⛪ Church Petitions. Basic Concepts
Inspired by the Solemn Prayers of Good Friday
This guide explains, in simple words, nine ideas and people for whom the Catholic Church traditionally prays very solemnly on Good Friday. It is intended for families with little Christian background (whether Catholic or not).
📝 Note: we quote the core of each petition in Latin (not the entire text) and provide its meaning in English. Full formulas can be found in the indicated sources.
⛪
1) The Holy Church
In the square, a very diverse group of people shares food at a fundraiser: everyone speaks differently, but all help.
The Church is the great family of Jesus’ followers spread throughout the world; its mission is to lead us to God through faith, prayer, and good works.
Petition (Latin):
«Oremus, dilectissimi nobis, pro Ecclesia sancta Dei: ut eam… pacificare, adunare et custodire dignetur…»
Meaning in English:
«Let us pray for the holy Church, that God may grant it peace, unity, and protection throughout the earth.»
✨ Remember: The Church is a universal family called to serve and love.
👨🦳
2) The Supreme Pontiff (the Pope)
On the news, you see the Pope visiting the sick. You wonder: «Who keeps so many Christians united?»
The Pope, successor of St. Peter, encourages the faith and safeguards the unity of the Church.
Petition (Latin):
«Oremus et pro beatissimo Papa nostro N., ut Deus… salvum atque incolumem custodiat Ecclesiae suae sanctae…»
Meaning in English:
«Let us pray for the Pope, that God may preserve and support him in the service of His Church.»
✨ Remember: We pray for the one who visibly guides Christians.
🙏
3) Bishops, priests, deacons… and all God’s People
At the parish, some sing, others read, others distribute food; the priest leads the prayer. Each one contributes something.
The Church has ordained ministers (bishops, priests, and deacons) and faithful with various services. All are necessary.
Petition (Latin):
«Oremus et pro omnibus Episcopis, Presbyteris, Diaconibus… et pro omni populo sancto Dei.»
Meaning in English:
«Let us pray for all ministers and for all the holy people of God, that we may serve faithfully.»
✨ Remember: In the Church there is a diversity of tasks and one mission: to love and serve.
💧
4) Catechumens (those preparing for Baptism)
A friend tells you she wants to be baptized and starts learning to pray: she is excited and nervous.
Catechumens are those who ask for Baptism and prepare to follow Christ.
Petition (Latin):
«Oremus et pro catechumenis nostris: ut Deus… adaperiat aures praecordiorum ipsorum…»
Meaning in English:
«Let us pray for the catechumens, that God may open their hearts and lead them with joy to Baptism.»
✨ Remember: Faith begins with a “yes” that God Himself helps us to give.
🤲
5) People in need
You think of a sick neighbor and a cousin traveling: heartfelt words of intercession come to you.
We pray for those who suffer: illness, poverty, prison, dangerous journeys, or sadness.
Petition (Latin):
«Oremus… ut mundum purget erroribus: morbos auferat: famem depellat… infirmantibus sanitatem…»
Meaning in English:
«Let us ask God to remove the errors and evils of the world: to heal, deliver, provide work, health, safe return, and help to all.»
✨ Remember: God is moved by our sorrows and hears our pleas.
🔄
6) Those separated from the Catholic faith (heretics and schismatics)
On the Internet, you read debates among Christians who no longer share the same teaching or have left common communion.
The Church prays for the baptized who have departed from the truth of faith or visible unity, that they may return.
Petition (Latin):
«Oremus et pro haereticis et schismaticis: ut Deus… eruat eos ab erroribus… et ad sanctam matrem Ecclesiam revocare dignetur.»
Meaning in English:
«Let us pray for them, that God may free them from error and bring them back to the unity of the Church.»
✨ Remember: Charity seeks truth and unity, without insults or contempt.
✡️
7) The Jews (religious sense, not ethnic)
Studying the Bible, you discover that Jesus was born of the Jewish people and that the first disciples quoted the prophets.
The Church prays respectfully for the Jewish people that God may enlighten them to recognize Jesus Christ. (Today, when celebrating with the 1962 Missal, the formula revised by Benedict XVI in 2008 is used).
Petition (Latin):
«Oremus et pro Iudaeis: ut Deus… illuminet corda eorum, ut agnoscant Iesum Christum salvatorem omnium hominum.»
Meaning in English:
«Let us pray for the Jews, that God may enlighten their hearts to recognize Jesus, the Savior of all.»
✨ Remember: We ask for the salvation of all peoples.
🤔
8) Those who do not believe in God (pagans or non-believers)
You think of a classmate who believes in nothing; you decide to treat him with friendship and pray for him.
The Church prays for those who do not know God, that they may abandon what keeps them away and discover the living and true God.
Petition (Latin):
«Oremus et pro paganis: ut Deus omnipotens auferat iniquitatem a cordibus eorum… convertantur ad Deum vivum et verum…»
Meaning in English:
«Let us pray for non-believers, that God may change their hearts and draw them closer to Him.»
✨ Remember: God desires life and joy for all.
🏛️
9) Rulers and civil authorities
You hear a law on education and family being debated; you realize that, in addition to giving your opinion, it is good to pray.
We pray for rulers, that God may guide their minds and hearts toward the common good and peace.
Petition (Latin):
«Oremus et pro omnibus res publicas moderantibus… ut Deus… mentes et corda eorum… dirigat ad nostram perpetuam pacem.»
Meaning in English:
«Let us pray for those in authority, that they may promote peace, the good of families, and respect for faith.»
✨ Remember: Prayer for authorities seeks true peace and justice.
🏠 To pray at home (very simple)
1 Choose one of these intentions each day.
2 Say together: «Lord Jesus, we ask You for… (mention the intention)».
3 Keep one minute of silence.
4 Finish with an Our Father.
📚 Sources of the Latin text
(Traditional Missal / Good Friday prayers): collections of the traditional liturgy with the Latin text of the Orationes sollemnes (including the 2008 formula for the petition for the Jews).
(Traditional Missal / Good Friday prayers): collections of the traditional liturgy with the Latin text of the Orationes sollemnes (including the 2008 formula for the petition for the Jews).