In the Cathedral of Lima, packed full of pilgrims, the pope spent a few minutes in prayer before the relics of Peruvian saints.
Pope Francis prayed standing in silence before the reliquaries of St. Juan Macias, St. Turibius of Mogrovejo, St. Rose of Lima, St. Martin de Porres and St. Francisco Solana. Then he recited a prayer with all the attendees.
READ THE FULL PRAYER THE POPE PRAYED:
God our Father, through Jesus Christ
you founded your Church on the rock of the Apostles, that, guided by the Holy Spirit, she may be a sign and instrument of your love and mercy in the world: we thank you for the gifts you have bestowed upon our Church in Lima.
We thank you in a special way for the holiness that has flourished in our land. Our Archdiocesan Church has been made fruitful by the apostolic abours of Saint Turibius of Mogrovejo, enlarged by the prayer, penance and charity of Saint Rose of Lima and Saint Martin de Porres, adorned by the missionary zeal of Saint Francisco Solano and the humble service of Saint Juan Macías.
It has been blessed by the witness of Christian life and fidelity to the Gospel of many others of our brothers and sisters.
We give you thanks for all that you have accomplished in our history and we ask you to keep us faithful to the heritage we have received.
Help us to be a Church that goes forth, drawing near to all, especially the less fortunate.Teach us to be missionary disciples of Jesus Christ, the Lord of Miracles, living in love, seeking unity and practising mercy, so that, protected by the intercession of Our Lady of Evangelization, we may live the joy of the Gospel and proclaim it before the world.
