Cardinal celebrates 'Lord of the Miracles,' prayers for protection of the family

Lima, Peru, Oct 19, 2010 / 13:05 pm

Cardinal Juan Luis Cipriani prayed to the Lord of the Miracles for the protection of the unborn and the family during an Oct. 18 Mass in Lima, Peru.

The entire month of October is dedicated to the devotion of the Lord of the Miracles in Peru.  The famous image has been venerated in the country for over 350 years.

Each October, thousands of Peruvians travel to the country’s capital to participate in the processions through the city's streets.

In his homily, the cardinal urged Catholics to always always defend life. “Lord of Miracles, make us strong people of faith who put it into practice” in order to fight for the unborn.

The cardinal also encouraged parents to assume their roles as educators of their children, in keeping with the vows they made at the altar to “baptize their children upon birth and raise them in the faith.”

“Dear parents, it can  be done. The family can be upheld as the main place where children” learn about the “faith from a young age.”

“May the Lord of Miracles lead children on the path of faith,” he said.

Cardinal Cipriani prayed, “May our life of faith be put into practice.” He encouraged “a life of prayer, in which each one of us lifts up his heart, contemplates Jesus, prays for his blessing, protection, forgiveness, and thanks him for life and the family.”