Merciful Father of love, You alone have called Stephen closer to You. Father, look with great compassion upon his heart, which loves you more than his own family. See the heart which lives for the fulness of truth, and which seeks to commune more perfectly with Christ at all costs. Send Your Holy Spirit upon him to teach him the words to say to his mother and father. Lord in Heaven, this is a perfect reflection of Christ’s mission, which He said would cause dissension within families. Ease the shock with inspired words of comfort, and purify Stephen’s heart so that he may willingly accept Your guidance in all things. Teach him to obediently listen to the loving servant You have graciously given us in our Holy Father, Benedict XVI. There is celebration in Heaven and on earth as another blessed soul follows Christ into the church He founded for our sake. Grant this, O loving Father, in the name of the same Jesus Christ, Who, together with the Holy Spirit and You, O God and Father of all, are One God for ever and ever. Amen! Alleluia!