DECEMBER | Catechists

Let us pray for the catechists, summoned to announce the Word of God: may they be its witnesses, with courage and creativity and in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Pope Francis – December 2021 - video

Catechists have an invaluable mission for the transmission and growth of the faith.
The lay ministry of catechist is a vocation; it’s a mission. Being a catechist means that you ‘are a catechist,’ not that you ‘work as a catechist.’ It’s an entire way of being, and we need good catechists who are both companions and teachers.
We need creative people who proclaim the Gospel, but who proclaim it neither with a mute nor with a loudspeaker, but rather with their life, with gentleness, with a new language, and opening new ways.
In many dioceses, on many continents, evangelization is fundamentally in the hands of a catechist.
Let us thank catechists for the interior enthusiasm with which they live this mission at the service of the Church.
Let us pray for the catechists, summoned to announce the Word of God: may they be its witnesses, with courage and creativity and in the power of the Holy Spirit, with joy and much peace.

NOVEMBER | People who suffer from depression

We pray that people who suffer from depression or burn‐out will find support and a light that opens them up to life.

Pope Francis – November 2021 - video

Overwork and work-related stress cause many people to experience extreme exhaustion —mental, emotional, affective, and physical exhaustion.
Sadness, apathy, and spiritual tiredness end up dominating people’s lives, who are overloaded due to the rhythm of life today.
Let us try to be close to those who are exhausted, to those who are desperate, without hope. Often, we should just simply listen in silence, because we cannot go and tell someone, “No, life’s not like that. Listen to me, I’ll give you the solution.” There’s no solution.
And besides, let us not forget that, along with the indispensable psychological counseling, which is useful and effective, Jesus’ words also help. It comes to my mind and heart: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Let us pray that people who suffer from depression or burn-out will find support and a light that opens them up to life.

OCTOBER: Women in leadership roles in the Church

We pray that by the virtue of baptism, the laity, especially women, may participate more in areas of responsibility in the Church, without falling into forms of clericalism that diminish the lay charism.

Pope Francis – October 2020 - video

No one has been baptized a priest or a bishop. We have all been baptized as lay people.
Lay people are protagonists of the Church.
Today, it is especially necessary to create broader opportunities for a more incisive female presence in the Church.
And we must emphasize the feminine lay presence because women tend to be left aside.
We must promote the integration of women, especially where important decisions are made.
We pray that by the virtue of baptism, the laity, especially women, may participate more in areas of responsibility in the Church, without falling into forms of clericalism that diminish the lay charism.

SEPTEMBER | An Environmentally Sustainable Lifestyle

We pray that we all will make courageous choices for a simple and environmentally sustainable lifestyle, rejoicing in our young people who are resolutely committed to this.

Pope Francis – September 2021 - video

It makes me very happy to see that young people have the courage to undertake projects for environmental and social improvement, since the two go together.
We adults can learn much from them, because in all matters related to care for the planet, they are at the forefront.
Let us take advantage of their example and reflect on our lifestyle, especially during these moments of health, social and environmental crisis.
Let us reflect on how the way we eat, consume, travel, or the way we use water, energy, plastics, and many other material goods, is often harmful to the earth.
Let us choose to change! Let us advance with young people towards lifestyles that are simpler and more respectful of the environment.
Let us pray that we all will make courageous choices, the choices necessary for a simple and environmentally sustainable lifestyle, taking inspiration from our young people who are resolutely committed to this. And they aren’t foolish, because they are committed to their own future. This is why they want to change what they will inherit at a time when we will no longer be here.

AUGUST | Church on the Way

Let us pray for the Church, that she may receive from the Holy Spirit the grace and strength to reform herself in the light of the Gospel.

