THE SERVICE FOR THE REDEDICATION OF THE NATIONAL CATHEDRAL

Iglesia Filipina Independiente

On the Occasion of the Golden Anniversary Celebration of its Blessing and Dedication
To the Honor of the Holy Child Jesus
May 8, 2019

All the ministers and congregation shall gather outside the National Cathedral Church at
the side of the parking area with each one holding a lighted candle. The doors of the
National Cathedral Church are closed with no one remaining inside. The Obispo Maximo,
with other bishops and ministers at his sides, shall stand at the center facing before the
congregation.

The Preparation
When everything is ready, the congregation shall sing an appropriate song or hymn,
after which the Obispo Maximo says the following:

Obispo Maximo: May the presence of God bless this gathering: In the name of Father,
and of the Son and and of the Holy Spirit.
People : Amen.

Obispo Maximo: Dearly beloved People of God: We have come together, by the grace
of God, to bless anew and rededicate this National Cathedral, the
Principal Church of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente. Fifty years
ago, our leaders and congregation had also gathered in this same
place to praise and thank God for the construction of this building,
and to bless and dedicate it to become the national symbol of the
life, faith and work of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente, and to serve
as the seat of the Obispo Maximo from whence his teaching,
pastoral, liturgical, oversight and primacy as the highest minister of
the Church derives and flows from. It took five years for our
predecessors to complete this building out from their gifts and
contributions, out from their pesos and pesetas, drawn out from
their hard-earned money, sourced out from their utmost love to the
Lord and his Church.

For fifty years, this building stands out to demonstrate the presence
and witness of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente to the nation and
to the world. Through these years, it has undergone major repairs
and renovation, but it continues to showcase the rich heritage and
uniqueness of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente as a Filipino
Church steeped in the tradition of justice and peace, and immersed
in the struggle of the Filipino people.

Today, we are gathered to thank God for calling us and enabling us

to participate in his work of salvation, to honor our parents in the
faith who labored hard to put up this building for us. We are here
gathered to renew our commitment to pursue the mission of the
National Cathedral in consonance to the vision of the whole Church
persistent to strive towards greater faithfulness and obedience to
our Lord Jesus as fired up by the Holy Spirit.
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People : Through the ages, God almighty has moved his people to build
houses of prayer and praise, and to set apart places for the ministry
of his holy Word and Sacraments. With gratitude for the
refurbishment of this building, we are now gathered to rededicate
and consecrate it anew in God's Name. To God be honored and
praised. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are his, now and
forever. Amen.

A brief period of silence is kept. Then the Obispo Maximo shall kindle the incense and
say the following prayer.

Obispo Maximo: Direct us, O God, in all our works by your gracious mercy, and
guide us with your perpetual help, so that in all our doings we may
begin, continue and end in you; we may glorify your blessed Name
and through your mercy may obtain life eternal in the fullness of
time for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ.
People : Amen.

The Obispo Maximo sprinkles the congregation with the Holy Water, while an
appropriate hymn is sung.

The Blessing of the Celebration Marker

After the singing of the hymn, the Obispo Maximo bishop proceeds to stand before the
“Dedication Marker.” Church officials earlier tasked to unveil the marker shall proceed to
slowly unveil the marker, after which the following prayer is said.

Obispo Maximo: Let us pray: Almighty God, we thank you for making us in your
image to share in the ordering of His world as we celebrate today the
Golden Anniversary of the Dedication of this National Cathedral, the
Principal Church of the whole Iglesia Filipina Independiente. Receive
anew the work of our hands and the symbol of our love and devotion
to the Church, which we continue to dedicate to your beloved son,
the Holy Child Jesus, and which through the years has stood and
been set apart for his worship, for the building up of the living, and
for the remembrance of the dead, to the praise and glory of his
name and to the service of your people. May it continue to become a
sacrament of your saving and renewing love to the world.
People : Amen. Amen. Amen.

The people sing the three-fold “Amen” while the Obispo Maximo sprinkles and censes
the “Celebration Marker” with the following words:

Bishop : May this marker remind us always the purpose and meaning of this
place of worship as being the National Cathedral Church of the
Iglesia Filipina Independiente: In the Name of God: Father, Son and
Holy Spirit.
People : Amen.

