Here is reflected the mystery of the Church:

The Church is fruitful, made holy by the blood of Christ:
a bride made radiant with his glory,
a virgin splendid in the wholeness of her faith,
a mother blessed through the power of the Spirit.

The Church is holy, your chosen vineyard:
its branches envelope the world, its tendrils,
carried on the tree of the cross, reach up to the kingdom of heaven.

The Church is favored, the dwelling place of God on earth;
a temple built of living stones,
founded on the apostles with Jesus Christ its corner stone.

The Church is exalted, a city set on a mountain:
a beacon to the whole world, bright with the glory of the Lamb,
and echoing the prayers of her saints.

Lord, send your Spirit from heaven
to make this cathedral an ever-holy place,
and this altar a ready table for the sacrifice of Christ.

Here may the waters of baptism overwhelm the shame of sin:
here may your people die to sin
and live again through your grace as your children.

Here may your children, gathered around your altar,
celebrate the memorial of the Paschal Lamb,
and be fed at the table of Christ's word and Christ's body.

Here may prayer, the Church's banquet,
resound through heaven and earth
as a plea for the world's salvation.

Here may the poor find justice,
the victims of oppression, true freedom.
From here may the whole world clothed in the dignity
of the children of God, enter with gladness your city of peace.

(From the Roman Ritual)