I beg you, most loving Savior,
to reveal yourself to us who beseech you,
so that knowing you, we may love you only,
love you alone,
desire you alone,
contemplate you alone by day and night,
and ever hold you in our thoughts.
May your charity possess all our inward parts,
and your love own us all,
and may your affection fill our senses.

-From a prayer written by St. Columban

St. Martin de Porres,
Just as Jesus
went about doing good,
you walked the dusty streets
of the city of Lima.
There you saw the poor
with the eyes of compassion.
you did all you could
to relieve suffering among slaves
and wherever you found it.
Ask God to help us
see the poor as you saw them
and to make our hands ready
to do what we can to end suffering.
We ask this in Jesus' name.
Amen.

For copies of this booklet please write to: The Columban Fathers, PO Box 10, Saint Columbans, NE 68056.

Lord, how deep, how wonderful
this mystery of love for me.

It begins as a string of love
Deep within your heart,
This movement of your Spirit
Going forth everywhere
To fill the whole of your creation.

Your love is the greatest grace
Beyond all that you have made,
So how is it that of any space
Where your love seeks to rest,
A love that nothing can confine,
It seeks to find a place
Deep within a heart like mine?

How terrible to be caught up, then,
In the routine of everyday things when
I don't have time to savor your love,
Or worse ignore it, or worse still reject it.
Loving Spirit, dwell within my heart.
So that I may reflect your peace and light. Amen.

-By Columban Father Patrick Sayles

---

To request the prayer book "Prayer From Around The World" that includes these poems, please write to:
The Columban Fathers
PO Box 10
St. Columbans, NE 68056

I feel so crushed,
So under the weight of a dark cloud,
That my heart feels numb within me.

I remember good days
When I felt on top of the world,
When I could sing at the wonder
of life and its beauty.
Yet now such things are only memories,
My spirit seems withered within me,
Like a dry land desperate for rain.

Lord, make haste to help me!
Send the showers of your love upon me,
Like flowers refreshed in rain,
Lift up my drooping head,
So that I can put my trust in you
And rejoice in you instead! Amen.

-By Columban Father Patrick Sayles

---

To request the prayer book "Prayer From Around The World" that includes these poems, please write to:
The Columban Fathers
PO Box 10
St. Columbans, NE 68056

O Jesus, I believe that in this holy sacrament of the Eucharist you have really and truly come into my inmost soul to share your divine life with me. I believe because you have said it and your word is true.

May your sacred body that I have received so transform me that no stain of sin may remain in me.

May what I have received in my mouth, O Lord, dwell ever in my heart and from a passing benefit become an eternal reward. Amen.

-From the booklet The Body and Blood of Christ. For copies of this booklet please write to: The Columban Fathers, PO Box 10, Saint Columbans, NE 68056.

O Lord, prepare my soul to receive you. You have said, "He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood lives in me and I live in him: as I myself draw life from the Father, so whoever eats me will draw life from me."

I come to You now that I may draw life from You. Let me join You in this Mass in adoring and thanking our Heavenly Father, in making reparation for sin and begging for the graces I need to serve Him worthily and glorify Him daily more and more.

May Your kingdom come in my heart and all the world. Amen.

-From the booklet The Body and Blood of Christ. For copies of this booklet please write to: The Columban Fathers, PO Box 10, Saint Columbans, NE 68056.

Lord Jesus

According to the Gospel
Saint Philip asked you this question,
"Lord, we do not know the way where
you are going. How can we know the way?"
He could have been speaking for me!
The path ahead seems so hard to find.
Help me accept the answer
You gave to Philip, the same answer
You are trying to give me.
You are the Way.
Deep down I know that if I make You the pattern of the rest of my life,
All will be well.
Give me the courage to say
"Yes! Here I am!"
when I hear You asking
"Who will make my Name known?"

-Amen.

-Copies of this prayer are available from the Columban Fathers, St. Columbans, NE 68056

Blessed Mother Mary, we turn to you in prayer for all the people in these United States. We again place ourselves in your care, in the gentle hands that cradled the Child Jesus.

We ask you to make us more alive in your faith, more generous in your love, more trusting in your hope. Teach us to imitate Jesus, as you did, and always to follow Him with your courage.

Mother Mary, help us to become a people who hunger for justice and who burn with compassion for those who suffer in our midst. Make us a people who cherish and defend the dignity of every human person. Free us from all selfishness and self-interest, that we truly might be the builders of the Kingdom of God.

