christmas novena
Prayers for the Novena in preparation for The Birth of Christ
16 December - 24 December
Including Prayers for
Christmas Day 25th December
The Holy Family of Jesus Mary & Joseph 1st January
The Epiphany of the Lord 6th January
Simbang Gabi & Misa de Gallo
These are some simple prayers which are design to encourage you in your preparation for Christmas. Each day has a Call to Worship or welcome. Followed by a Reading, a Psalm, and a Gospel. Pause briefly between each reading. There is then time for quite Reflection & Sharing. This is followed by Intercessions or Petitions where everyone can ask for prayers for their special needs. The Leader may encourage shipmates to share their petitions aloud and allow them time to do so. Finally there is a Concluding Prayer. If time does not permit for everything to be used then just select what you have time for.
These guidelines have been developed by the Apostleship of the Sea in collaboration with Noemi Castillo, Special Assistant to the Office for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Refugees Pacific/Asian Apostolate to encourage Seafarers' celebration of Christ's birth in a more traditional and meaningful way. In additional to the Novena in preparation for Christmas there are prayers for Christmas Day, The Feast of the Holy Family & The Feast of Kings. The time of celebration need not be restricted to daybreak.
December 16 - Day 1
Come, Lord Jesus, Come
Call to Worship
Leader: May the Lord be with us.
All: And all who sail the oceans blue.
Leader: Shout with joy and make ready, for the Lord is near.
Reading - Isaiah 54:6 - 7
The Lord calls you back, like a wife forsaken and grieved in spirit, a wife married in youth and then cast off, says your God. For a brief moment I abandoned you, but with great tenderness I will take you back.
The Word of God. All: Thanks be to God.
Responsorial Psalm.
Leader: God, let all the nations praise you.
All: God, let all the nations praise you.
Leader: God, be gracious and bless us.
All: God, let all the nations praise you.
Leader: Let your face shed its light upon us
All: God, let all the nations praise you.
Leader: With fairness you rule us, you guide the nations on earth
All: God, let all the nations praise you.
Reading - Luke 7:24-27
When the messengers of John had set off, Jesus began to speak about him to the crowds. "What did you go out to see in the desert - a reed swayed by the wind? What, really, did you go out to see those who dress in luxury and eat in splendor are to be found in royal palaces. Then what did you go out to see - a prophet? He is that, I assure you, and something more. This is the man of whom Scripture says, I send my messenger ahead of you to prepare your way before you."
The Gospel of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God
Reflection: A period of quiet time could follow the Scripture readings or, each could share a memory of Christmas past, or how the Lord has spoken to them through the Scripture readings.
Intercessions
Leader: Let us ask our loving and merciful God to hear and answer the petitions we now place before Him.
Petitions may now be offered out loud or in the silence of each heart.
Concluding Prayer
All: Merciful and loving God, we await your coming, and open our hearts to receive Jesus. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Amen.
December 17 - Day 2
Jesus, Son of God And Son Of Mary
Call to Worship
Leader: May the Lord be with us.
All: And all who sail the oceans blue.
Leader: We rejoice with you Mary, Star of the Sea, and mother of our Lord.
Reading - Genesis 49:1-2,8
Jacob called his sons and said: "Gather around, that I may tell you what is to happen to you in days to come." Assemble and listen, sons of Jacob, listen to Israel, your father. You Judah, shall your brothers praise.
The Word of God. All: Thanks be to God.
Responsorial Psalm.
Leader: Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace forever.
All: Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace forever.
Leader: He shall defend the afflicted and save the children of the poor.
All: Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace forever.
Leader: May he rule from sea to sea, and from the ends of the earth.
All: Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace forever.
Leader: May his name be blessed forever,
All: Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace forever.
Reading - Matthew 1: 1, 16
A family record of Jesus Christ, son of David, son of Abraham. Jacob was the father of Joseph the husband of Mary. It was of her that Jesus who is called the Messiah was born.
The Gospel of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God.
Reflection: Shipmates may want to share a memory of their past Family Christmas, or simply spend time in quiet meditation
Intercessions
Leader: Mary, Star of the Sea, intercede for us.
Petitions may now be offered out loud or in the silence of each heart.
Concluding Prayer
All: 0 Virgin Mary, we honor your glorious memory and ask that you join your prayer to ours so that one day, we too may share in the fullness of the Lord's grace. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Amen
December 18 Day 3
Mighty God, Prince Of Peace
Call to Worship
Leader: May the Lord be with us.
