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RITE OF BLESSING FOR THE IMAGE OF

St. Anna Schäffer of Mindelstetten

The rites amnd blessings hereunto were duly patterned to the General Instructions of Roman Missal and the Rituale Romanum 1962. Under fair use, the use of a copyrighted work for purposes of criticizing, commenting, news reporting, teaching, creating researches, and other similar purposes is not an infringement of copyright. Approved for the Central Office for the Promotion of Saint Anna Schaffer in the Philippines, 2023.

A. Introduction Rites 1291 When the community has gathered, a suitable song may be sung. After the singing, the celebrant says:

In the name of the Father, and the Son, ✠ and of the Holy Spirit All make the sign of the cross and reply:

Amen. 1292 The celebrant greets those present in the following or other suitable words taken mainly from the Scripture.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the crowning glory of all the Saints, and love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. All make the following or some other suitable reply.

And with your spirit. 1293 In the following or similar words, the celebrant briefly addresses the faithful, in order to prepare them for the celebration and to explain the meaning of the rite.

My brothers and sisters, as we begin to celebrate this rite in praise of God of the unveiling of the beautiful image of Saint Anna Schaffer of Mindelstetten for public veneration, we must properly dispose and have a clear appreciation of the meaning of this celebration. When the Church blesses a picture or an image and presents it for public veneration by the faithful, it does so for the

following reasons: that we look at the representation of those who have followed Christ faithfully, we will be motivated to seek the city that is to come; that we will learn the way that will enable us most surely to attain complete union with Christ; that, as we struggle along with earthly cares, we will be mindful of the Saints, those friends and coheirs of Christ who are also our own brothers and sisters and our special benefactors that we will remember how they love us, are near us, intercede ceaselessly for us, and are joined to us in marvelous communion. Prayer of Blessing 1300 With hands outstretched, the celebrant says the prayer of blessing:

O Lord, we bless you for you alone are holy, and because of your compassion for sinners you sent into the world your Son, Jesus Christ, the author and perfecter of Holiness. He sent the spirit to sustain His newborn Chruch, a voice that teaches us the secrets of holiness, a breeze that strengthens and refreshes, a fire that sears our hearts in love, the seed of God that yields a harvest of grace. Today, we praise you for the gifts of the Holy Spirit bestowed on Saint Anna Schaffer of Mindelstetten, in whose honor we dedicate this Image and Reliquary.

May we follow in the footsteps of the Lord, keeping before us the example of Saint Anna Schaffer of Mindelstetten and grow to maturity measured not by nature, but by fullness of Christ. May we proclaim His Gospel by word and by deed and, shouldering our crosses everyday, expend ourselves for others in your services. As we carry out earthly duties, may we be filled with the Spirit of Christ and keep our eyes fixed on the glories of Heaven, where you, Father, receive those who will reign with your Son, for ever and ever. R: Amen.

1302 After the prayer for the Novena, as circumstances suggest, the celebrant or leader, if there is, may place incense in the censer and incense the image. During this time, the Hymn to Saint Anna Schaffer is to be sung.

Hymn to Saint Anna Schaffer O Humble lover of God Flower of Mindelstetten You who love the Cross of Christ, Be our companion in life. Chorus: We come to you, Saint Anna Schäffer We come to you, our beloved friend. That in sickness, poverty, and suffering We may always live for and with Jesus! Coda: O humble St. Anna Schäffer Pray for us and lead us to Jesus

Concluding Rite The Lord be with you. All make the following or some other suitable reply

And with you spirit. 1303 With hands outsretched over the people, the celebrant blesses them by saying:

Bow your heads, for the blessing: God, the crowning glory and the joy of all His Saints, has graciously given you the gift of their patronage. May He continue to bestow His blessing upon you. R: Amen The Church rejoices in serenity that you, sons and daughters of the Church, are destined to join the saints in heaven and to share their unending happiness. R. Amen Then the celebrant or leader presents:

And may almighty God bless you all, the Father, and the Son, ✠ and the Holy Spirit. R: Amen 1304 It is preferable to end the celebration with a suitable song.

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