On Holy Family Sunday we offer this blessing for children in the womb at all the Masses.
Prayer of Blessing of a child in the Womb.
If appropriate, mothers are invited to come forward, along with the father and other family members. With hands extended, the celebrant blesses the child in the womb and all those present, in these words:
God, author of all life,
bless, we pray, this unborn child; give constant protection
and grant a healthy birth
that is the sign of our rebirth one day into the eternal rejoicing of heaven.
Lord, who have brought to this woman the wondrous joy of motherhood, grant her comfort in all anxiety and make her determined to lead her child along the ways of salvation.
For the father:
Lord of the ages,
who have singled out this man
to know the grace and pride of fatherhood,
grant him courage in this new responsibility,
and make him an example of justice and truth for this child.]
For the family:
Lord, endow this family
with sincere and enduring love
as they prepare to welcome this child into their midst.
Lord, you have put into the hearts of all men and women of good will
a great awe and wonder at the gift of new life; fill this (parish) community
with faithfulness to the teachings of the Gospel and new resolve to share
in the spiritual formation of this child in Christ our Savior,
who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen
R/. Amen.
(The prayer of blessing in the plural is included as an appendix to the Rite, for occasions in which more than one expectant mother is present. If appropriate, the celebrant, in silence, may sprinkle the parents of the unborn and any other family members present with holy water.)
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