Immaculate Mary, help us to stand among the family of nations as a people of compassion, generosity, and peace. Make us a people of vision and courage, who will gift this world with new life, new hope, and the unity for which your Son died.

-Copies of this prayer are available from the Columban Fathers, St. Columbans, NE 68056

To pray for peace is to open the human heart to the inroads of God's power to renew things. With the life giving force of grace, God can create openings for peace where only obstacles and closures are apparent. God can strengthen and enlarge the solidarity of the human family in spite of our endless history of division and conflict.

To pray for peace is to pray for justice, for right ordering of relations within and among nations and peoples.

To pray for peace is to seek God's forgiveness, and to implore the courage to forgive those who trespassed against us. May a more intense prayer rise from the hearts of all believers for victims of terrorism and war; for their families so tragically stricken; for all peoples who come to be hurt and convulsed by terrorism and war.

May the light of our prayer extend even to those who gravely offend God and humanity by their pitiless acts, that they may look into their hearts, see the evil of what they do, abandon all violent intentions and seek forgiveness.

In these troubled times, may the whole human family find true and lasting peace, born of the marriage of justice and mercy.

-Pope John Paul II

-The Holy Father's reflections were the theme of the Columban Mission calendar for 2003. Copies of this calendar are available from the Columban Fathers, St. Columbans, NE 68056

As missionaries we attempt to approach other cultures sensitively:

Loving God,
We believe you live among us
And the place where you are is
Holy Ground

We know you love all peoples
And that their ways and lands
Are also holy.

Help us to discover all your wonders
In their faith, their lives and stories

Send us your spirit, and we will
Listen, learn and meet you in
Your Holy Ground.

-From "Prayers from Around the World" by Columban Father Pat Sayles. Copies of this booklet are available from the Columban Fathers, St. Columbans, NE 68056

O Blessed Columban, who, in your zeal for the extension of Christ's Kingdom, and the salvation of souls, spent your life in suffering and exile, assist and protect, we humbly ask you, the missionaries of our day, who have devoted their lives to preaching the Gospel throughout the world.

Obtain for them, we beseech you, that prudence and fortitude by which you overcame the dangers which beset your path, and that firm faith and ardent charity which enabled you to endure gladly the privations of this life for the love of Christ.

Assist and protect us, also, dear St. Columban, so to live for God's glory that when our pilgrimage through life is over, we may enjoy with you the eternal rest of heaven through Christ Our Lord.

-Amen.

-Copies of this prayer are available from the Columban Fathers, St. Columbans, NE 68056

Be diligent in humility and gentle in authority, simple in faith, wise in the ways of virtue; keen for your neighbor's weal, unmindful of your own. Be pure in friendship, wary of deceit, austere amid luxury, moderate in austerity, temper monotony with variety, be constant amid change, cheerful in your sorrows, restrained in your joys. Be at variance, if needs be, but unvarying in truth, severe amid pleasures, genial amid hardships, brave in suffering, hesitant in conflict. Be slow to anger, quick to learn, slow also to speak as St. James teaches but quick likewise to listen.

Be steady in progress, slow to punish, prudent in word, prompt in action, amiable with the just, stern with the shameless, gentle with the weak, firm with the downcast. Be ever sober, ever chaste, modest always, enduring to the point of zeal; never covetous, ever generous, if not with wealth at least in spirit. Be timely in your fasts, instant in your vigils; discreet in life's crises, serene amid mourning. Be bold in the cause of truth, timid in controversy; submissive to the virtuous, unyielding with the wicked, meek in generosity, tireless in charity, just in all things.

Be reverent to the worthy, merciful to the poor, mindful of favors, forgetful of injuries, love obscurity, spurn riches, be master of your will, harbor no hidden thoughts. Be obedient to your elders, a companion to the young, the equal of your comrades, emulate the perfect, envy not your betters, grieve not when you are outdistanced, despise not those who lag behind, heed those who urge you on. Be not fainthearted when weary, but joyful through tears for every fervor and hope. Be anxious always for the crown that may be lost as you hasten onward.

*Translation by Fr. E. J. McCarthy

Prayer is, in St. Augustine's phrase, "the soul's affectionate quest of God." God desires that we should come as a child might come for help or with tears of sorrow on the child's face asking for pardon. He desires us to cling as a child would cling in the face of danger, as a child would rest in a father's arms, sure of his power, surer still of his love.