Pope Francis – August 2021 - video

The specific vocation of the Church is evangelization, which isn’t proselytism, no. Its vocation is evangelization; even more, the Church’s identity is evangelization.
We can only renew the Church by discerning God’s will in our daily life and embarking on a transformation guided by the Holy Spirit. Our own reform as persons is that transformation. Allowing the Holy Spirit, the gift of God in our hearts, remind us what Jesus taught and help us put it into practice.
Let us begin reforming the Church with a reform of ourselves, without prefabricated ideas, without ideological prejudices, without rigidity, but rather by moving forward based on spiritual experience —an experience of prayer, an experience of charity, an experience of service.
I dream of an even more missionary option: one that goes out to meet others without proselytism and that transforms all its structures for the evangelization of today’s world.
Let us remember that the Church always has difficulties, always is in crisis, because she’s alive. Living things go through crises. Only the dead don’t have crises.
Let us pray for the Church, that she may receive from the Holy Spirit the grace and strength to reform herself in the light of the Gospel.

JULY | Social friendship

We pray that, in social, economic and political situations of conflict, we may be courageous and passionate architects of dialogue and friendship.

Pope Francis – July 2021 - video

The Bible says that whoever finds a friend has found a treasure.
I would like to invite everyone to go beyond their groups of friends and build social friendship, which is so necessary for living together well.
We especially need to have a renewed encounter with the most impoverished and vulnerable, those on the peripheries. And we need to distance ourselves from populisms that exploit the anguish of the people without providing solutions, proposing a mystique that solves nothing.
We must flee from social enmity which only destroys, and leave “polarization” behind.
And this isn’t always easy, especially today when part of our politics, society and media are bent on creating enemies so as to defeat them in a game of power.
Dialogue is the path to seeing reality in a new way, so we can live with passion the challenges we face in constructing the common good.
Let us pray that, in social, economic, and political situations of conflict, we may be courageous and passionate architects of dialogue and friendship, men and women who always hold out a helping hand, and may no spaces of enmity and war remain.

JUNE | The beauty of marriage

Let us pray for young people who are preparing for marriage with the support of a Christian community: may they grow in love, with generosity, faithfulness and patience.

Pope Francis – June 2021 - video

Is it true, what some people say—that young people don’t want to get married, especially during these difficult times?
Getting married and sharing one’s life is something beautiful.
It’s a demanding journey, at times difficult, and at times complicated, but it’s worth making the effort. And on this life-long journey, the husband and wife aren’t alone; Jesus accompanies them.
Marriage isn’t just a “social” act; it’s a vocation that’s born from the heart; it’s a conscious decision for the rest of one’s life that requires specific preparation.
Please, never forget this. God has a dream for us —love— and He asks us to make it his own.
Let us make our own the love which is God’s dream for us.
And let us pray for young people who are preparing for marriage with the support of a Christian community: may they grow in love, with generosity, faithfulness and patience. Because a great deal of patience is necessary in order to love. But it’s worth it, eh?

MAY: The world of finance

Let us pray that those in charge of finance will work with governments to regulate financial markets and protect citizens from its dangers.

Pope Francis – May 2021 - video

The true economy, the one that creates work, is in crisis. How many people are now unemployed! — But the financial markets have never been as inflated as they are now.
How far away is the world of high finance from the lives of ordinary people!
If finance is unregulated, it becomes pure speculation driven by various monetary policies.
This situation is unsustainable. And it is dangerous.
So that the poor do not suffer painful consequences from this system, financial speculation must be carefully regulated.
Speculation. I want to underline that term.
May finance be a form of service, and an instrument to serve the people, and to care for our common home!
We still have time to begin a process of global change to practice a different kind of economy, one that is more just, more inclusive and sustainable —and leaves no one behind.
We can do this! And let us pray that those in charge of finance will work with governments to regulate financial markets and protect citizens from its dangers.

APRIL: Fundamental rights

Let us pray for those who risk their lives while fighting for fundamental rights under dictatorships, authoritarian regimes and even in democracies in crisis, that they may see their sacrifice and their work bear abundant fruit.

