Shrine to Our Lady, St James’ Kinross
Bishop Stephen joined Fr Martin Pletts and parishioners at St James’ Kinross for the Blessing of the Shrine in honour of Our Blessed Lady. Following the blessing children of the parish placed flowers at the shrine.
Bishop prayed, “On this Remembrance Day, invoking the intercession of Mary, Queen of Peace, let us pray for all our beloved dead, especially those who have died in wars and conflicts down through the ages; those who have sacrificed their own lives to secure peace and stability for their brothers and sisters.”
“With gratitude, we ask Almighty God to welcome them all into the joy of His Kingdom and to bless our world with the lasting peace which only He can give.
Bishop Stephen led the congregation in praying the ‘De Profundis’ – “Out of the depths I have cried to Thee O Lord! Lord, hear my voice. Let Thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication.”
The people responded, “If Thou, O Lord wilt mark iniquities: Lord, who shall stand it? For with Thee there is mercy: and by reason of Thy law I have waited on Thee, O Lord! Bishop: My soul hath relied on His word: my soul hath hoped in the Lord. From the morning watch even until night let Israel hope in the Lord. People: For with the Lord there is mercy; and with Him plentiful Redemption. And He will redeem Israel from all his iniquities.”
A wreath was then placed before the Shrine and small crosses placed individually in the ground around the Shrine, each represent the prayers of a family, before observing a minute’s silence.
The ceremony concluded “Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord! People: And let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.”