In here the people applaud, the band play, the bells are rung, and the event balloons
and pigeons are released.
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The Blessing of the Exterior of the Cathedral
The bishops assigned to bless the exterior of the National Cathedral take their position.
The Obispo Maximo says the following prayer:

Obispo Maximo: Bless O God the exterior and surrounding of this National Cathedral
Church; dispel the works of darkness and send away the evil spirits
from here: In the Name of God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
People : Amen.

The bishops proceed to bless and incense the exterior of the National Cathedral. An
appropriate hymn is sung while the blessing is going on.

The Entry to the National Cathedral

After the blessing, the Obispo Maximo and all other ministers go to the maindoor and
facing it he says the following:

Obispo Maximo: Let us pray: Almighty God, you have built your Church upon the
foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being
the chief cornerstone: Grant us so to be joined together in unity of
spirit by their teaching, that we may be made a holy temple
acceptable to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord who lives and
reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
People : Amen.

The Obispo Maximo holds his pastoral staff and knocks on the door three times saying
the following:

Obispo Maximo: Let the door be opened. (The door is opened. With the pastoral staff
the Obispo Maximo marks the threshold with the sign of the cross
saying) Peace be to this house, and to all who enter here: In the
Name of God: the Father +, the Son +, and the Holy Spirit +.
People : Amen.

The Obispo Maximo proceeds to the other maindoor and do the same procedure. He then
invites the congregation to enter into the church building and to proceed to their seats.
An appropriate hymn is sung while the Obispo Maximo enters together with other
bishops and ministers who shall directly proceed to their respective seats. The people
shall put off their lighted candles.

The Blessing of the Interior of the Cathedral

After the singing, the Obispo Maximo, with his deacons, now standing at the center
facing towards the congregation says the following prayer. The congregation shall all
stand throughout the prayer.

Obispo Maximo: Our help is in the Name of the Lord.

People : The maker of heaven and earth.

Obispo Maximo: Let us pray: Everliving Father, watchful and caring, our source and
our end: All that we are and all that we have is yours. Accept us
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now, as we rededicate this place to which we come to praise your
Name, to ask your forgiveness, to know your healing power, to hear
your Word, and to be nourished by the Body and Blood of your Son.
Be present always to guide and to judge, to illuminate and to bless
your people.

Lord Jesus Christ, make this a temple of your presence and a house
of prayer. Be always near us when we seek you in this place. Draw
us to you, when we come alone and when we come with others, to
find comfort and wisdom, to be supported and strengthened, to
rejoice and give thanks. May it be here, Lord Christ, that we are
made one with you and with one another, so that our lives are
sustained and sanctified for your service.

Holy Spirit, open our eyes, our ears, and our hearts, that we may
grow closer to you through joy and through suffering. Be with us in
the fullness of your power as new members are added to your
household, as we grow in grace through the years, when we are
joined in marriage, when we turn to you in sickness or special need,
and, at the last, when we are committed into the Father's hands.

Now, O Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, sanctify this place;

People : For everything in heaven and on earth is yours.

Obispo Maximo: Yours, O Lord, is the kingdom;

People : And you are exalted as head over all. Amen.

The bishops tasked to bless the interior of the National Cathedral take their position.
The Obispo Maximo says the following words:

Obispo Maximo: Bless O God the interior and hallows of this National Cathedral
Church; dispel the works of darkness and send away the evil spirits
from here: In the Name of God: the Father, the Son and the Holy
Spirit.
People : Amen.

The bishops proceed to bless and incense the interior of the National Cathedral. An
appropriate hymn is sung while the blessing is going on.

The Reading of the Declaration of the National Cathedral

After the blessing and singing of the hymn, the congregation shall take their seats, and
the Obispo Maximo causes the reading of the Declaration of the National Cathedral. The
General Secretary reads the Declaration of the Appointment and Dedication of the
National Cathedral Church. After the reading, the document is handed to the Obispo
Maximo who in turn places the document on the altar [Beforehand, the Declaration of the
Appointment of the Cathedral Church is imprinted on a wood or steel and remains on the
altar placed beneath the altar vestments upon which the sacred vessels are placed
upon]. He faces the congregation and invites them to prayer. The congregation shall
stand.
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Obispo Maximo: We bless your Name, O God, for you have moved and inspired the
hearts of your people to determine and set apart this church
building for your honor and worship. May all who enter here give
thanks to you through the proper use of this house for prayer,
praise and worship in you, to glorify your blessed Name through
Jesus Christ our Lord.
People : Amen.

