Pope Benedict's Prayer Intentions for July 2008

Every month, Pope Benedict XVI announces his prayer intentions for the month--particular things that he wishes all Catholics to pray for. (When, for instance, we pray the rosary and say the prayers at the end for the intentions of the Holy Father, these are the intentions for which we're praying.)

Pope Benedict offers two intentions each month, one general, and one for a particular Catholic missionary activity. His general prayer intention for July 2008 is "That there may be an increase in the number of those who, as volunteers, offer their services to the Christian community with generous and prompt availability." In praying for this intention, we might also try to discern what God wishes us to do, by praying A Prayer to Know Our Vocation.

His mission intention is "That the World Youth Day held in Sydney, Australia, may awaken the fire of divine love in young people and make them sowers of hope for a new humanity." Offering a Prayer to Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, Patron of Youth, is a particularly appropriate way to join with the Holy Father in this intention.

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