The Lord be with you… and also with you.
(light the candle)
Christ who is the Light of the World, guide your thoughts and actions, and lighten you with love and warmth, that you may be a community of peace and acceptance, of grace and faith.
May you be as a city on a hill, a light shining for those around you, for your neighbours, for the foreigner and tourist in this city.
Remember to keep the faith, to come together in worship and fellowship, and to send out your prayers to all those whom you know and those you are yet to meet.//
Christ said: “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give you.” (Jn. 14:27)
The peace of the Lord be always with you… and also with you.
(sign of peace to those next to you)
Christ who is the Prince of Peace, fill you with concord and friendship, that you may be an example, an alternative to a world riven with competition, aggression and violence.
May you bring harmony to those around you, may you be a haven of tranquillity and calm for those haunted by life and anxious about their own purpose.
Remember our Lord’s words: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Mt. 5:9). This is a Christian’s solemn call and duty, to be an instrument of God’s love and peace.//
(pour out water)
Through baptism we are all part of the one Body of Christ; this means that even though your family, friends or loved-ones may be travelling or living far off, you are all still connected, because we are all part of the one family that is the Church, we are never alone, never away.
May you stay faithful in your community, your parish, may you keep it open and prepared for all those who will come and stay here or those who will return one day.
Remember that as Christians we are all intrinsically linked in Christ Jesus our Lord. Remember that you are connected to millions around the globe; one Lord, one Baptism, one hope, one Father of all.
Let us then pray together the prayer of all Christians which Christ Himself taught us: Our Father…//
And finally:
“The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” (Num. 6:24-26)
AMEN.