All: And all who sail the oceans blue.
Leader: The virgin shall be with child, and give birth to a son, and they shall call him Emmanuel.
Reading - Jeremiah 23:5-6
Behold, the days are come says the Lord, when I will raise up a righteous shoot to David; As king he shall reign and govern wisely, he shall do what is just and right in the land. In his days Judah shall be saved, Israel shall dwell in security. This is the name they give him: The Lord our Justice.
The Word of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God.
Responsorial Psalm.
Leader: Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace forever.
All: Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace forever.
Leader: He shall govern your people with justice.
All: Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace forever.
Leader: He shall rescue the poor man when he cries out.
All: Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace forever.
Leader: Blessed forever be his glorious name
All: Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace forever.
Reading - Matthew 1: 18-21
Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the power of the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, an upright man unwilling to expose her to the law, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when suddenly the angel of the Lord appeared in a dream and said: Joseph, son of David, have no fear about taking Mary as your wife. It is by the Holy Spirit that she has conceived this child. She is to have a son and you are to name him Jesus because he will save his people from their sins.
The Gospel of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God.
Reflection: Shipmates may want to share a memory of their past Family Christmas, or simply spend time in quiet meditation
Intercessions
Leader: Help us O Lord to follow the example of Joseph and listen; your will be done.
Petitions may now be offered out loud or in the silence of each heart.
Concluding Prayer
All: Come Lord Jesus, we await and welcome your birth in our heart. May the love we show one and other, he seen by all we meet as a small reflection of your love for us. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Amen.
December 19 Day 4
Listen Children To Good News
Call to Worship
Leader: May the Lord be with us.
All: And all who sail the oceans blue.
Leader: The angel Gabriel said, I stand in attendance before God. I was sent by Him to bring you Good News.
Reading - Judges 13:2-3, 24
There was a certain man from Zorah, of the clan of the Danites, whose name was Manoah. His wife was barren and had borne no children. An angel of the Lord appeared to the woman and said to her, though you are barren and have had no children, yet you will conceive and bear a son. The woman bore a son and named him Samson The boy grew up and the Lord blessed him.
The Word of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God.
Responsorial Psalm
Leader: Fill me with your praise and I will sing your glory.
All: Fill me with your praise and I will sing your glory.
Leader: Be my rock of refuge, a stronghold to give me safety.
All: Fill me with your praise and I will sing your glory.
Leader: You are my hope O Lord, on you I depend
All: Fill me with your praise and I will sing your glory.
Leader: I will speak of your mighty works and proclaim your wondrous deeds.
All: Fill me with your praise and I will sing your glory.
Reading - Luke 1:5-7,13
In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah of the priestly class of Abijah; his wife was a descendant of Aaron and Elizabeth. They were childless, for Elizabeth was sterile; moreover, both were advanced in years. Once when fulfilling his functions as a priest, an angel appeared to him and said: Do not be frightened, Zechariah, your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth shall bear a son whom you shall name John.
The Gospel of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God.
Reflection: God bestows blessings upon us all, He makes the impossible possible small and large miracles are witnessed by many. Perhaps some time could be taken to share experiences.
Intercessions
Leader: We are all sons and daughters of God. Hear us, your children as call on your name.
Petitions may now be offered out loud or in the silence of each heart.
Concluding Prayer
All: Bring us to new life as you brought new life to Zechariah and Elizabeth. Glory he to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Amen.
December 20 Day 5
With God, All Things Are Possible
Call to Worship
Leader: May the Lord be with us
All: And all who sail the oceans blue.
Leader: Let us rejoice and proclaim His wondrous deeds.
Reading - Isaiah 7: 10
The Lord said to Ahaz: Ask for a sign from the Lord, your God; let it be deep as the nether world, or high as the sky
The Word of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God.
Responsorial psalm
Leader: Let the Lord enter, He is the King of glory.
All: Let the Lord enter, He is the King of glory.
Leader: The Lord's are the earth and its fullness; the world and those who dwell in it. For he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers.
All: Let the Lord enter, He is the King of glory.
Reading - Luke 1:26-38
In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man name Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. Upon arriving, the messenger said to her; "Rejoice, O highly favored daughter! The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women." You shall conceive and bear a son and give him the name Jesus. Mary said to the angel, "How can this be since I do not know man?" The angel answered her: "The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; the holy offspring to be born will be called Son of God.
