In the dawn of history
you gave us Abel as an example of holiness.
Later, from your beloved Hebrew people
you raised up men and women
graced with every virtue.

Foremost among them all stands Mary,
the ever-virgin daughter of Zion.
From her pure womb was born Jesus Christ,
your eternal Word, the Savior of the world'.

You sent him, Father, as our pattern of holiness.
He became poor to make us rich,
a slave to set us free.
With love no words can tell
he redeemed the world by his paschal mystery
and won from you the gifts of the Spirit
to sanctify his Church.

The voice of the Spirit has drawn
countless numbers of your children
to follow in the footsteps of your Son.
They leave all things
to be one with you in the bonds of love
and give themselves wholly to your service
and the service of all your people.

Look with favor, then,
on the one who has heard your call.
Send him the Spirit of holiness;
help him to fulfill in faith
what you have enabled him to promise in joy.
Keep always before his eyes Christ, the divine teacher.

May he build up the Church
by the holiness of his life,
advance the salvation of the world,
and stand as a sign of the blessings that are to come.
Lord, protect and guide this servant of yours.

At the judgment seat of your Son
be yourself his great reward.
Give him the joy of vows fulfilled.
Made perfect in your love,
may he rejoice in the communion of your saints
and praise you forever in their company.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.