The Blessing of Saint Benedict Joseph Labre

Saturday, while I was waiting for pizza, I found this prayer in one of my prayer books. I decided to bring this to our Faith Formation class, for more practice on our basic prayers (Our Father, Hail Mary, etc.). Now re-reading it, seems it might come in handy…in my book, it actually says that this prayer is also good for protection from fires, but below (from online source) it says it is good for protection from thunder, lightning and earthquakes. In any case, it also reads like a shortened creed…straight to the point.

I pray for your safety and look forward to our next class...

The Blessing of Saint Benedict Joseph Labre (1748-1783)

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In June 1771, early in his career as a pilgrim recluse, Saint Benedict Joseph visited Fabriano, Italy, to venerate the relics of Saint Romuald, the founder of the Camaldolese monks. Being treated with kindness by a local family, and desiring to thank his benefactors, he wrote out in Latin this set of aspirations, drawn from, or inspired by Holy Scripture, the Creeds, the Papal Laudes, and his own piety, exhorting his hosts to pray in these words for protection against thunder, lightening and earthquake. Just a few years later, during his lifetime, a devastating earthquake did strike Fabriano, but the home of this family and the houses immediately around it stood firm and unharmed. Subsequently, copies of this "blessing" were printed and distributed at Fabriano.

Jesus Christus Rex gloriae venit in pace.
Deus homo factus est.
Verbum caro factum est.
Christus de Maria Virgine natus est.
Christus per medium illorum ibat in pace.
Christus crucifixus est.
Christus mortuus est.
Christus sepultus est.
Christus resurrexit.
Christus ascendit in coelum.
Christus vincit, Christus regnat, Christus imperat.
Christus ab omni fulgure nos defendat.
Jesus nobiscum est.
Pater noster - Ave Maria - Gloria Patri

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Jesus Christ, the King of glory, came in peace.
God was made man.
The Word was made flesh.
Christ was born of the Virgin Mary.
Christ passed through the midst of them in peace.
Christ was crucified.
Christ died.
Christ was buried.
Christ is risen.
Christ ascended into heaven.
Christ conquers, Christ reigns, Christ commands.
From every lightening bolt may Christ defend us.
Jesus is with us.
Our Father - Hail Mary - Glory be

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Saint Benedict Joseph, pray for us.

See official website HERE.