The Gospel of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God.
Reflection: Mary was asked to be the mother of God what is God asking of us?
Intercessions
Leader: Jesus our brother, hear us as we pray for our needs and the needs of our families.
Petitions may now be offered out loud or in the silence of each heart.
Concluding Prayer
All: Come Holy Spirit and fill the hearts of your faithful, enkindle in us the fire of your love, and you will renew the face of the earth. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Amen..
December 21 Day 6
Shout For Joy, Be Glad and Exult with All Your Heart
Call to Worship
Leader: May the Lord be with us. All: And all who sail the oceans blue.
Leader: The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst, you have no further misfortune to fear.'
Reading - Zephaniah 3:17-18
The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty savior; He will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his love. He will sing joyfully because of you, as one sings at festivals.
The Word of God. All: Thanks be to God.
Responsorial Psalm
Leader: Sing a new song to the Lord
All: Sing a new song to the Lord.
Leader: Give thanks to the Lord on the harp, sing to him a new song
All: Sing a new song to the Lord.
Leader: Our soul waits for the Lord, who is our help and our shield.
All: Sing a new song to the Lord.
Leader: For in him our hearts rejoice, in His holy name we trust.
All: Sing a new song to the Lord.
Reading - Luke 1:39-45
Mary set out, proceeding in haste into the hill country to a town of Judah, where she entered Zechariah's house and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby stirred in her womb. Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and cried out in a loud voice: "Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb." But who am I that the mother of my Lord should come to me? The moment your greeting sounded in my ears, the baby stirred in my womb for joy. Blessed is she who trusted that the Lord's words to her would be fulfilled.
The Gospel of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God.
Reflection: Shipmates may want to share a memory of their past Family Christmas, or simply spend time in quiet meditation
Intercessions
Leader: Help us to realize Lord, that neither time nor space, separates us from your love or the love of our families. Hear our pleas as we cry out to you.
Petitions may now be offered out loud or in the silence of each heart.
Concluding Prayer
All: Who are we that you should love and care for us so. You give us the beauty of the moon at night and we are reminded of your brilliance by the sun that lights the day. And just as you know the stars, you know us each by name. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Amen.
December 22 Day 7
Rejoice in the Lord Always! Again I say rejoice!
Call to Worship
Leader: May the Lord be with us.
All: And all who sail the oceans blue.
Leader: My spirit proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my soul rejoices in God my Savior.
Reading - 1 Samuel 1:24-28
Anna brought Samuel with her, along with a three year old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine, and presented him at the temple of the Lord in Shiloh. After the boy's father had sacrificed the young bull, Hannah, his mother, approached Eli and said: "Pardon. my Lord! As you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood near you here, praying to the Lord. I prayed for this child, and the Lord granted my request. Now I, in turn, give him to the Lord; as long as he lives, he shall be dedicated to, the Lord." She left him there.
The Word of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God.
Responsorial Psalm
Leader: My heart rejoices in the Lord my Savior.
All: My heart rejoices in the Lord my Savior.
Leader: My heart exults in the Lord, my horn is exalted in my God.
All: My heart rejoices in the Lord my Savior.
Leader: The Lord makes poor and makes rich, he humbles, he also exalts.
All: My heart rejoices in the Lord my Savior.
Leader: He raises the needy from the dust;
from the ash heap he lifts up the poor.
All: My heart rejoices in the Lord my Savior.
Reading - Luke 1:46-56
Mary said: "My being proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit finds joy in God my savior, For he has looked upon his servant in her lowliness; all ages to come shall call me blessed. God who is mighty had done great things for Me, holy is his name; His mercy is from age to age on those who fear him. He has shown might with his arm; He has confused the proud in their inmost thoughts. He has deposed the mighty from their thrones and raised the lowly to high places.The hungry he has given every good thing, while the rich he has sent empty away. He has upheld Israel his servant, ever mindful of his mercy; Even as he promised our fathers, promised Abraharn and his descendants forever."
The Gospel of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God.
Reflection: Shipmates may want to share a memory of their past Family Christmas, or simply spend time in quiet meditation
Intercessions
Leader: Merciful God, the waters of the earth are so wide and the ships at sea so small, that we who live and work on the waters of the earth are often overlooked by all but you. Hear us now as we pray.