Our prayer is not one-sided. God speaks to us, and from His side prayer might be called, "God's affectionate quest of us." He "calls you by your name."

To pray well is to escape from pursuing fear into the shelter of the wounded Hands. He who knows how to pray well, knows how to suffer well, and this is to have that perfect love and trust that casts out all fear.

The prayer made in suffering is prayer most like the prayer of Christ, especially when in our agony, from the depths of our being, we try to say with Him: "Not my will but Yours be done."

In His dying agony, Jesus kept saying, "Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing." He keeps on saying that same prayer for us in the Mass. The prayer of the extended Hands upon the Cross has never ceased.

Each dawn, He has made possible the closest intimacy. We go up to the altar to receive Jesus, to commune with Him. And He comes down (what a long way He comes!) to commune with us. He comes not for a day, but for a union He desires to be eternal.

We must be one with Him in His love for the Eternal Father, to do all things for the glory of the Trinity; to live His life in the Trinity; to be caught up in the flood of life and union that goes on forever among the Holy Three in One.

There can be only one ending to a life like this-this life of union lived now by prayer and faith will have its full realization one day in the bosom of the Blessed Trinity.

-Excerpt from "Pathways to God" by Columban Father John Henaghan. Fr. Henaghan went to the Philippines in 1931 and died at the hands of the Japanese military in February 1945.

O Sacred Heart of Jesus, Your missionaries have cheerfully left home and all dear to them for love of You and to bring Your love to Your poor. We beg You to strengthen that spirit of love in their hearts. Let it never be weakened by failure, frustration, difficulty or trial. Be with them in loneliness, hardship and danger. Send them the help they need to carry on their work for You and make it fruitful.

Amen

-From the booklet The Body and Blood of Christ. For copies of this booklet please write to: The Columban Fathers, PO Box 10, Saint Columbans, NE 68056.

A reflection by Columban Sister Redempta Twomey
Mid-life, moving on to old age, can be a dangerous time. Dante was not alone in his experience: "Midway upon the journey of our life I found myself in a dark wood, where the right way was lost."

It is this feeling of lostness that so often disorientates many people at this stage of their life. The signposts are gone; they feel they are wandering aimlessly in a fog. A sense of meaningless, of futility saps their energies. Some engage in feverish activity in an unconscious effort to avoid the bleakness within. A full diary, hours in the gym, shopping, travel, games ... anything to escape. Others live with an undercurrent of anxiety or experience depression that robs them of their taste for life.

Not everyone, of course, goes through such turmoil. Many people enjoy their mature years, glad now to have more time and space for family and friends. They integrate the changes of aging making the most of every moment.

What supported us in the morning of life, Carl Jung said, will not be sufficient to see us through the afternoon. The questions raised in these decades are all spiritual ones. Earlier ambitions and dreams no longer energize us as we search for meaning now. As Dante wrote, "Ah, how hard a thing it is to tell what this wild and rough and difficult wood was ... So bitter that death is little more."

Some deny or resist this great change but, for those who experience the pain and turmoil or advancing years, a new path opens up in the seeming chaos of their inner selves. If they stay with the pain of it, they gradually learn that this is a time of reshaping, of renewal.

A deeper wisdom, a more pervasive compassion emerges, giving their lives a new focus. Questions are asked as they take stock of their direction. "Where am I going? Where do I want to go? What do I need to let go of to travel light for the years ahead? Where is my passion?"

Out of this suffering emerges a new person. Older, yes, but wiser. No longer bitter or resentful at the unfairness of life, at opportunities missed or roads not taken, the changed person now embraces life as gift with gratitude. As the compulsion to keep up with or stay ahead of the rat race fades, new values surface. Values of presence, of care, of attention.

The people and things we took for granted or overlooked are now seen with new clarity. As we find space from the busyness and demands of our days we are open to new insights, to increased wisdom, to joy. Age may be creeping up on us but, as St. Paul said, "We are not discouraged; although our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day" (2 Corinthians 4:16).

