Pope Benedict's Prayer Intentions for October 2008

Each month, Pope Benedict XVI announces his special prayer intentions--particular things that he wishes all Catholics to pray for that month. (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 every month, one general, and one for a particular Catholic missionary activity. His general prayer intention for October 2008 is "That the Synod of Bishops may help the pastors and theologians, the catechists and promoters who are engaged in the service of the Word of God to courageously transmit the truth of faith in communion with the entire Church." The education of the faithful in each diocese must always be guided by the bishop, who is the shepherd of all of the souls in his diocese.

Pope Benedict's mission intention is "That in this month dedicated to the missions, through the promotional activities of the Pontifical Missionary Works and other organisms, every Christian community may feel the need to participate in the Church's universal mission with prayer, sacrifice and concrete help." To that end, we might add a Prayer for Those in Error and a Prayer for Unbelievers to our daily prayers this month, to assist in the good works of Catholic missionaries. We might also consider setting aside a day or two for fasting and/or abstinence, and then donating the money that we save that day on food to a Catholic missionary organization.

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