Pope
Francis’s general prayer intention this month, is "that people today, often overwhelmed by
noise, may discover the value of silence and listen to the voice of God and
their brothers and sisters."
His mission
intention is, "that Christians suffering persecution in many parts of the world
may by their witness be prophets of Christ’s love."
During his
Sunday Angelus, Pope Francis also made an appeal for peace throughout the
world, especially in Syria. He called for a day of prayer and fasting for peace, which is to take place this Saturday, the
vigil of the birth of Mary, Queen of Peace. Pope Francis said:
Let
us ask Mary to help us to respond to violence, to conflict and to war, with the
power of dialogue, reconciliation and love. She is our mother: may she help us
to find peace; all of us are her children!
This day of
prayer and fasting is for all people of good will. Even the Grand Mufti of
Syria, so touched by Pope Francis’s cry for prayer, wants to join the Holy Father in the vigil. Let us all join then, in begging Our
Lord for peace throughout the world.