Sr. Joan Chittister reminds us of the richness that comes with age:

"In the second half of life everything we ever accumulated begins to disappear. We empty cupboards. We strip and clear and bear the hollows of our tiny worlds till there is nothing left but the self, the memories, the footsteps of our lives. We find ourselves stripped of titles and offices and importance. Feeling empty and vulnerable, we are cast adrift to contemplate what we have become and what we have done for others. Then, just when it seems that nothing is right, we wake up one morning to our leaner, truer selves. We are, we discover, now offered the prospect of doing the really important things we may have been too important to do before now."

While there is no certainty that growing older means growing wiser, or becoming more content, nevertheless this is a fertile time. We may not always know where we are going, but if we trust in God he will not forsake us. Abraham, the writer of the letter to the Hebrews tells us, "went out, not knowing where he was to go" (Hebrews 11:8). May we, like him, who risked all because he trusted in God, have faith and courage to walk the journey of our later years with peace.

Mission Intentions

January
That every believer in Christ may understand that unity among all Christians is necessary for effective proclamation of the gospel.

February
That the Church, aware of its missionary identity, may strive to follow Christ faithfully and to proclaim his gospel to all peoples.

March
That the Churches throughout Africa may be signs and instruments of reconciliation and justice.

April
That persecuted Christians may persevere, sustained by the Holy Spirit, in witnessing to the love of God for all, even for those who persecute them.

May
That priests, religious women and men, and lay people involved in apostolic work may understand how to bring missionary enthusiasm to the communities they serve.

June
That the Churches in Asia, a "little flock" among non-Christian populations, may communicate the gospel well and give joyful witness to their faith.

July
That Christians may strive to promote everywhere, but especially in our cities, education, justice, solidarity, and peace.

August
That the Church may be a home for all people in need, opening its doors to any who suffer from racial or religious discrimination, hunger, or wars forcing their emigration.

September
That by opening our hearts to love we may put an end to the wars and conflicts which continue to bloody our world.

October
That World Mission Day may help Christians realize that the task of proclaiming Christ is a necessary service to which the Church is called for the benefit of humanity.

November
That the Latin-American Churches may move forward with the continent-wide mission proposed by their bishops, assuming their share of the universal missionary task of God's people.

December
That the peoples of the earth may open their doors to Christ and to his gospel of peace, brotherhood, and justice.

---

General Intentions

January
That young people may learn to use social communication media for their personal growth and in preparation to serve society.

February
That scholars and intellectuals, by sincere search for the truth, may come to know the one true God. people.

March
That the world economy may be managed according to the principles of justice and equality, taking into account the real needs of peoples, especially the poorest.

April
That every tendency to fundamentalism and extremism may be countered by respect, tolerance, and dialogue among believers.

May
That the shameful and monstrous trafficking in human beings, which sadly involves millions of women and children, may stop.

June
That every national and international institution may strive to guarantee respect for human life from conception to natural death.

July
That elections in every nation may be carried out with justice, transparency, and honesty, respecting the free decisions of citizens.

August
That those who are unemployed, homeless, or in any serious need may find welcome, understanding, and help in overcoming their difficulties.

September
That the proclamation of the Word of God may renew people's hearts, encouraging them to work toward authentic social progress.

October
That Catholic Universities may increasingly become places where, in may increasingly become places where, in light of the gospel, people may experience the unity of faith and reason.

November
That through the support of the Christian community, all victims of addiction may find in the power of our saving God strength for a radical life change.

December
That our experience of suffering may help us better understand the pain of the many people who are alone, sick, or aged, and stir us to generous help.

For additional copies of this card, write to: Columban Fathers, St. Columbans, NE 68056.

Oh glorioso San Martín,
que siguiendo el ejemplo de nuestro
Señor Jesucristo caminaste por las calles
de Lima haciendo el bien a tus hermanos,
y viendo a los pobres y enfermos con
ojos de compasión hiciste todo a tu
alcance para aliviar su sufrimiento, te
suplicamos intercedas ante Dios Padre
por nosotros y por nuestras necesidades
e intenciones particulares.
Enséñanos a ver a Jesús en el rostro de
los pobres; haz que nuestro corazón y
nuestras manos estén siempre dispuestos
a prestar ayuda a lo que sufren.
To lo pedimos, por Chrito nuestro Señor.

Amen.