Pope Francis – April 2021 - video

Defending fundamental human rights demands courage and determination.
I’m referring to actively combatting poverty, inequality, the lack of work, land and housing, and the denial of social and labor rights.
Often, in practice, fundamental human rights are not equal for all.
There are first-, second-, and third-class people, and those who are disposable.
No. They must be equal for all.
In some places, defending people’s dignity can mean going to prison, even without a trial. Or it might mean slander.
Every human being has the right to develop fully, and this fundamental right cannot be denied by any country.
Let us pray for those who risk their lives while fighting for fundamental rights under dictatorships, authoritarian regimes and even in democracies in crisis, that they may see their sacrifice and their work bear abundant fruit.

MARCH: The sacrament of reconciliation

Let us pray that we may experience the sacrament of reconciliation with renewed depth, to taste the forgiveness and infinite mercy of God. And let us pray that God may give his Church merciful priests and not torturers.

Pope Francis – March 2021 - video

When I go to confession, it is in order to be healed, to heal my soul.
To leave with greater spiritual health. To pass from misery to mercy.
The center of confession is not the sins we declare, but the divine love we receive, of which we are always in need.
The center of confession is Jesus who waits for us, who listens to us and forgives us.
Remember this: In the heart of God, we come before our mistakes.
And let us pray that we may experience the sacrament of reconciliation with renewed depth, to taste the forgiveness and infinite mercy of God. And let us pray that God may give his Church merciful priests and not torturers.

FEBRUARY: For women who are victims of violence

Let us pray for women who are victims of violence, that they may be protected by society and have their sufferings considered and heeded by all.

Pope Francis – February 2021 - video

Today, there continue to be women who suffer violence. Psychological violence, verbal violence, physical violence, sexual violence.
It’s shocking how many women are beaten, insulted, and raped.
The various forms of ill-treatment that many women suffer are acts of cowardice and a degradation of all humanity. Of men and of all humanity.
The testimonies of the victims who dare to break their silence are a cry for help that we cannot ignore.
We must not look the other away.
Let us pray for women who are victims of violence, that they may be protected by society and have their sufferings considered and heeded by all.

JANUARY: At the service of Human fraternity

Let us pray that the Lord may give us the grace to live in full fellowship with our brothers and sisters of other religions and not fight each other, and praying for one another, open ourselves to all.

Pope Francis – January 2021 - video

When we pray to God following Jesus, we come together as brothers and sisters with those who pray according to other cultures, other traditions and other beliefs.
We are brothers and sisters who pray.
Fraternity leads us to open ourselves to the Father of all and to see in the other a brother or sister, to share our lives or to support, to love, and to know each other.
The Church values God’s action in other religions, without forgetting that for us Christians, the wellspring of human dignity and fraternity, is in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
We believers must return to our sources and concentrate on what is essential. What is essential to our faith is the adoration of God and love of neighbor.
Let us pray that the Lord may give us the grace to live in full fellowship with our brothers and sisters of other religions and not fight each other, and praying for one another, open ourselves to all.

DECEMBER: For a life of prayer

We pray that our personal relationship with Jesus Christ be nourished by the Word of God and a life of prayer.

Pope Francis – December 2020 - video

The heart of the Church’s mission is prayer.
Prayer is the key for us to be able to enter into dialogue with the Father.
Every time we read a short passage from the Gospel we hear Jesus speaking to us.
We have a conversation with Jesus.
We listen to Jesus and we reply.
And this is prayer.
By praying, we change reality.
And we change our hearts.
Our heart changes when we pray.
We can do many things, but without prayer, it does not work.
We pray that our personal relationship with Jesus Christ be nourished by the Word of God and a life of prayer.
In silence, everyone, each one in heartfelt prayer.

NOVEMBER: Artificial Intelligence

Let us pray that the progress of robotics and artificial intelligence may always serve humankind.

