On this page:
What is Fiat and what are we invited to pray for?
For the second year running, our local communities of grace across the Archdiocese of Melbourne will unite for a weekend of prayer from Friday 31 May to Sunday 2 June 2024. The weekend coincides with the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi).
A pivotal moment in the history of salvation occurred when a young woman, Mary, listened to God’s call and then gave a free and wholehearted ‘yes’ to the Lord and his mission, and to his gift of salvation. We too are assured of new life in Jesus Christ.
Following the example of Mary and Elizabeth, Fiat is an opportunity for us to celebrate and rejoice in prayer, in communion with the Lord and the local Church in Melbourne.
Fiat ends with the Feast of Corpus Christi and we renew our devotion to the Eucharist and commit ourselves to be bearers of Jesus Christ to others.
Fiat is also an opportunity to continue our Year of Prayer journey as an Archdiocesan community we prepare for Jubilee Year 2025.
May this time be an opportunity to renew our hearts and minds towards the Lord and reach out to others in prayer and hope.
Prayer resources
Further resources and ideas for communal and personal use will be uploaded over the coming weeks:
Fiat around Melbourne
In their own circumstances, parishes, religious communities, chaplaincies and movements are invited to join the broader Archdiocesan community and hold a special time of prayer. Here are some ideas for local communities to consider:
Eucharistic adoration
Does your parish have an adoration chapel or regularly gather for Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament? Think about hosting an additional hour of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. This may be a time of silent prayer, or you may like to incorporate a Scripture reading, music and time of intercession.
Rosary
Many parishes have groups of parishioners who meet regularly to pray the rosary. Perhaps your parish has a Legion of Mary praesidium. As Fiat concludes the month of Mary, asking for our Blessed Mother to intercede for our own needs and the needs of the Church, what better opportunity to introduce the rest of your community to this form of prayer. When we pray the rosary, the prayer can slow us down, calm our hearts and enable us to rest in God’s presence. It draws out the deepest desires in our souls, desires for God and God alone.
Lectio divina
Consider bringing your community together to reflect on the Scriptures using the account of the annunciation and the visitation. The four stages of lectio divina are like having a good meal: you take a bite (lectio), you chew on it (meditatio), enjoy the taste (oratio) and then swallow it (contemplatio). It is a ‘feasting on the Word’ that leads to a better knowledge of Christ.
Ignatian contemplative prayer
Is your community familiar with Ignatian contemplation or another form of contemplative prayer? This is a way you can engage your prayer groups or regular parishioners in reflecting more deeply on the Scriptures. Ignatian prayer is a method of prayer that involves using our imagination to bring Scripture to life. Ignatian contemplation allows us to see stories that we may have heard countless times with new eyes.
Taizé
Looking for a simple, meditative form of worship? Bring your community together for a time of Taizé prayer that calls us to dwell deeply on Christ’s presence around and within us. Chants (like ‘Jesus, remember me’), prayerful silence and short readings guide the focus of the prayer, often in a candlelit environment.
Let us know what you’re planning!
A regularly updated schedule will be provided on this page to enable everyone to join in a nearby celebration. See the variety of prayer opportunities our communities of grace offered at our inaugural Fiat weekend in 2023.