As the Tampa Bay area prepares for what could be a direct hit from a major hurricane, Bishop Gregory Parkes is calling everyone to prayer. In a newly released video, Bishop Parkes calmly recites a prayer for protection in the midst of a storm.
O God, Master of this passing world,
hear the humble voices of your children.
The Sea of Galilee obeyed Your order and returned to its former quietude.
You are still the Master of land and sea.
We live in the shadow of a danger over which we have no control;
the Gulf, like a provoked and angry giant,
can awake from its seeming lethargy,
overstep its conventional boundaries, invade our land,
and spread chaos and disaster.
During this hurricane season we turn to You, O loving Father.
Spare us from past tragedies whose memories are still so vivid
and whose wounds seem to refuse to heal with passing of time.
O Virgin, Star of the Sea, Our beloved Mother,
we ask you to plead with your Son on our behalf,
so that spared from the calamities common to this area
and animated with a true spirit of gratitude, we will walk in the footsteps of your Divine Son
to reach the heavenly Jerusalem, where a stormless eternity awaits us. Amen.
[Composed by Most Rev. Maurice Schexnayder (1895-1981),Second Bishop of Lafayette (1956-1973), following Hurricane Audrey in 1957]
Our Father in Heaven,
through the intercession of Our Lady of Prompt Succor,
spare us during this hurricane season from all harm.
Protect us and our homes
from all disasters of nature.
Our Lady of Prompt Succor,
hasten to help us.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Father, all the elements of nature obey your command.
Calm the storms and hurricanes that threaten us
and turn our fear of your power into praise of your goodness.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever. Amen.
Loving God, maker of heaven and earth, protect us in your love and mercy. Send the Spirit of Jesus to be with us, to still our fears and give us confidence.
In the stormy waters, Jesus reassured his disciples by his presence, calmed the storm, and strengthened their faith. Guard us from harm during this storm and renew our faith to serve you faithfully.
Give us the courage to face all difficulties and the wisdom to see the ways your Spirit binds us together in mutual assistance. With confidence we make our prayer through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer via Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers. USCCB. 2007)
Dios y Señor de todo este mundo transitorio,
escucha las voces de tus hijos e hijas, que humildemente claman.
El mar de Galilea obedeció tu mandato y las aguas quedaron tranquilas.
Tú eres aún el Señor de mar y tierra.
Vivimos bajo la sombra de un peligro sobre el cual no tenemos control;
el golfo, como un gigante incitado y enojado,
puede despertar de su aparente letargo,
desmedir sus límites convencionales, invadir nuestra tierra,
y extender el caos y los desastres.
Durante esta temporada de huracanes acudimos a ti, Padre misericordioso.
Sálvanos de tragedias similares a las pasadas, cuyas memorias están aún a flor de piel
y cuyas heridas se niegan a sanar con el transcurso del tiempo.
Oh, Virgen, Estrella del Mar, nuestra Madre amada,
te pedimos que intercedes con tu Hijo en favor nuestro,
para que, libres de las calamidades comunes en esta región
y animados con un verdadero espíritu de gratitud,
sigamos los pasos de tu divino Hijo
hasta llegar a la Jerusalén celestial,
donde nos espera una eternidad libre de tempestades. Amén.
[Compuesta por Mons. Maurice Schexnayder (1895-1981), segundo obispo de Lafayette (1956-1973), después del huracán Audrey en el año 1957]
Padre celestial,
te pedimos por intercesión de Nuestra Señora del Pronto Socorro,
que nos libres de todo peligro durante esta temporada de huracanes.
Protege nuestros hogares y a nuestras familias
de todos los desastres naturales.
Nuestra Señora del Pronto Socorro,
date prisa en socorrernos.
Por Jesucristo, nuestro Señor.
Padre nuestro, a quien obedecen todos los elementos de la naturaleza.
Calma las tempestades y los huracanes que nos amenazan
y convierte nuestro temor en alabanza por tu poder y bondad.
Por nuestro Señor Jesucristo, tu Hijo,
que vive y reina contigo en la unidad del Espíritu Santo
y es Dios por los siglos de los siglos.
