Prayer for Travelers
The Breviary contains prayers for travelers that have received the consecration of the Church and of centuries — the " Itinerary," which priests seldom fail to recite for themselves and their companions as often as they begin a journey. As it may seem rather long for general use, we give an abridgment for the use of those who may wish to know and learn it.
MAY the almighty and merciful Lord direct us on our journey; may He make it prosper and maintain us in peace.
May the Archangel Raphael accompany us along the way, and may we return to our homes in peace, joy, and health.
Lord, have mercy on us! Jesus Christ, have mercy on us! Lord, have mercy on us!
Prayer
O God, Who didst cause the children of Israel to traverse the Red Sea dryshod; Thou Who didst point out by a star to the Magi the road that led them to Thee; grant us, we beseech Thee, a prosperous journey and propitious weather; so that, under the guidance of Thy holy angels, we may safely reach that journey's end, and later the haven of eternal salvation.
Hear, O Lord, the prayers of Thy servants. Bless their journeys. Thou Who art everywhere present, shower everywhere upon them the effects of Thy mercy; so that, insured by Thy protection against all dangers, they may return to offer Thee their thanksgiving. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Those who have a special confidence in St. Joseph may make use of the following prayer, which solicits also supernatural graces, and especially that of traveling always in the way of the commandments, so as ultimately to reach the celestial terminus.)
