Pope BenedictPope Benedict

2010 Monthly Prayer Intentions

JULY 2010
Justice in Electing those who Govern
General:  That in every nation of the world the election of officials may be carried out with justice, transparency and honesty, respecting the free decisions of citizens.

An Urban Culture of Justice, Solidarity and Peace
Missionary:That Christians may strive to offer everywhere, but especially in great urban centers, an effective contribution to the promotion of education, justice, solidarity and peace.

AUGUST 2010
The Unemployed and the Homeless
General:  That those who are without work or homes or who are otherwise in serious need may find understanding and welcome, as well as concrete help in overcoming their difficulties.

Victims of Discrimination, Hunger and Forced Emigration
Missionary: That the Church may be a “home” for all people, ready to open its doors to any who are suffering from racial or religious discrimination, hunger, or wars forcing them to emigrate to other countries.

SEPTEMBER 2010
The Word of God as Sign of Social Development
General:  That in less developed parts of the world the proclamation of the Word of God may renew people’s hearts, encouraging them to work actively toward authentic social progress.

The End of War
Missionary: That by opening our hearts to love we may put an end to the numerous wars and conflicts which continue to bloody our world.

OCTOBER 2010
Catholic Universities
General:  That Catholic Universities may more and more be places where, in the light of the Gospel, it is possible to experience the harmonious unity existing between faith and reason.

World Mission Day
Missionary: That the World Mission Day may afford an occasion for understanding that the task of proclaiming Christ is an absolutely necessary service to which the Church is called for the benefit of humanity.

NOVEMBER 2010
Drug Addicts and Victims of Every Form of Dependence
General:  That victims of drugs or of other dependence may, thanks to the support of the Christian community, find in the power of our Saving God strength for a radical life-change.

The Continent-wide Mission in Latin America
Missionary: That the Churches of Latin America may move ahead with the continent-wide mission proposed by their bishops, making it part of the universal missionary task of the People of God.

DECEMBER 2010
The Experience of Personal Suffering as a Help to Others who Suffer
General: That our personal experience of suffering may be an occasion for better understanding the situation of unease and pain which is the lot of many people who are alone, sick or aged, and stir us all to give them generous help.

Opening Our Doors to Christ
Missionary: That the peoples of the earth may open their doors to Christ and to His Gospel of peace, brotherhood and justice.
                                                                                          ...  From the Vatican

 

"In public discussions of the papacy, in a culture where even church-members are religiously illiterate, it seems almost impossible to get beyond the 'bottom lines' - will the pope agree to ordain women, rescind the teaching on birth control, accept homosexuality?  Advice as to what the new pope 'must' do is often proffered by people who have scarcely an elementary knowledge of Catholic doctrine, and who in fact cannot understand why we should have a pope at all.  Critics of the new pope (as well as the previous one) in effect demand that he simply conform the church to modern culture.

Pope Benedict XVI, one of the most important Catholic theologians of the late 20th century, was intellectually the best qualified man to be pope, and he defines his role in a way exactly opposite to that of his critics - a confrontation with modern culture in order to assert the primacy of the Gospel in all aspects of human affairs.  Such a confrontation need not be abrasive, although it may often have to be, but it does recognize that the values of the world are in many ways in fundamental conflict with the Gospel and that the world always needs redemption." James Hitchcock

"Friends, again I ask you, what about today?  What are you seeking?  What is God whispering to you?  The hope which never disappoints is Jesus Christ.  The saints show us the selfless love of His way.  As disciples of Christ, their extraordinary journeys unfolded within the community of hope, which is the Church.  It is from within the Church that you too will find the courage and support to walk the way of the Lord.  Nourished by personal prayer, prompted in silence, shaped by the Church's liturgy you will discover the particular vocation God has for you.  Embrace it with joy.  You are Christ's disciples today.  Shine His light upon this great city and beyond.  Show the world the reason for the hope that resonates within you.  Tell others about the truth that sets you free."  Holy Father Benedict XVI

"Only where God is seen does life truly begin.  Only when we meet the living God in Christ do we know what life is.  We are not some casual and meaningless product of evolution.  Each of us is the result of a thought of God.  Each of us is willed, each of us is loved, each of us is necessary.  There is nothing more beautiful than to be surprised by the Gospel, by the encounter with Christ.  There is nothing more beautiful than to know Him and to speak to others of our friendship with Him."  Holy Father Benedict XVI