Prayer

1 November, the Feast of All Saints... The well-known and recognised saints, of course, but even more so, all those people, men, women and children, who have died after living a life in harmony with God’s plan for the world.

Throughout October, we answer Pope Francis’ call to pray for the Synod of Bishops. Together, let’s reflect on the theme that permeates this significant event across the global Church: “For a synodal Church: communion, participation, and mission.”

Unlike past synods, this one is not about addressing a particular issue, like most synods before, but about becoming who God calls us to be as a Church, all of us together, amidst the reality of today’s world!

On 30 September 2023, an ecumenical prayer vigil will take place in Rome in the presence of Pope Francis and representatives of different Churches, to unite us in praise and silence, in listening to the Word.

As Pope Francis invites us this month to pray especially for those living on the margins of society, let us pray to St Peter Claver, who dedicated his whole life to this evangelical service.

Let us pray for those people on the margins of society in subhuman living conditions, that they may not be neglected by institutions and never be cast out.

Let us pray that the World Youth Day in Lisbon will help us young people to set out on the journey, witnessing to the Gospel with our own lives.

From 1 to 6 August, young people from all over the world will gather in Lisbon, Portugal, to express and sing their faith during the 37th World Youth Day (WYD).

Let us pray that Catholics place at the centre of their lives the Eucharistic Celebration, which transforms human relationships profoundly and opens up an encounter with God and their brothers and sisters.

Throughout the world, men and women inspired by Ignatian spirituality are placing their talents and resources at the service of those in need, but rarely has a group developed the level of presence and commitment in a city as it has in Medellín, Colombia.

Throughout this month, let’s support the participants of MAGIS 2023 by reciting the official prayer of the event every day.

To pray to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is to respond to His love by expressing our own love for Him and for all that He cherishes. During the month of June, we are especially encouraged to dedicate our prayers to the Sacred Heart.