Ecclesia in Oceania

Today marks twenty years since the Special Assembly of the Synod of Bishops for Oceania, which was held from 22 November - 12 December 1998.

Ecclesia in Oceania

John Paul II

Concluding prayer

Mother of the Church,
your sons and daughters thank you
for your trusting word that echoes
through the ages,
rising from an empty soul made full of grace,
prepared by God to welcome
the Word to the world
that the world itself might be reborn.

O Stella Maris, light of every ocean
and mistress of the deep,
guide the peoples of Oceania
across all dark and stormy seas,
that they may reach the haven of peace and light
prepared in him who calmed the sea.

Keep all your children safe from harm
for the waves are high and we are far from home.
As we set forth upon the oceans of the world,
and cross the deserts of our time,
show us, O Mary, the fruit of your womb,
for without your Son we are lost.

Our Lady of Peace, in whom all storms grow still,
pray at the dawn of the new millennium
so that God will reign in the hearts
of the Pacific peoples
and they will find peace
in the world's true Saviour.

Plead for the Church in Oceania
that she may have strength
to follow faithfully the way of Jesus Christ,
to tell courageously the truth of Jesus Christ,
to live joyfully the life of Jesus Christ.
O Help of Christians, protect us!
Bright Star of the Sea, guide us!
Our Lady of Peace, pray for us!