Saint Leo the Great
Pope, Doctor of the Church, Memorial
Other Celebrations for this Day:
Introduction
At the occasion of the feast of a Pope who understood his time and who is therefore one of the two popes called “the great,” we reflect for a moment on the task and service of leadership in the Church. Serving, witnessing, collegiality among the leaders and with priests and the laity, seeking together to translate the Gospel in a language our time understands – these seem to be the key demands made today on the leadership of the Church.
Opening Prayer
Father in heaven,
you have revealed to us
that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God.
At this celebration of St. Leo the Great we ask you:
Give us a great understanding
and trust in the leadership of the Church,
that together with the pope and our bishops
we may strengthen the community
of the faithful of your Church
and bear witness with them to the world
of your saving mercy and love.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Responsorial Psalm
R. (30a) The mouth of the just murmurs wisdom.
Trust in the Lord and do good
that you may dwell in the land and be fed in security.
Take delight in the Lord,
and he will grant you your heart’s requests.
R. The mouth of the just murmurs wisdom.
Commit to the Lord your way;
trust in him, and he will act.
He will make justice dawn for you like the light;
bright as the noonday shall be your vindication.
R. The mouth of the just murmurs wisdom.
The mouth of the just man tells of wisdom
and his tongue utters what is right.
The law of his God is in his heart,
and his steps do not falter.
R. The mouth of the just murmurs wisdom.
Alleluia Verse
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Come after me, says the Lord,
and I will make you fishers of men.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Prayers of the Faithful
Prayer over the Gifts
Lord our God,
we profess that Jesus, your living Son,
will be present among us
in these signs of bread and wine.
Let him strengthen us with his Spirit
to follow him wherever he leads us,
even through pain and death,
that with him we may share
in your glory an lasting joy.
For he is our Lord for ever.
Prayer after Communion
God of power and might,
your Son Jesus Christ has come among us
without any display of power
but rather as the humble servant
of his brothers and sisters.
Let those who bear in the Church
the burden of authority
become more like your Son.
Unconcerned about power and prestige,
may they reflect the attitude of Jesus,
who came not to be served but to serve.
Let this be their way to be great
in Christ Jesus our Lord.