The Blessing of the Icon of Birhen sa Balintawak

The Obispo Maximo proceeds to stand before the icon of Birhen sa Balintawak and say
the following prayer after the said icon is unveiled. All shall face towards the direction of
the icon.

Obispo Maximo: Almighty and everlasting God, we offer you this work of human hand
to represent the Blessed Virgin Mary with your son, the Holy Child
Jesus. We pray you to bless and hallow this icon, and grant that as
often as we look upon it, we shall be reminded of the holy examples
of the Blessed Virgin Mary and see her resemblances with our eyes
the calling of our Church out from the womb of the rich history of
our nation, in the nationalist and revolutionary tradition of the
struggling people. Enable us to continue to live up to our calling and
pursue our vocation with faithfulness and obedience in heart.
People : Amen.

The Obispo Maximo censes and sprinkes the icon with the Holy Water. The congregation
demonstrate their gratitude with rounds of applause.

The Blessing of the Icon of St. Joseph the Worker

The Obispo Maximo proceeds to stand before the icon of St. Joseph the Worker and say
the following prayer after the said icon is unveiled. All shall face towards the direction of
the icon.

Obispo Maximo : Almighty and everlasting God, we offer you this work of human
hand to represent St. Joseph the Worker with your son, the Holy
Child Jesus. We pray you to blesss and hallow this icon, that all
who behold it with devotion may have the strength to follow his holy
example and see the favour you granted to elevate manual work and
labor for your purpose. Enable us to recognize our roots as a
Church with the workers and labourers of our land, and fill us with
your Holy Spirit that we may persist to advocate for the cause and
struggle of the working class in our midst.
People : Amen.

The Obispo Maximo censes and sprinkes the icon with the Holy Water. The congregation
demonstrate their gratitude with rounds of applause.

The Blessing of the Kathedra

The Obispo Maximo then proceeds to the bishop’s seat for the blessing of the same. The
Obispo Maximo lays a hand upon it, and says the following prayer:
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Obispo Maximo: O God our heavenly Father, you have called the chief minister of the
Church – the Obispo Maximo – to become the chief spiritual leader
of your people in worship and service and to lead them in faithful
witness to your will and in consistent pursuit of your work; to
become the focus of unity, pastor of the flock, teacher of faith,
leader of mission and preacher of your word. Govern all whom you
have called and appointed as Obispo Maximo of this Church who
shall sit upon this throne. Fill them with your grace and power.
Grant that this throne may become the symbol of the bishop’s
authority and ministry as the chief pastor, priest and teacher among
his people and that he may always be listened as evangelist and
prophet.

For your will is the throne of justice and wisdom

People : And the majesty is your glory.

Bishop : We dedicate this bishop’s throne in the Name of God: the Father,
the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
People : Amen.

The Obispo Maximo anoints with the chrism, censes and sprinkles the bishop’s throne
with Holy Water.

The Blessing of the Baptismal Font

Then the Obispo Maximo proceeds to the Baptismal Font, lays a hand upon it, and says
the following prayer. The congregation face the Baptismal Font.

Obispo Maximo: Father, we thank you that through the waters of Baptism we die to
sin and are made new in Christ. Grant through our Spirit that those
baptized here may enjoy the liberty and splendor of the children of
God.

There is one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism

People : One God and Father of all.

Obispo Maximo: We dedicate this Font in the Name of God: the Father, the Son, and
the Holy Spirit.
People : Amen.

The Obispo Maximo anoints with the chrism, censes and sprinkles the baptismal font
with Holy Water.

The Blessing of the Lectern

The Obispo Maximo proceeds to the lectern, lays a hand upon it, and says the following
prayer:

Obispo Maximo: Father, your eternal Word speaks to us through the words of Holy
Scripture. Here we read about your mighty acts and purposes in
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history, and about those whom you chose as the agents of your
will. Inspired by the revelation of your Son, we seek your present
purposes. Give us ears to hear and hearts to obey.

May the words of our mouth, and the meditation of our heart,
People : Be acceptable to you, O Lord our God.

Obispo Maximo: We dedicate this lectern in the Name of God: the Father, the Son,
and the Holy Spirit.
People : Amen.

The Obispo Maximo anoints with the chrism, censes and sprinkles the lectern with Holy
Water.