Pope Francis – November 2020 - video

Artificial intelligence is at the heart of the epochal change we are experiencing.
Robotics can make a better world possible if it is joined to the common good.
Indeed, if technological progress increases inequalities, it is not true progress.
Future advances should be oriented towards respecting the dignity of the person and of Creation.
Let us pray that the progress of robotics and artificial intelligence may always serve humankind… we could say, may it “be human.”

OCTOBER: Women in leadership roles in the Church

We pray that by the virtue of baptism, the laity, especially women, may participate more in areas of responsibility in the Church, without falling into forms of clericalism that diminish the lay charism.

Pope Francis – October 2020 - video

No one has been baptized a priest or a bishop. We have all been baptized as lay people.
Lay people are protagonists of the Church.
Today, it is especially necessary to create broader opportunities for a more incisive female presence in the Church.
And we must emphasize the feminine lay presence because women tend to be left aside.
We must promote the integration of women, especially where important decisions are made.
We pray that by the virtue of baptism, the laity, especially women, may participate more in areas of responsibility in the Church, without falling into forms of clericalism that diminish the lay charism.

SEPTEMBER: Respect for the planet’s resources

Let us pray that the planet’s resources will not be plundered, but shared in a just and respectful manner. No to plundering; yes to sharing.

Pope Francis – September 2020 - video

We are squeezing out the planet’s goods. Squeezing them out, as if the earth were an orange.
Countries and businesses from the global north have enriched themselves by exploiting the natural resources of the south, creating an “ecological debt.” Who is going to pay this debt?
In addition, this “ecological debt” is increased when multinationals do abroad what they would never be allowed to do in their own countries. It’s outrageous.
Today, not tomorrow; today, we have to take care of Creation responsibly.
Let us pray that the planet’s resources will not be plundered, but shared in a just and respectful manner.
No to plundering; yes to sharing.

AUGUST: The maritime world

Let us pray for all those who work and live from the sea, among them sailors, fishermen and their families.

Pope Francis – August 2020 - video

The life of sailors or fishermen and their families is very difficult.
Sometimes they are victims of forced labor or are left behind in distant ports.
The competition of industrial fishing and the problem of pollution make their work even more complicated.
Without the people of the sea, many parts of the world would starve.
Let us pray for all those who work and live from the sea, among them sailors, fishermen and their families.

JULY : Our families

Let us pray that today’s families may be accompanied with love, respect and guidance, and especially, that they may be protected by the State.

Pope Francis – July 2020 -  video

The family ought to be protected.
It faces many dangers: the fast pace of life, stress…
Sometimes, parents forget to play with their children.
The Church needs to encourage families and stay at their side, helping them to discover ways that allow them to overcome all of these difficulties.
Let us pray that today’s families may be accompanied with love, respect and guidance, and especially, that they may be protected by the State.

JUNE : Compassion for the world

We pray that all those who suffer may find their way in life, allowing themselves to be touched by the Heart of Jesus.

Pope Francis – June 2020 -  video

Many people suffer due to the great difficulties they endure.
We can help them by accompanying them along an itinerary full of compassion which transforms people’s lives.
It brings them closer to the Heart of Christ, which welcomes all of us into the revolution of tenderness.
We pray that all those who suffer may find their way in life, allowing themselves to be touched by the Heart of Jesus.

MAY: For deacons

Let us pray that deacons, faithful in their service to the Word and the poor, may be an invigorating symbol for the entire Church.

Pope Francis – May 2020 -  video

Deacons are not second-level priests.
They are part of the clergy and live their vocation in and with their family.
They are dedicated to the service of the poor, who carry within them the face of the suffering Christ.
They are the guardians of service in the Church.
Let us pray that deacons, faithful in their service to the Word and the poor, maybe an invigorating symbol for the entire Church.

