The Holy Father's Prayer Intentions for 2008
The first intention of each month is the Pope's General intention, The second intention is the Pope's Missionary intention.

JANUARY

Christian Unity. That the Church work for full visible unity that better manifests a community of love which reflects the Blessed Trinity.
Church in Africa. That the Church in Africa, preparing for a special Synod, may be an instrument of reconciliation and justice.

FEBRUARY

Mentally Handicapped. That the mentally handicapped may not be marginalized, but respected and lovingly helped.
Institutes of Consecrated Life. That the Institutes of Consecrated Life in mission countries may rediscover the missionary dimension and generously proclaim Christ to the ends of the earth.

MARCH

Forgiveness. That all may understand the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation between individuals and peoples and that the Church may spread Christ’s love.
The Persecuted. That Christians who are persecuted because of the Gospel may be sustained by the Holy Spirit and continue to bear witness to the Word of God.

APRIL

Proclamation of the Resurrection. That Christians may not tire of proclaiming with their lives that Christ’s resurrection is the source of hope and peace.
Future Priests. That the future priests of the young Churches may be formed to evangelize their nations and the whole world.

MAY

Human Dignity. That Christians may use literature, art, and mass media to create a culture which defends and promotes the values of the human person.
Mary’s guidance. That the Virgin Mary, Star of evangelization and Queen of the Apostles, may still guide missionaries with maternal affection, just as she accompanied the Apostles in the early stages of the Church.

JUNE

Friendship with Christ. That all Christians may cultivate a deep and personal friendship with Christ so to communicate the strength of his love to every person they meet.
International Eucharist Congress. That the International Eucharistic Congress in Quebec may lead to greater understanding that the Eucharist is the heart of the Church and the source of evangelization.

JULY

Volunteers. That there may be an increase in the number of volunteers who offer their services to the Christian Community.
World Youth Day. That World Youth Day in Sydney, Australia may awaken the fire of divine love in young people and make them sowers of hope for a new humanity.

AUGUST

Respect for Creation. That the human family may know how to respect God’s design for the world and thus become ever more aware of the great gift of God which Creation represents for us.
Call to holiness. That through discernment of gifts and commitment to spiritual formation, holiness may be promoted among the people of God.

SEPTEMBER

Refugees. That Christians may defend and protect refugees.
Christian Families. That every Christian family may be a small evangelizing community which is responsive to the needs of others.

OCTOBER

Synod of Bishops. That the Synod of Bishops may help all those engaged in the service of the Word of God to transmit the truth of faith courageously in communion with the entire Church.
Participation in the Church’s Universal Mission. That in this month dedicated to the missions, every Christian community may feel the need to participate in the universal mission with prayer, sacrifice, and concrete help.

NOVEMBER

Love of God and Neighbor. That the testimony of love offered by the saints may fortify Christians in their devotion to God and neighbor, imitating Christ who came to serve and not to be served.
Church in Asia. That the Christian communities of Asia, contemplating the face of Christ, may find the most suitable ways to announce Him, in full faithfulness to the Gospel.

DECEMBER

Culture of Life. That, faced with the growing expansion of the culture of violence and death, the Church may courageously promote the culture of life through all her apostolic and missionary activities.
Fraternal Witness. That, especially in mission countries, Christians may show through gestures of kindness that the Child born in Bethlehem is the Hope of the world.