The Blessing of the Pulpit

The Obispo Maximo goes to the pulpit, lays a hand upon it, and says the following
prayer:

Obispo Maximo: Father, in every age you have spoken through the voices of
prophets, pastors, and teachers. Purify the lives and the lips of
those who speak here, that your word only may be proclaimed, and
your word only may be heard.

Your word is a lantern to our feet,

People : And a light upon our path.

Obispo Maximo: We dedicate this pulpit in the Name of God: the Father, the Son,
and the Holy Spirit.
People : Amen.

The Obispo Maximo anoints with the chrism, censes and sprinkles the pulpit with
Holy Water, after which he proceeds to his place and the congregation shall take their
seats for the readings of the Scriptures.

The First Reading (OT): 2 Samuel 6:12-15, 17-19

The Psalm: Psalm 84

The Second Reading (NT): 1 Peter 2:1-9

The Gospel Matthew 21:10-14

The Sermon The Revd Dr. Winfred Vergara

The Episcopal Church
Canon Missioner, Asian American Ministry

The Nicene Creed

The Obispo Maximo, with his deacons, stands at the center of the chancel and leads the
congregation in reciting the Nicene Creed.
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Obispo Maximo: With one voice, let us together confess the faith we received and
taught

All : We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven
and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally
begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God
from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father.
Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven: By the power of the Holy Spirit he
became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man. For
our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death
and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with
the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right
hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living
and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who
proceeds from the Father. With the Father and the Son, he is
worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. We
believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge
one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection
of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

The Prayers of the People

The deacons proceed to take their place in the midst of the congregation to lead the
Prayers of the People. In the course of the silences after each bidding, the people offer
their own prayers, either silently or aloud.

Deacon : I ask your prayers for God's people throughout the world; for Rhee,
our Obispo Maximo, and for all our bishops; for this gathering; and
for all ministers and people. Pray for the Church.

Silence
Lord, in your mercy.
People : Hear our prayer.

Deacon : I ask your prayers for peace; for goodwill among nations; and for the
well-being of all people. Pray for justice and peace.

Silence
Lord, in your mercy.
People : Hear our prayer.

Deacon : I ask your prayers for the poor, the sick, the hungry, the oppressed,
and those in prison. Pray for those in any need or trouble.

Silence
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Lord, in your mercy.
People : Hear our prayer.

Deacon : I ask your prayers for all who seek God, or a deeper knowledge of
him. Pray that they may find and be found by him.

Silence
Lord, in your mercy.
People : Hear our prayer.

Deacon : I ask your prayers for the departed especially Gregorio, Gerardo,
Santiago, Isabelo Jr., Macario, Soliman, Tito, Alberto and Tomas. Pray
for those who have died.

Silence
Lord, in your mercy.
People : Hear our prayer.

Deacon : Praise God for those in every generation in whom Christ has been
honored, especially St. Mary, the mother of the Lord Jesus and the
first among the saints, and St. Joseph the Worker. Pray that we may
have grace to glorify Christ in our own day.

Silence
Lord, in your mercy.
People : Hear our prayer.

After a period of silence, the Obispo Maximo concludes the Prayers of the People with the
following prayers:

Obispo Maximo: Almighty God, all times are your seasons, and all occasions invite
your tender mercies: Accept our prayers and intercessions offered in
this place today and in the days to come; through Jesus Christ, our
Mediator and Advocate.
People : Amen.

Obispo Maximo : We give you thanks, O God, for the gifts of your people, and for the
work of many hands, which have beautified this place and furnished
it for the celebration of your holy mysteries. Accept and bless all we
have done, and grant that in these earthly things we may behold the
order and beauty of things heavenly; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
People : Amen.

The Setting Apart of the Table

The Obispo Maximo goes to the altar table and invites the congregation for its setting
apart.

Obispo Maximo: Let us now pray for the renewal of the setting apart of this Altar.
(With arms extended, the Obispo Maximo says)
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We praise you, almighty and eternal God, that for us and for our
salvation, you sent your Son Jesus Christ to be born among us, that
through him we might become your sons and daughters.
People : Blessed be your Name, Lord God.

Obispo Maximo: We praise you for his life on earth, and for his death upon the cross,
through which he offered himself as a perfect sacrifice.
People : Blessed be your Name, Lord God.

Obispo Maximo: We praise you for raising him from the dead, and for exalting him to
be our great High Priest.
People : Blessed be your Name, Lord God.

Obispo Maximo: We praise you for sending your Holy Spirit to make us holy, and to
unite us in your holy Church.
People : Blessed be your Name, Lord God.