Chers Oblats et Amis,

Etant donné que dans les circonstances actuelles les célébrations
publiques ne sont plus autorisées, nous avons recherché un moyen pour
vous être néanmoins connecté.
À partir du dimanche 5 avril, dimanche des Rameaux, vous pouvez
nous rejoindre  dans la célébration d'une partie de la liturgie via
Internet. Pour commencer, on diffusera tous les jours Tierce et Messe
Conventuelle, ainsi que les célébrations spéciales de la Semaine Sainte
et de Pâques:
Dimanche des Rameaux à 9h30,
Jeudi Saint à 17h30,
Vendredi Saint à 15 heures,
Veillée de Pâques à 22h30 et
le jour de Pâques à 9h30.
Les émissions commenceront environ 5 minutes avant le début de chaque cérémonie.

Vous pouvez suivre notre liturgie sur:
https://kerkdienstgemist.nl/stations/1972-Abdij-Sint-Benedictusberg/events/live
Vous y trouverez également l'agenda des émissions prévues.

NB: les émissions ne sont pas enregistrées et ne peuvent donc pas être
visionnées en dehors de l'émission en directe.

Vous pouvez trouver les textes latin-néerlandais correspondants, s'ils
sont disponibles, sur notre site internet:
https://www.benedictusberg.nl/vieringen.html.

Nous espérons que vous puissiez ainsi participer – en bonne santé - à nos célébrations. Nous prions pour vous tous et vous souhaitons déjà une joyeuse fête de Pâques.

fr. Adr. Lenglet
Abbé de Sint Benedictusberg, Vaals

 

 

Liberation from addictions

We pray that those suffering from addiction may be properly helped and accompanied

Pope Francis – April 2020 - video

Surely, you’ve heard about the drama of addiction.
And… have you also thought about the addiction to gambling, to pornography, to the internet… and the dangers of virtual space?.
Supported by the “Gospel of Mercy” we can alleviate, care for and heal the suffering associated with new kinds of addiction.
We pray that those suffering from addiction may be properly helped and accompanied.

Pope Francis warns about addictions and the dangers of virtual space

In The Pope Video for April, the Holy Father calls our attention to the addictions that affect society today, and asks us to pray that people be freed from their addictions and the sufferings that go with them.

 (Vatican City, April 2, 2020) – The Pope Video for April made known the Holy Father’s prayer intention for this month, entrusted to the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network: for liberation from the various addictions that today affect millions of people around the world. During times of great concern due to the worldwide pandemic, Francis doesn’t forget the problems of other people who are suffering, and asks us to pray for them.

The “drama of addiction” not only refers to drug, alcohol, and tobacco addictions, which continue to be the most prevalent causes of addiction in society. Today, this drama takes on various new forms: according to the World Health Organization, the growing use of the Internet, computers, smartphones, and other electronic devices that have appeared in recent decades is associated not only with clear and enormous benefits for their users and for society, but also with documented cases of excessive use, which often leads to various addictions with negative health consequences. They have to do with compulsive gambling, with pornography, with the excessive use of videogames, and with the almost constant presence of users in platforms of the digital world. The excessive use of these platforms has a significant impact on the quality of our daily relationships, including the closest ones.

In the face of these “dangers of virtual space,” the Holy Father explains that “supported by the ‘Gospel of Mercy’ we can alleviate, care for and heal the suffering associated with new kinds of addiction,” through prevention, for example, rehabilitation and reintegration projects.

Fr. Frédéric Fornos SJ, International Director of the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network (which includes the Eucharistic Youth Movement, EYM), said that “Christian communities don’t pretend to give answers. There are competent organizations and associations that help people liberate themselves from their addictions. However, Christian communities can truly provide support. They are called, through fraternity and forgiveness, to help all those who are slaves to drugs or other forms of addiction to have an encounter with Jesus Christ; to experience that God saves.” He also explained how Christian spiritual tradition has great experience in helping people not to let themselves be dragged along paths that lead to death, but rather to choose life. “For example, we can call to mind the diseases of the soul diagnosed by Evagrius Ponticus, one of the desert fathers of the 4^th century, also known as the ‘scrutinizer of the soul.’ Evagrius, inviting us to nourish ourselves with the Word of God, helps us to ‘order our life,’ to orient it only towards the Lord, ‘the Way, the Truth and the Life’ (John 14).”

