Novena: prayer for the Pope

In November 2007 the relics of St Thérèse visited the Vatican and the Pope had opportunity to pray before them. This week in the Diocesan Novena we pray for the Pope and his intentions.

Intention for this week: the Pope and his intentions

On a pilgrimage to Rome in 1887 Thérèse had an opportunity to meet Pope Leo XIII. She had been told in advance that she should remain silent. Unable to stop herself, however, she made her request: she wanted to become a Carmelite at 15 and asked the Pope for his permission. “If it is God’s will, you will enter”, he replied. From the desire of this individual to the pressing concerns of the whole Church, the Pope is charged with the responsibility of leading the world to Christ. Pope Benedict’s intentions for this time include prayer for refugees and displaced peoples, and for Christians suffering persecution or discrimination; we pray for him and for his intentions, as Thérèse did during her time in Carmel.

Intercession:
Let us pray for Pope Benedict – that by the intercession of St Thérèse he may be sustained in his task of leading the Church.