Petitions may now be offered out loud or in the silence of each heart.
Concluding Prayer
All: We await your coming with joyful hearts and pray always to you, through Christ Our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.
December 23 Day 8
Prepare the way of the Lord, for the Son of man is coming
Call to Worship
Leader: May the Lord be with us.
All: And all who sail the oceans blue.
Leader: I shall send you a prophet as a sign that the day of the Lord is near.
Reading - Malachi 3:1
Lo, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me; and suddenly there will come to the temple the Lord whom you see, and the messenger of the covenant whom you desire. Yes, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts.
The Word of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God.
Responsorial Psalm
Leader: Lift up your heads and see; your redemption is near at hand
All: Lift up your heads and see; your redemption is near at hand.
Leader: Your ways, O Lord, make known to me; teach me your paths.
All: Lift up your heads and see; your redemption is near at hand.
Leader: He guides the humble to justice, he teaches the humble his way.
All: Lift up your heads and see; your redemption is near at hand.
Leader: The friendship of the Lord is with those who fear him.
All: Lift up your heads and see; your redemption is near at hand.
Reading - Luke 1:57-60
When Elizabeth's time for delivery arrived, she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives, upon hearing that the Lord had extended his mercy to her, rejoiced with her. When they assembled for the circumcision of the child on the eighth day, they intended to name him after his father Zechariah. At this his mother intervened, saying, "No, he is to be called John."
The Gospel of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God.
Reflection: God calls us to life, parents call us by name. Perhaps all could share some background on why or how they receive their names or why they choose the names they did for their children.
Intercessions
Leader: Shore leave, coffee breaks, holidays and letters from home are all good news. But the best news of all is that we are loved. Not only by our families and friends from whom we are separated, but most of all, by you O Lord. Hear us as we pray for ourselves and our loved ones.
Petitions may now be offered out loud or in the silence of each heart.
Concluding Prayer
All: Our Father, who art in heaven,
Hollowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven
Give us this day our daily bread,
And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from all evil. Amen
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
December 24 Day 9
Behold In The Distance, The Star That Lights Our Way
Call to Worship
Leader: May the Lord be with us.
All: And all who sail the oceans blue.
Leader: This night our savior will born of Mary, and He will be called Jesus the Son of God.
Reading - 2 Samuel 7:1-3
When King David was settled in his palace, and the Lord had given him rest from his enemies on every side, he said to Nathan the prophet, "Here I am living in a house of cedar, while the ark of God dwells in a tent!" Nathan answered the king, "Go do whatever you have in mind, for the Lord is with you."
The Word of God. All: Thanks be to God.
Responsorial Psalm
Leader: For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord
All: For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord
Leader: The favors of the Lord I will sing forever.
All: For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord
Leader: Through all generations I shall proclaim your faithfulness.
All: For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord
Leader: You are my Father, my God, the Rock, my Savior.
All: For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord
Reading - Luke 1:67
Zechariah, the father of John, filled with the Holy Spirit, uttered this prophecy: "Blessed be the Lord the God of Israel because he has visited and ransomed his people. He has raised a horn of saving strength for us in the house of David his servant, as he promised through the mouths of the prophets of ancient times."
The Gospel of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God.
Reflection: God gave us life and the gift of His only Son, Jesus. How many gifts have we received in our lives? And are we not called to be a gift to one and other? Sharing memories of a past Family Christmas.
Intercessions
Leader: We thank you for the gifts of mother, father, sisters and brothers, wives and children and ask that you, on this the eve of your birth, hear our prayers for them.
Petitions may now be offered out loud or in the silence of each heart.
Concluding Prayer
All: We believe in the sun, even on a cloudy day. We believe in love, even when our loved ones are so far away. We believe in you God, even in our darkest hour. And so with the angels and saints of heaven, our songs of joy will resound across the waters, as we recall to mind your birth this night. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
December 25 Christmas Day
A light will shine on this day, the Lord is born for us: he shall be called Wonderful God, Prince of peace.
Call to Worship
Leader: May the Lord be with us.
All: And all who sail the oceans blue.
Leader: We are filled with the new light by the coming of you Word among us. May the light of faith shine in our words and actions.
Reading Isaiah 9:2-3
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone. You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing.
Leader: A light will shine on this day, the Lord is born for us.
All: A light will shine on this day, the Lord is born for us.
