August 15, 2016

(Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary)

Most Holy and Immaculate Virgin Mary tender Mother of alt during this Jubilee Year of Mercy we consecrate the Diocese of Boise, the State of ldaho—its land and people—to your Immaculate Heart.

We ask you to intercede with your Son Jesus to bless Idaho. May every field, stream, valley, mountain, lake and desert and all the creatures that inhabit this beautiful state be entrusted to your care and protection. May the natural beauty of this land witness to God's love for us and draw all people to your Son Jesus. May the fruits of the land, the birds of the air, and the animals in the fields bring forth a bountiful harvest for all the people.

Coming from every background and walk of life, we ask you to bless every person who calls Idaho their earthly home. And as we gather here in Cataldo, at the Mission of the Sacred Heart, with its great history and symbolism1 we ask for your special blessing upon the native people of the Coeur d'Alene Tribe who are the first caretakers of this great land and hearers of God's Word. We also honor the memory of the Black Robes, like Fathers Peter DeSmet, Anthony Ravalli, Joseph Joset, and Joseph Cataldo, who proclaimed "with the words of their mouths" the Good News of Jesus Christ.

May you protect each and every person and family who lives in Idaho. We ask for your intercession for their daily needs and the necessities of life. Dedicate us to the important work of defending the most vulnerable and the poor among us. Teach us your own preferential love for the little and the poor, for the unwanted and the suffering, for sinners and the downhearted: bring everyone under your loving protection.

Oh Queen, standing at the right hand of Our Lord, arrayed in Gold, watch over our minds and hearts. Enkindle in our hearts and homes the love of purity, the practice of a virtuous life, an ardent zeal to bring souls to you, and an even deeper desire to pray with you for the needs of our Diocese.

Watch over and protect me, your unworthy servant, Bishop of this Diocese, all of the priests and deacons and all the religious. Help us to strive for personal holiness as we work to build your Kingdom. Hold all of our lives in your arms: bless and strengthen every desire for good; revive and nourish faith; sustain and enlighten hope; awaken and animate charity; guide all of us along the path of holiness.

Wrap everyone in this Diocese in your mantle of protection against the Evil One and please accept our entrustment, dearest Mother, on this the feast of your Assumption. We ask you to use us as you wish and walk with us on our pilgrim journey in this life towards your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

0 Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you!

Amen.