The Obispo Maximo here imprints with his thumb the sign of the cross using the Holy
Water on five points of the altar table. He then lays his hands on the table and in loud
voice says the prayer:

Obispo Maximo: Lord God, hear us. Sanctify this Table rededicated to you. Let it be
to us a continuing sign of the heavenly Altar where your saints and
angels praise you for ever. Accept here the continual recalling of the
sacrifice of your Son. Grant that all who eat and drink at this holy
Table may be fed and refreshed by his flesh and blood, be forgiven
for their sins, united with one another, and strengthened for your
service.
People : Blessed be your Name, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; now and for
endless ages. Amen.

The Obispo Maximo here imprints with his thumb the sign of the cross using the Oil of
Baptism on five points of the altar table. He then censes the altar table. After the
censing, the Obispo Maximo intones the “Gloria” for the singing of all in the congregation.
All the bells are rung and music instruments are played. The altar is then vested, and
the vessels and altar candles are placed on it.

The Exchange of Peace

The Obispo Maximo, with his deacons, returns to the center of the chancel for the
exchange of peace. He then says to the people

Obispo Maximo: The peace of the Lord be always with you.

People : And also with you.

Then the Obispo Maximo and bishops and other clergy and the people greet one another.
After the exchange of peace, the offertory follows with the following words:

Obispo Maximo: I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to
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present yourselves as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to
God, which is your spiritual worship. (Romans 12:1)

The Offertory
The service continues with the Offertory. The table is prepared and the offerings are
collected. When everything is ready, all shall stand and the offertory procession shall
take place. The Obispo Maximo receives the offering and says the following:

Obispo Maximo: Holy Father, through the blood of your dear Son you have
consecrated for us a new and living way to your throne of grace. We
come to you through him, unworthy as we are, humbly asking you
to accept us and these our gifts for your glory.
People : All that is in heaven and earth is yours. And of your own do we give
you. Amen.

The Obispo Maximo sprinkles the offering bearers, after which the incense is offered.
During the censing a hymn is sung. The people remain standing.

The Great Thanksgiving

The assigned concelebrants join with the Obispo Maximo at the altar for the second part
of the service.

Obispo Maximo: Pray, brothers and sisters, that our sacrifice may be acceptable to
God the Father Almighty.
People : May the Lord receive our sacrifice, for the praise and glory of his
Name, for our good, and that of all his Church.

Concelebrants : The merciful goodness of the Lord endures for ever and ever on
those who fear him and his righteousness from generation to
generation.
People : Even on those who keep his covenant, and remember his
commandments and do them.

Concelebrants : The Lord has set his throne in heaven; and his kingship has
dominion over all.
People : Praise the Lord, you angels of his; you mighty ones who do his
bidding, and listen to the voice of his word.

Concelebrants : Praise the Lord, all you his hosts, you ministers of his who do his
will.
People : Praise the Lord, all you who works of his; in all places of his
dominion, Praise the Lord.

Concelebrants : The Lord be with you.

People : And also with you.

Concelebrants : Lift up your hearts.

People : We lift them up to the Lord.
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Concelebrants : Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People : It is right to give him thanks and praise.

Concelebrants : It is truly right, it is our duty and our joy, always and everywhere to
give thanks to you, O Lord, holy Father, almighty, everlasting God.

Through Jesus Christ our great High Priest, in whom we are built
up as living stones of a holy temple, that we might offer before you a
sacrifice of praise and prayer which is holy and pleasing in your
sight.

Therefore, with angels and archangels, and with all the company of
heaven, we joyfully proclaim your glory, evermore praising you and
saying:

All : Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are
full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes
in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

Concelebrants : All glory is yours, almighty God, heavenly Father, for of your love
and mercy you gave your only Son Jesus Christ to take our nature
upon him, and to suffer death upon the cross for our redemption.
He made there, by the one offering of himself, a full and perfect
sacrifice for the whole world; and he instituted and commanded us
to continue a memorial of his precious death and sacrifice until his
coming again.

Obispo Maximo: For in the night in which he was betrayed, he took bread; and when
he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples
and said: “Take, eat, this is my Body which is given for you: Do this
to remember me”. After supper he took the cup; and when he had
given thanks, he gave it to them and said: “Drink this, all of you; for
this is my Blood of the New Covenant which is poured out for you
and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do
this to remember me.”

