Introductory Rites

Bishop Pevec begins:

IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, AND OF THE SON, AND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

Amen.

MAY THE LORD JESUS, WHO IS THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE, BE WITH YOU ALL.

And also with you.

In the following or similar words, Bishop Pevec prepares those present for the blessing.

THE WORD OF GOD, WHICH COMES FROM AND LEADS BACK TO THE ONE WHO IS TRUTH ITSELF, IS LIVING AND EFFECTIVE. GOD'S WORD RUNS SWIFTLY AND ITS CLEAR TRUTH IS RECEIVED WHEN IT IS HEARD IN PREACHING, READ IN BOOKS, OR WHEN IT REACHES US THROUGH THE OTHER MEDIA OF COMMUNICATION.

IT IS GOD WHO INSPIRES IN THE HUMAN SPIRIT THE DESIRE TO RECORD AND PRESERVE THROUGH BOOKS AND OTHER MEANS THE DISCOVERIES OF THE HUMAN MIND THAT OPEN THE WAY TO TRUTH. THE BOOKS OF THE BIBLE CONTAIN THE TRUTH IN A UNIQUE WAY, BECAUSE THEY ARE INSPIRED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT. BUT OTHER BOOKS, AS WELL, CONTRIBUTE TO HUMAN THOUGHT AND DISCOURSE, IF WRITTEN AND CONSERVED IN ORDER TO SPREAD GENUINE CULTURE, TO INVESTIGATE THE TRUTH, AND TO PROVIDE HONEST DIVERSION AND RELAXATION.

THESE BOOKS ALSO DERIVE THE GOOD THEY CONTAIN FROM GOD'S GOODNESS AND THE IDEAS THEY EXPRESS FROM HIS WISDOM.

THROUGH READING, TRUTH BECOMES THE GUIDE FOR LIVING, WISDOM NOURISHES HUMILITY, AND PEOPLE ARE MORE EASILY LED TO MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING.

IT IS THEREFORE FITTING THAT THE WORK OF CONSERVING AND CIRCULATING BOOKS, AS A FORM OF SPREADING DIVINE TRUTH, SHOULD HAVE THE SUPPORT OF GOD'S BLESSING.

Reading of the Word of God

Mr. Gorman Duffet:

Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the apostle Paul to the Colossians:

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in you hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Responsorial

The reading is followed by a sung response.

After the song Bishop Pevec may give those present a brief explanafion of the biblical text.

Intercessions

Bishop Pevec says:

THE WORDS, MIRACLES, AND WONDERS OF THE LORD ARE OPEN FOR ALL TO BEHOLD IN THE WORLD OF NATURE AND ARE RECORDED IN WRITING FOR THOSE WHO READ THE SACRED BOOKS WITH FAITH. WITH ONE MIND AND SPIRIT THEREFORE LET US PRAY TO THE LORD.

Fr. Fennessy:

Christ our Redeemer, the Word and Wisdom of the Father, you are the true light that gives light to every one; show us the way of truth. Let us pray to the Lord.

Fr. Fennessy:

You promised your followers the Holy Spirit to teach them all truth, so that they would see more deeply into the divine mysteries; grant that, inspired and empowered by that same spirit, we may be equipped and ready for every good work. Let us pray. to the Lord.

Fr. Fennessy:

At Nazareth you unrolled the scroll and explained the text you read to those who were listening; grant that we may always search for the truth and profess it in love. Let us pray to the Lord.

Fr. Fennessy:

You willed that many of your deeds should be banded down in writing, so that we might believe and believing have life in your name; grant that, strong in faith, we may be eager to open up for others the path of truth and salvation. Let us pray to the Lord.

Fr. Fennessy:

You are worthy to receive the scroll and open its seals; grant that the benefactors, staff and users of this center and library and that we ourselves may have our names written in the book of life. Let us pray to the Lord.

Prayer of Blessing

Bishop Pevec says:

LORD, OUR GOD, WE PROCLAIM YOUR MAJESTY. IN MANY AND VARIED WAYS YOU CONTINUOUSLY REVEAL YOURSELF TO US AND IN THE BIBLE YOU HAVE HANDED DOWN YOUR INSPIRED WORD. LISTEN TO OUR PRAYERS, THAT ALL WHO COME TO THIS CENTER AND THIS LIBRARY IN PURSUIT OF THE ARTS AND SCIENCES MAY ALWAYS BE DOCILE TO THE WISDOM OF YOUR WORD. GRANT THAT, IMBUED WITH TRUE LEARNING, THEY WILL STRIVE TO CREATE A MORE CIVILIZED WORLD. WE ASK THIS THROUGH CHRIST OUR LORD.

Amen.

After the prayer of blessing, Bishop Pevec sprinkles those present and the library with holy water.

Concluding Rite

With hands outstretched over those present, Bishop Pevec concludes the rite by saying:

MAY THE ALL-KNOWING GOD AND LORD SHOW US HIS WAYS; MAY CHRIST, THE WISDOM OF THE FATHER, TEACH US THE WORDS OF TRUTH; MAY THE HOLY SPIRIT, MOST BLESSED LIGHT DIVINE, EVER ENLIGHTEN OUR MINDS, SO THAT WE MAY LEARN AND PUT INTO PRACTICE ALL THAT IS RIGHT AND GOOD.

Amen.

Bishop Pevec blesses all present.

AND MAY THE BLESSING OF ALMIGHTY GOD, THE FATHER + AND THE SON + AND THE HOLY SPIRIT + COME UPON YOU AND REMAIN WITH YOU FOR EVER.

Amen.

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