Always close to those who suffer, Francis in The Pope Video prays that “those suffering from addiction may be properly helped and accompanied.”

Catholics in China

Let us pray together that the Church in China may persevere in its faithfulness to the Gospel and grow in unity.

Pope Francis – March 2020 - video

Today, the Church in China looks to the future with hope.
The Church wants Chinese Christians to be truly Christians, and to be good citizens.
They should promote the Gospel, but without engaging in proselytism, and they need to achieve the unity of the divided Catholic community.
Let us pray together that the Church in China may persevere in its faithfulness to the Gospel and grow in unity.
Thank you.

Hear the cries of migrants

We pray that the cries of our migrant brothers and sisters, victims of criminal human smuggling and human trafficking, may be heard and considered.

Pope Francis – February 2020 - video

Migrants are often victims of criminal human smuggling and human trafficking.
Among other causes, this happens because of corruption on the part of people willing to do anything for financial gain.
The money from their dirty, underhanded business is blood money. I’m not exaggerating: it’s blood money.
We pray that the cries of our migrant brothers and sisters, victims of criminal human smuggling and human trafficking, may be heard and considered.

Promotion of World Peace

We pray that Christians, followers of other religions, and all people of goodwill may promote together peace and justice in the world.

Pope Francis – January 2020 - video

In a divided and fragmented world, I want to invite all believers, and also all people of good will, to reconciliation and fraternity.
Our faith leads us to spread the values of peace and mutual understanding, of the common good.
We pray that Christians, followers of other religions, and all people of goodwill may promote together peace and justice in the world.
Thank you.

The future of the very young

Let us pray that every country decides to take necessary measures to make the future of children a priority, especially the future of children who are suffering today.

Pope Francis – December 2019 - video

Every child who is marginalized, abused, abandoned, without schooling, or without medical care, is a cry that rises up to God.
In each of them is Christ, who came to our world as a defenseless child; it is Christ who looks at us through the eyes of each of these children.
Let us pray that every country decides to take necessary measures to make the future of children a priority, especially the future of children who are suffering today.

Dialogue and reconciliation in the Middle East

Let us pray that a spirit of dialogue, encounter, and reconciliation emerge in the Middle East, where diverse religious communities share their lives together.

Pope Francis – November 2019 - video

In the Middle East, concord and dialogue among the three monotheistic religions is based on spiritual and historic bonds. The Good News of Jesus, risen out of love, came to us from these lands. Today, many Christian communities, together with Jewish and Muslim communities, work here for peace, reconciliation, and forgiveness. Let us pray that a spirit of dialogue, encounter, and reconciliation emerge in the Middle East.

Missionary spring in the Church

In this extraordinary missionary month, let us pray that the Holy Spirit engender a new missionary spring in the Church.

Pope Francis – October 2019-video

Today, a new impulse to the Church’s missionary activity is needed to face the challenge of proclaiming Jesus and his death and resurrection.
Reaching the peripheries—the human, cultural, and religious settings still foreign to the Gospel: this is what we call the missio ad gentes.
We must also remember that the soul of the Church’s mission is prayer.
In this extraordinary missionary month, let us pray that the Holy Spirit may engender a new missionary spring for all those baptized and sent by Christ’s Church.

Protecting the oceans

Let us pray this month that politicians, scientists and economists work together to protect the world’s seas and oceans.

Pope Francis – September 2019-video

Oceans contain the bulk of our planet’s water supply, and also most of the immense variety of living creatures, many of them are threatened for various reasons.
Creation is a project of love given by God to humanity.
Our solidarity with the “common home” is born from our faith.
Let us pray this month that politicians, scientists and economists work together to protect the world’s seas and oceans.

Families, Schools of Human Development

Let us pray that families, through their life of prayer and love, become ever more clearly “schools of true human development”.

