A Concord Pastor Comments: A world-wide hour of prayer with Pope Francis

This coming Sunday, the feast of Corpus Christi, Pope Francis will lead a special hour of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament at St. Peter's in Rome and has invited diocesan cathedrals and parish churches around the world to join him. Pope Francis has two particular intentions for us pray for in this hour:

The first intention is: “For the Church spread throughout the world and united today in the adoration of the Most Holy Eucharist as a sign of unity. May the Lord make her ever more obedient to hearing his Word in order to stand before the world ‘ever more beautiful, without stain or blemish, but holy and blameless.’ That through her faithful announcement, the Word that saves may still resonate as the bearer of mercy and may increase love to give full meaning to pain and suffering, giving back joy and serenity.”

The second intention is: “For those around the world who still suffer slavery and who are victims of war, human trafficking, drug running, and slave labor. For the children and women who are suffering from every type of violence. May their silent scream for help be heard by a vigilant Church so that, gazing upon the crucified Christ, she may not forget the many brothers and sisters who are left at the mercy of violence. Also, for all those who find themselves in economically precarious situations, above all for the unemployed, the elderly, migrants, the homeless, prisoners, and those who experience marginalization. That the Church’s prayer and its active nearness give them comfort and assistance in hope and strength and courage in defending human dignity.”

And that's a lot to pray for: a purification of the Church that she might more genuinely announce the Lord's Word and all those who are suffering, especially those who live in the margins of our society.

The time difference between Rome and the rest of the world makes it difficult to schedule the hour of prayer at precisely the time when Francis will praying at St. Peter's. In my parish we'll have an hour of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament on Sunday evening from 7:00-8:00 p.m. The hour will include scripture, songs, time for silent prayer and reflection and will close with Benediction.

Check in your parish or among neighboring parishes to participate in the world-wide effort. So many are grateful for the ministry of Francis as pope and chief shepherd of the Church. This special hour is a wonderful way to express our gratitude to God for the gift of such a man and our unity with him in prayer.

CC2013