The Holy Father's Prayer Intentions for 2003

JANUARY 2003

General Intention:
That Christian communities, in this particular moment of our history, may welcome ever more completely the Lord's invitation to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world (cf. Mt 5:13-14).

Mission Intention:
That the Christian communities of China, docile to the Word of God, may strengthen their ties and cooperate more effectively in spreading the Good News.

FEBRUARY 2003

General Intention:
That all Christians, sensitive to the distressing condition of peoples who are still suffering from hunger and thirst, may be moved to greater solidarity towards their brothers.

Mission Intention:
That the Church in Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei, while remaining open to dialogue with the followers of the other religions, may remain faithful to its own exacting evangelizing mission.

MARCH 2003

General Intention:
That each one of the People of God and their Pastors, may grow in their realization of the importance of the sacrament of Reconciliation, the gift of God's merciful love.

Mission Intention:
That the local Churches of Africa, in the midst of the difficult situations of the present moment, may feel the urgency of announcing the Gospel coherently and courageously.

APRIL 2003

General Intention:
That those who hold positions of responsibility in the Church may offer a shining example of a life which is always responsive to the guidance of the Spirit.

Mission Intention:
That the clergy and the laity, and the religious, both men and women, who work in missionary lands, may live and courageously bear witness to the universal call to holiness.

MAY 2003

General Intention:
That children in difficulty and those who devote themselves to their care, may find in Mary, Mother of life, constant support and help.

Mission Intention:
That in the local Churches of Asia, the Holy Spirit may kindle renewed ardor for evangelizing the entire Continent.

JUNE 2003

General Intention:
That the faithful who hold positions of responsibility in public life may follow the teachings of the Gospel and the principles of the social doctrine of the Church, and may defend and promote the respect of human values in every situation.

Mission Intention:
That the Christians of India, who belong to various traditions, may be drawn to offer together a testimony of full unity and communion in the one Spirit which guides them.

JULY 2003

General Intention:
That governments, and those responsible for the economy and finance of the world, may make an effort to find modalities and conditions which guarantee all people the necessary means to live in a dignified way.

Mission Intention:
That all those in Africa who are sick -- the victims of AIDS and other serious diseases -- may experience the consolation and love of God thanks to the services of the doctors and those who lovingly take care of them.

AUGUST 2003

General Intention:
That researchers, in scientific and technological fields, may welcome the Church's incessant calls to make wise and responsible use of the successes they have attained.

Mission Intention:
That the catechists of the young Churches may bear witness faithfully to their attachment to the Gospel.

SEPTEMBER 2003

General Intention:
That the countries that are suffering because of war, terrorism and violence, may find the way of reconciliation, concord and peace.

Mission Intention:
That the Christian communities of Central Asia, who live among people of other religious traditions, may be committed to spreading the good news of the kingdom through the active testimony of their faith.

OCTOBER 2003

General Intention:
That young people may follow Christ, the Way, the Truth, and the Life with generous enthusiasm and be ready to bear witness to him in all the situation in which they live.

Mission Intention:
That for the Church, God will not fail to provide Pastors who are rich in wisdom and holiness and ready to defend the light of the Gospel to the very ends of the earth.

NOVEMBER 2003

General Intention:
That the Christians of the West may constantly increase their knowledge and appreciation of the spirituality and liturgical traditions of the Oriental Churches.

Mission Intention:
That the Church in America, celebrating the Second American Missionary Congress in Guatemala, may be inspired to more generous evangelizing activity even beyond her own frontiers.

DECEMBER 2003

General Intention:
That the members of all religions may cooperate to alleviate the human sufferings of our time.

Mission Intention:
That the Church, in the countries where totalitarian regimes still reign, may be given full freedom to carry out her own spiritual mission.