Pope Francis – August 2019-video

What kind of world do we want to leave for the future?
Let us leave a world with families.
Let us care for our families, because they are true schools for the future, spaces of freedom, and centers of humanity.
And let us reserve a special place in our families for individual and communal prayer.
Let us pray that families, through their life of prayer and love, become ever more clearly “schools of true human development”.

Integrity of Justice

Let us pray that those who administer justice may work with integrity, and that the injustice which prevails in the world may not have the last word.

Pope Francis – July 2019 - video

The decisions made by judges influence the rights and property of citizens.
Their independence should keep them safe from favoritism and from pressures that could contaminate the decisions they have to make.
Judges must follow the example of Jesus, who never negotiates the truth.
Let us pray that those who administer justice may work with integrity, and that the injustice which prevails in the world may not have the last word.

The Priests’ Way of Life

Let us pray that priests, through the modesty and humility of their lives, commit themselves actively, above all, to solidarity with those who are most poor.

Pope Francis – June 2019 - video

I would like to ask you to look at the priests who work in our communities.
They are not perfect, but many give it their all until the very end, offering themselves with humility and joy.
They are priests who are close to the people, ready to work hard for everyone.
Let us be thankful for their example and testimony.
Let us pray that priests, through the modesty and humility of their lives, commit themselves actively, above all, to solidarity with those who are most poor.

The Church in Africa, a Seed of Unity

Let us pray this month that the Church in Africa, through the commitment of its members, may be the seed of unity among her peoples and a sign of hope for this continent.

Pope Francis – May 2019-video

The ethnic, linguistic, and tribal divisions in Africa can be overcome promoting unity in diversity.
I want to thank the religious sisters, priests, laity, and missionaries for their work to create dialogue and reconciliation among the various sectors of African society.
Let us pray this month that the Church in Africa, through the commitment of its members, may be the seed of unity among her peoples and a sign of hope for this continent.

Doctors and humanitarian in War - Torn Areas – The Pope Video 4 – April 2019

The Pope Video: In the most difficult and dramatic situations, such as in war, we can also find examples of goodness and generosity. The doctors and their humanitarian collaborators who work in armed conflicts are a good example. In those places where some people fight to kill, others fight for life. “The presence of doctors, nurses, and other health care workers in war-torn areas is a sign of hope. They are wise, valiant, and good-hearted people who, following their vocation, work under extremely dangerous conditions. Let us pray for doctors and their humanitarian collaborators in war-torn areas, who risk their lives to save the lives of others.”

Recognition of the Right of Christian Communities – The Pope Video 3 – March 2019

March 2019. The Pope Video: Today, our modern society, which is so advanced, continues to persecute people because of their faith. There are people who die and who are persecuted for following Jesus Christ, not to mention the discrimination against Christians in so many countries where they are not acknowledged, or where their existence is subtly rejected through insults and unjust demands. Let us defend their rights! “It might be hard for us to believe, but there are more martyrs today than in the first centuries. They are persecuted because they speak the truth and proclaim Jesus Christ to this society. This happens particularly where religious freedom is not yet guaranteed. However, it also happens in countries where, in theory and on paper, they protect freedom and human rights. Let us pray that Christian communities, especially those who are persecuted, feel that they are close to Christ and have their rights respected.” Each month, The Pope Video disseminates the Holy Father´s prayer intentions regarding the challenges of humanity and the mission of the Church.

 

Human Trafficking

The Pope Video 2 – February 2019-video

There are issues where you are morally obligated to take a side, such as human trafficking. You cannot be neutral. If you don’t take a stand against it, if you don’t do something to fight it, you’re contributing to the continued existence of this tremendous injustice. Open your eyes to reality. Open your heart to the victims. “Although we try to ignore it, slavery is not something from other times. Faced with this tragic reality, no one can wash their hands of it without being, in some way, an accomplice to this crime against humanity. We cannot ignore the fact that there is as much slavery in the world today as there was before, or perhaps more. Let us pray for a generous welcome of the victims of human trafficking, of enforced prostitution, and of violence.”

