Written by The Maronite Church

The celebrant may choose one of these three blessings for use at the end of the solemn celebration of the Divine Mysteries.

The celebrant sings or says the following prayer of blessing and the congregation responds Amen to each petition.

Cel: O good and compassionate Lord God, as you accepted the offerings and sacrifices of Abel, the humble, Abraham, your beloved, Melchizedek, your servant, and all our ancestors in faith; as you accepted the offerings of the apostles, fathers of the Church, martyrs, and all those who believed in you; now, in your merciful kindness, accept this holy sacrifice which we have offered and grant:

Cel: forgiveness to sinners; Cong: Amen.

Cel: bread to the poor; Cong: Amen.

Cel: health to the sick; Cong: Amen.

Cel: hope to the broken hearted; Cong: Amen.

Cel: consolation to the depressed; Cong: Amen.

Cel: rest to the dead; Cong: Amen.

Cel: freedom to the imprisoned; Cong: Amen.

Cel: companionship to travelers; Cong: Amen.

Cel: guidance to those who are far away; Cong: Amen.

Cel: and protection to those who are near; Cong: Amen.

Cel: May your merciful right hand, O Lord, bless this country and this place and all who believe in you. Remove difficult times and painful affliction from them. Protect them from deadly trials and shield them from all that is harmful to their souls and bodies.

O Lord God, guide our civil leaders who believe in your name.

Forgive my own shortcomings and hose of this community, through the intercession of our Lady, the Mother of Light, Saint John the Baptizer, and all the saints, O + Father, + Son, and Holy + Spirit.

Cong: Amen.

OR

B The celebrant sings or says:

Cel: O Lord God, bless +, protect +, and sustain + us all; send your merciful kindness upon us and guide us on the path of life and salvation. Shield our brothers and sisters who are far away and protect those who are near, along with those who have participated with us in this Divine Liturgy by word or action.

May the Lord who accepted the offerings of the just of old: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, now accept your offerings, vows, alms, and tithes.

May God grant eternal rest and good memory to your deceased and blessed hope and protection to your living, through the prayers of Mary, Mother of God and Mother of life, and all the saints, now and for ever.

Cong: Amen.

OR

C The celebrant sings or says:

Cel: Beloved brothers and sisters go to your homes in peace and tranquility. May the grace given me be also given to you at all times. May it protect those who are present, as well as those who are absent, from all visible evil. May God’s mercy reach all th ose who re signed with the victorious and safeguarding cross, both the lilving and the departed.

As for me, unworthy and sinful servant that I am, I await forgiveness for my shortcomings on the day of judgement, and the assistance of your prayers for me.

May the grace of God + be upon us all, now and for ever.

Cong: Amen.