Papal Intentions For July

As we prepare for the month of July, let us remember Pope Francis’s intentions in our prayers.

His universal intention is that “political responsibility may be lived at all levels as a high form of charity.”

The Holy Father also asks us to pray that, “amid social inequalities, Latin American Christians may bear witness to love for the poor and contribute to a more fraternal society.”

So let us join Pope Francis in praying for political responsibility and Latin American Christians this month.

Saint John Paul II, Pray for Us!

A Moral Witness For The World

As we show in our permanent exhibit, Saint John Paul II served as a moral witness to leaders throughout the world. 

Last week, papal biographer George Weigel lectured on the pontificate of Saint John Paul II and the wisdom his legacy offers statesmen today.

There are several lessons we can learn from the late pontiff’s “moral witness” and his “steady determination to make decisions about situations and personalities without fear and without seeking favor,” Weigel said.

For more, see the report over at the National Catholic Register. Let us ask St. John Paul II to pray for our statesmen, that they might be prudent and fearless leaders in today’s world.

Papal Intentions for May

This month, let us join Pope Francis in praying for administrators of justice, that they “may act always with integrity and right conscience.”

Let us also pray for our seminaries, especially those of mission churches, that they “may form pastors after the Heart of Christ, fully dedicated to proclaiming the Gospel.”

Blessed John Paul II to Politicians

The Church has deep esteem for the task entrusted to politicians and government leaders; this is why she never tires of recalling the essential aspect of service which must characterize the activity of those who represent the people and every public authority.

In particular, the Church recalls this aspect to believers, whose faith presents political activity as a vocation. Moreover, all right-minded people find guidance for the decisions that the office entrusted to them obliges them to take in the dictates of the natural law, which echo in their conscience.

In speaking of this, we naturally think of the shining figure of St Thomas More, an extraordinary example of freedom and of fidelity to the law of conscience in the face of morally untenable, albeit authoritative, demands. I wanted to proclaim him your patron, dear government leaders, members of parliament and politicians, so that his witness might be an incentive and encouragement to you.

May your work each day be at the service of justice, peace, freedom and the common good. God will not fail to support your efforts, enriching them with abundant fruit so that the civilization of love will become ever more extensive and deeply rooted.

-Blessed John Paul II, Address for Jubilee of Government Leaders, 2000

Praying with Pope Benedict XVI for Our Politicians and Our Churches

Pope Benedict XVI’s general intention for the month of September is “that politicians may always act with honesty, integrity, and love for the truth.” And his missionary intention is “that Christian communities may have a growing willingness to send missionaries, priests, and lay people, along with concrete resources, to the poorest Churches.”

These prayers will resonate with most Americans this month. With the upcoming presidential election, many in the United States are pushing for greater honesty and civility in politics. And the damages left by natural disasters like Hurricane Isaac have left churches and their members without the resources they need.

We can do our part by sharing what we have and reminding politicians of the civility their citizens are looking for. But most importantly, we should pray with Pope Benedict XVI this month. For Jesus said, “whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive” (Matt 21:22).