Young People and the Example of Mary

The Pope Video 1 - January 2019

 Young people who move, who throw themselves into the adventure of faith, who follow Mary´s example. Thousands, tens of thousands, even millions of them are gathering this month of January in Panama for the 2019 World Youth Day. Let us share with them the joy of the Gospel. "You young people have, in the Virgin Mary, a reason for joy and a source of inspiration. Take advantage of the World Youth Day in Panama to contemplate Christ together with Mary. Let us pray the Rosary together for peace, each of us in our own language. And ask for strength to dream and to work for peace. Let us pray that young people, especially in Latin America, follow the example of Mary and respond to the call of the Lord to communicate the joy of the Gospel to the world."

 

The pope video:

The Mission of Religious

Let us not allow ourselves to be robbed of missionary enthusiasm and let us pray that consecrated religious men and women may bestir themselves, and be present among the poor, the marginalized, and those who have no voice.

Pope Francis – October 2018 video

Religious, with their prayer, poverty, and patience, are essential to the Church’s mission.
More than ever, with the challenges of today’s world, we need their complete dedication to proclaiming the Gospel.
Let us not allow ourselves to be robbed of missionary enthusiasm and let us pray that consecrated religious men and women may bestir themselves, and be present among the poor, the marginalized, and those who have no voice.

 

The pope video:

Let us pray that young people in Africa may have access to education and work in their own countries.

Pope Francis – September 2018

Africa is a wealthy continent, and its greatest, most valuable resource is its young people.
They should be able to choose between letting themselves be overcome by difficulty or transforming the difficulty into an opportunity.
The most effective way to help them in this choice is to invest in their education.
If young people don’t have the possibility of education, what future can they have?
Let us pray that young people in Africa may have access to education and work in their own countries.

The pope video: Together, let us ask Jesus that any far-reaching decisions of economists and politicians may protect the family as one of the treasures of humanity.

Pope Francis - August 2018

When speaking of families, often the image of a treasure comes to my mind.
Today's rhythm of life, stress, pressure at work, and also the little attention paid by institutions, could put them in danger.
It's not enough to talk about their importance: it's necessary to promote concrete means and to develop their role in society with a good family policy.
Together, let us ask Jesus that any far-reaching decisions of economists and politicians may protect the family as one of the treasures of humanity.

The pope video:   That priests, who experience fatigue and loneliness in their pastoral work, may find help and comfort in their intimacy with the Lord and in their friendship with their brother priests.

Pope Francis - July 2018

The tiredness of priests... Do you know how often I think about it?
Priests, with their virtues and defects, work in many different areas.
Working on so many active fronts, they cannot remain inactive after a disappointment.
At such times, it's good for them to remember that the people love their priests, need them, and trust in them.
Let us pray together that priests, who experience fatigue and loneliness in their pastoral work, may find help and comfort in their intimacy with the Lord and in their friendship with their brother priests.

 

Petite Video de l'ordination par RTL

Photos de l'ordination de notre Frère Pierre Mendels

 

Video Pope Francis - June 2018: That social networks may work towards that inclusiveness which respects others for their differences.

Pope Francis - June 2018

The Internet is a gift of God, but it is also a great responsibility.
Communication technology, its places, its instruments have brought with it a lengthening of horizons, a widening, for so many people.
It can offer immense possibilities for encounter and solidarity.
May the digital network not be a place of alienation. May it be a concrete place, a place rich in humanity.
Let us pray together that social networks may work towards that inclusiveness which respects others for their differences.

 

Video Pope Francis - May 2018: That the lay faithful may fulfil their specific mission, by responding with creativity to the challenges that face the world today.

Video Pope Francis - April 2018: That economists may have the courage to reject any economy of exclusion and know how to open new paths.