Obispo Maximo : Let us therefore proclaim the mystery of faith.

All : Christ had died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again!

Concelebrants : Therefore, Lord and heavenly Father, we your humble servants

celebrate the memorial your Son commanded: having in
remembrance his blessed passion and precious death, his mighty
resurrection and glorious ascension, and looking for his coming in
glory, we offer you this Bread of Life and this Cup of Salvation. And
with these gifts we offer ourselves, asking you to accept upon your
heavenly altar, this our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving.

Obispo Maximo: Gracious Father, by the power of your Holy Spirit, bless and sanctify
this Bread and Wine, that they may be us the most precious Body
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and Blood of your Son Jesus Christ. May all who receive this Holy
Communion be filled with your grace and heavenly blessing, and be
made one body with him, that he may dwell in us and we in him.
And although we are not worthy to offer any sacrifice, yet we ask
you to accept this our duty and service. Through Jesus Christ our
Lord; by him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy
Spirit, all honour and glory is yours, O Father Almighty, now and
forever.
People : Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

The people shall kneel. And silence is kept for a time. Then the Obispo Maximo shall say

Obispo Maximo: As our Saviour Christ has taught us, with confidence we pray.
All : Our Father in heaven, holy be your Name, your kingdom come, your
will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Do not
bring us to the test but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the
power and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.

The Breaking of Bread

Here the concelebrants break the Bread, after which the Obispo Maximo shall lead the
people in saying or singing the following

Obispo Maximo: Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us; Therefore, let us
keep the feast. Alleluia.

The Invitation to Communion

The Obispo Maximo, lifting up the Bread and Cup, invites the people to communion, by
saying the following:

Obispo Maximo: The gifts of God for the people of God: Take them in remembrance
that Christ gives himself for you, and feed on him in your hearts by
faith with thanksgiving.

The Obispo Maximo takes his communion and distributes communion to the
concelebrants; then the assigned ministers before giving the communion to the people.

The Prayer after Communion

When all have received the Communion, the congregation shall stand and the Obispo
Maximo goes to the center of the chancel and leads the people and ministers say
together the prayer

Obispo Maximo: The Lord be with you.

People : And also with you.

Obispo Maximo: Let us pray.

All : Eternal God, heavenly Father, you have graciously accepted us as
living members of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, and you have
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fed us with spiritual food in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood.
Send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and
courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart;
through Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Messages
All shall take their seats and listen to the messages from the ecumenical partners. The
Obispo Maximo gives his Message for the Occasion. After the giving of messages, the
congregation shall stand and the choir leads the singing of an appropriate hymn.

The Blessing
The Obispo Maximo stands at the center of the chancel. All shall remain standing to
receive the blessing.

Obispo Maximo: May this gathering of God’s people, members of the body of the Lord
Jesus, dwelling place of the Holy Spirit, and heirs of his Kingdom be
a testament to the fidelity and obedience of our corporate vocation.
People : Our common baptism unites us to the one faith, one Lord, and one
mission.

Obispo Maximo: May the resurrected Jesus continue to meet us in our day to day
life, and invite us to seek him among our people especially those
who are in need and marginalized.
People : His voice continues to summon us to follow him as the good
shepherd, leading us to the way of truth and life.

Obispo Maximo : May God almighty whose glory raise the Lord Jesus from the dead
give us the strength to continue to journey towards him, and give us
the joy and courage in the faith.
People : And this National Cathedral be the sign of our continuing
commitment to become faithful witnesses as fired up by the Holy
Spirit.

Obispo Maximo: May God almighty, through the glorious resurrection of the Lord
Jesus, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, give us his blessing of
peace and justice. And the blessing of God almighty: the Father, the
Son and the Holy Spirit, be ever upon you and remain with you
always.
People : Amen.

The Dismissal
While standing the Obispo Maximo leads the dismissal by saying with the following
words:

Obispo Maximo: The Lord be with you.

People : And also with you.

Deacon : Through the hope and guidance of God’s word and most importantly
with the assurance of God’s grace through the sacrament of the
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Body and Blood of Christ, let us go in peace to love and serve the
Lord towards faithful witness fired up by the Holy Spirit. Allelluia.
Allelluia. Allelluia.
People : Thanks be to God. Allelluia. Alleluia. Allelluia.

The Closing Hymn

An appropriate hymn for the recessional is sung, and the Obispo Maximo together with
other bishops and ministers process out.