Leader: The Lord is king; let the earth rejoice;
All: A light will shine on this day, the Lord is born for us.
Leader: The heavens proclaim God's justice; all peoples see his glory.
All: A light will shine on this day, the Lord is born for us.
Leader: Light dawns for the just; gladness, for the honest of heart.
All: A light will shine on this day, the Lord is born for us.
Reading - Luke 2:15-20
When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us." And they went with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they saw it they made known the saying which had been told them concerning this child; and all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
The Gospel of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God.
Reflection: Spend time in quiet meditation praying for your Family so far away.
Intercessions
Leader: Through the prayers of Mary, the virgin Mother of God, and her husband, Joseph, unite our families in peace and love.
Petitions may now be offered out loud or in the silence of each heart.
Concluding Prayer
All: God our Father, the child born today is the Saviour of the world, he made us your children, may he welcome us into your kingdom. Grant us your protection and grace, give us health of mind and body, perfect love for one another, and make us always faithful to you. Amen.
January 1st The Holy Family of Jesus Mary & Joseph
The shepherds hastened to Bethlehem, where they found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.
Call to Worship 
Leader: May the Lord be with us.
All: And all who sail the oceans blue.
Leader: Help us to live as the Holy Family united in respect and love.
Reading: 1 Letter of St John 3:1-2,21-24
Think of the Love that the Father has lavished on us, by letting us be called God�s children, and that is what we are. My dear people, we are already the children of God, but what we are to be in the future has not yet been revealed.
The Word of God. All: Thanks be to God.
Responsorial Psalm
Leader: How happy they who dwell in your house, O Lord
All: How happy they who dwell in your house, O Lord
Leader: How lovely your dwelling, O Lord of hosts!
My soul yearns and pines for the courts of the Lord.
All: How happy they who dwell in your house, O Lord
Leader: Happy are those who dwell in your house!
They never cease to praise you.
All: How happy they who dwell in your house, O Lord
Leader: Happy are those who find refuge in you,
whose hearts are set on pilgrim roads.
All: How happy they who dwell in your house, O Lord
Reading - Luke 2:15-20
And when the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, as it is written in the law of Lord, "Every first-born male must be consecrated to the Lord" and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, "a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons."
The Gospel of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God.
Reflection: Shipmates you may want to share memories of your Families or simply spend time in quiet meditation.
Intercessions
Leader: Through the prayers of Mary, the virgin Mother of God, and her husband, Joseph, unite our families in peace and love.
Petitions may now be offered out loud or in the silence of each heart.
Concluding Prayer
All: Eternal Father, we want to live as Jesus Mary & Joseph, in peace with you and one another. Lord, God you care for your people even when they stray. Grant us a complete change of heart, so that we may follow you with greater faithfulness. Amen
January 6th The Epiphany of the Lord
The Lord And Ruler Is Coming
Reading Isaiah 60:1-3
Rise up in splendor! Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you. See, darkness covers the earth, and thick clouds cover the peoples; but upon you the Lord shines, and over you appears his glory. Nations shall walk by your light, and kings by your shining radiance.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 71:1-2, 4, 8.
Leader: Lord, every nation on earth will adore you
All: Lord, every nation on earth will adore you
Leader: O God, give your judgment to the king;
All: Lord, every nation on earth will adore you
Leader: That he may govern your people with justice,
All: Lord, every nation on earth will adore you
Leader: That he may defend the oppressed among the people,
All: Lord, every nation on earth will adore you
Leader: May he rule from sea to sea, to all the ends of the earth.
All: Lord, every nation on earth will adore you
Reading Matthew 2: 9-11
And behold, the star that the magi had seen rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The Gospel of the Lord.
All: Thanks be to God.
Reflection: Shipmates you may want to share memories of Gifts that you treasure, that you have shared with your Families when you have been at home, or simply spend time in quiet meditation.
Intercessions
Leader: Merciful Father, accept the offerings of your Church, not gold, frankincense and myrrh, but the sacrifices that we make while away from our Families, watch over us as we now pray.
Petitions may now be offered out loud or in the silence of each heart.
Concluding Prayer
All: God has called us out of darkness, into his wonderful light. May we experience his kindness and blessings, and be strong in faith, in hope, and in love. The wise men followed the star, and found Christ who is light from light. May we too find the Lord when our pilgrimage has ended. Amen.