We reported last week that the Vatican gave approval to the “Rite for the Blessing of a Child in the Womb”. However, the USCCB release did not contain the wording of the blessing saying only that it would be released in a booklet in time for Mother’s Day.
So here’s a sneak preview. It is the wording as it was given to the Vatican for approval:
The blessing reads: “May almighty God, who has created new life now bless the child in your womb. The Lord has brought you the joy of motherhood: may he now bless you with a safe and healthy pregnancy. You thank the Lord today for the gift of your child: may he bring you and your child one day to share in the unending joys of heaven.”
There is also an optional blessing for parish communities welcoming a newborn: “May God bless this parish community as it welcomes the gift of new life and joyfully accepts the responsibility of sharing in the spiritual formation of this child (or children).”