthians 3:16, Douay-Rheims Bible. Public domain.
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