Liturgical Information
Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica

Themes & Motives: Church, our ties to Rome, glory, holiness, joy, dwelling-place of God, people of God

Introit:
I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, like a bride adorned in readiness for her husband. (Revelation 21:2)

Opening Prayer:
God our Father,
from living stones, your chosen people,
you built an eternal temple to your glory.
Increase the spiritual gifts you have given to your Church,
so that your faithful people may continue to grow
into the new and eternal Jerusalem.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

• Ezekiel 47:1-2,8-9,12 [I saw water flowing from the right side of the temple. /v.1]
• Psalm 46:2-3 / 5-6 / 8-9 [R. The waters of the river gladden the city of God, the holy dwelling of the Most High. /v.5]
• I Corinthians 3:9c-11,16-17 [You are God's building, the temple of God. /v.9,17]
• Gospel Verse: II Chronicles 7:16 [I have chosen and consecrated this house, says the Lord, that my name may be there forever.]
• John 2:13-22 [Jesus was speaking of the temple of His body. /v.21]

Prayer over the Gifts:
Lord,
receive our gifts.
May we who share this sacrament
experience the life and power it promises,
and hear the answer to our prayers.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord. Amen.

Preface of Dedication of a Church II: Anniversary of the Dedication. B. Celebration in Other Churches [The Mystery of the Church, the Bride of Christ and the Temple of the Holy Spirit]
Father, all-powerful and ever-living God,
we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks.

Your house is a house of prayer,
and your presence makes it a place of blessing.
You give us grace upon grace
to build the temple of your Spirit,
creating its beauty from the holiness of our lives.

Your house of prayer
is also the promise of the Church in heaven.
Here your love is always at work,
preparing the Church on earth
for its heavenly glory
as the sinless bride of Christ,
the joyful mother of a great company of saints.

Now, with the saints and all the angels
we praise you for ever:

  Holy, holy, holy Lord...

Communion Antiphon:
Like living stones let yourselves be built on Christ as a spiritual house, a holy priesthood. (I Peter 2:5)

Prayer after Communion:
Father,
you make your Church on earth
a sign of the new and eternal Jeruslem.
By sharing in this sacrament
may we become the temple of your presence
and the home of your glory.
Grant this in the name of Jesus the Lord. Amen.