Pope Benedict XVI's prayer intentions for October 2011 call to mind Christ's injunctions to feed the poor and visit the sick, as well as the first of the eight Beatitudes: "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Christians do not measure the world as others do; the least among us are those Christ loves the most, and we are called to emulate Him.
Pope Benedict's general prayer intention for October 2011 is "That the terminally ill may be supported by their faith in God and the love of their brothers and sisters." We of course should visit the sick and the dying, and we should pray for them as well. This Litany of Intercession to Our Lady of Mount Carmel has long been my main prayer for those who are gravely ill and in danger of death, and I am convinced that, in a few cases I know of, miracles have accompanied the fervent recitation of this prayer. Of course, when the end draws near and any chance of recovery has vanished, we should offer a Prayer for the Dying that they may die a happy death. And, if we are in a position to do so, we should arrange for the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, or Last Rites, to help ensure that the faithful will enter Heaven, and spend as little time in Purgatory as possible. And our obligation to pray for others does not end with their death; prayers for the faithful departed should be a regular part of our prayer life, and participation in the About.com Catholicism Purgatorial Society is a good way to remember our loved ones and friends.
The Holy Father's mission prayer intention for October 2011 is "That the celebration of World Mission Day may foster in the People of God a passion for evangelisation with the willingness to support the missions with prayer and economic aid for the poorest Churches." In these touch economic times, we may find it hard to spare money for Christian missions, but we can certainly spare a few moments each day to offer prayers for their success, such as this Prayer for Unbelievers.
