Holy Family Of Nazareth

The Holy Family (Madonna Benson), Giorgione, 1500

Jesus, Mary and Joseph,

in you we contemplate

the splendor of true love,

to you we turn with trust.

Holy Family of Nazareth,

grant that our families too

may be places of communion and prayer,

authentic schools of the Gospel

and small domestic Churches.

Holy Family of Nazareth,

may families never again

experience violence, rejection and division:

may all who have been hurt or scandalized

find ready comfort and healing.

Holy Family of Nazareth,

may the Synod of Bishops

make us once more mindful

of the sacredness and inviolability of the family,

and its beauty in God's plan.

Jesus, Mary and Joseph,

graciously hear our prayer.

-Pope Francis

Papal Intentions For October

As the month of October begins and things settle down after Pope Francis’s visit to the U.S., let us remember the Holy Father’s intentions in our prayers.

His universal intention is that “human trafficking, the modern form of slavery, may be eradicated.”

Pope Francis also asks us to pray that, “with a missionary spirit the Christian communities of Asia may announce the Gospel to those who are still awaiting it.”

So let us join Pope Francis this month, in praying for an end to human trafficking and the mission in Asia. Let us also pray for him and all involved in this year’s Synod on the Family, which began yesterday.

Saint John Paul II, Pope of the Family, Pray for Us!  

Papal Intentions For September

Pope Francis during his visit to the Philippines earlier this year (CNS photo / Paul Haring)

As the month of September begins, let us remember Pope Francis’s intentions in our prayers.

His universal intention is for the young, that “opportunities for education and employment may increase for all young people.”

The Holy Father also asks us to pray for catechists, that they “may give witness by living in a way consistent with the faith they proclaim.”

So let us join Pope Francis this month, in praying for opportunities for the young and for all catechists.

Saint John Paul II, Pray for Us!  

Prayer For The Jubilee Of Mercy

Saint John Paul II in one of Mother Teresa's homes, 1986 (CNS photo / Artuo Mari)

Lord Jesus Christ,

you have taught us to be merciful like the heavenly Father,

and have told us that whoever sees you sees Him.

Show us your face and we will be saved.

Your loving gaze freed Zacchaeus and Matthew from being enslaved by money; the adulteress and Magdalene from seeking happiness only in created things; made Peter weep after his betrayal, and assured Paradise to the repentant thief.

Let us hear, as if addressed to each one of us, the words that you spoke to the Samaritan woman:

“If you knew the gift of God!”

You are the visible face of the invisible Father,

of the God who manifests his power above all by forgiveness and mercy: let the Church be your visible face in the world, its Lord risen and glorified.

You willed that your ministers would also be clothed in weakness in order that they may feel compassion for those in ignorance and error: let everyone who approaches them feel sought after, loved, and forgiven by God.

Send your Spirit and consecrate every one of us with its anointing,

so that the Jubilee of Mercy may be a year of grace from the Lord, and your Church, with renewed enthusiasm, may bring good news to the poor, proclaim liberty to captives and the oppressed, and restore sight to the blind.

We ask this of you, Lord Jesus, through the intercession of Mary, Mother of Mercy; you who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever.

Amen.

-Pope Francis

Please join us in saying this prayer as the Church prepares for the Jubilee of Mercy.