Si desea más tarjetas gratis escriba a:
Misioneros Columbanos
P.O. Box 10
St. Columbans, NE 68056

Dios Amoroso,
Creemos que Tú vives
Entre nosotros
Y que el lugar
Donde Tú estás
Es tierra sagrada.
Sabemos que Tú amas
A todos por igual
Y que las culturas y
Las tierras de Tú pueblo
Son también sagradas.
Ayúdanos a descubrir
Todas Tus maravillas
En la fe de Tú pueblo,
En sus vidas y en sus
Historias.
Envíanos Tú Espíritu,
Para que escuchemos,
Aprendamos
Y nos encontremos contigo
En Tú tierra sagrada.

-para obtner copias de esa oracion escriba a Padres Columbanos, PO Box 10, St. Columbans, NE 68056

Santa María de Guadalupe, te suplicamos intercedas por todos los que te invocan en sus necesidades. Protege al Santo Padre y a todos los que formamos la Iglesia. Así como en tu aparición en el Tepeyac nos dijiste: "Soy la siempre Virgen María, Madre del verdadero Dios", alcánzanos de tu Divino Hijo la conservación de la Fe. Tú eres nuestra dulce esperanza en las amarguras de esta vida. Danos un amor ardiente y la gracia de la perseverancia final. Amén.

-para obtner copias de esa oracion escriba a Padres Columbanos, PO Box 10, St. Columbans, NE 68056

O Jesus, creo que en este Santismo Sacramento de la Eucharistia has venido real y verdaderamente a los mas intimo de me alma para compartir Tu vida divina conmigo. Creo porque Tu lo has dicho y Tu palabra es verdadera.

Que Tu cuerpo sagrado que he recibido me transforme de tal manera que no quede mancha de pecado en mi.

Que lo que he receibido en mi boca, O Senor, permanezca siempre en mi corazon y de un beneficio pasajero llegue a ser una recompensa eterna. Amen.

-para obtner copias de esa oracion escriba a Padres Columbanos, PO Box 10, St. Columbans, NE 68056

O Senor, Prepara mi alma para recibirte. Tu has dicho: "El que come mi carne y bebe Mi sangre vive en Mi y yo en el: asi Yo vivo por el Padre, asi tambien el que coma de Me vivira por Mi."

Vendo ahora a Ti para poder vivir por Ti. Permiteme unirme a ti en esta Misa para adorar y dar gracias a nuestro Padre Celestial, para hacer reparacion por los pecados y para implorar las gracias que necesito para servirlo degnamente y glorificarlo diariamente mas y mas.

Que tu reino venga a mi corazon y a todo el mundo. Amen.

-para obtner copias de esa oracion escriba a Padres Columbanos, PO Box 10, St. Columbans, NE 68056

Te pido, Dios mio, tu gracia y tu
ayuda para que todas mis intenciones,
acciones y pensamientos, esten unicamente
orientadas a servirte y alabarte.
Guiame para escoger en mi vida el
camino que me has senalado.
Te pido que al oir tu voz este atento
a tu llamado y guiame con tu Santo
Espiritu para tener el valor de
responder a tu voluntad.
Enciende en mi corazon y en los de
otros, el deseo de hacer del mundo
un lugar major.

-Amen.

-Para obtener copias de esta oracion escriba a Padres Columbanos, St. Columbans, NE USA 68056

Bendito San Columbano que dedicaste tu vida a la extension del reino de Cristo y la salvacion del mundo, te imploramos que protejas y asistas a los misioneros de hoy pare que construyan un mundo mas fraterno y justo.

Protegenos tambien a nosotros, querido San Columbano y ayudanos a vivir tu espiritu misionero, llevando la Palabra de Dios a todos nuestros hermanos y hermanas.

-Amen.

-Para obtener copias de esta oracion escriba a Padres Columbanos, St. Columbans, NE USA

A reflection by Fr. Denny O’Mara

People of faith, you often show
intolerance for those who have
beliefs that differ from your own.
Who treats you with intolerance?
Who do you disrespect or hate?

Involved are Christians, Muslims, Jews
and Hindus, Sikhs and others, too.
Your faith in Me unites you all.
Divisions come from your beliefs,
from different doctrines that you hold
of Me, My Nature and My Will.

People of faith, why don’t you see
beliefs you hold can help or hurt,
can help you live with faith and love
and be at peace with others’ faiths
or cause divisions, hate and harm?

Examples are the following:
Do you think God was blessing you
when some of you put slaves to work
as if I loved them less than you;
when you judged women less than men
as if they are not of equal worth;
Or when you launched wars without need,
not using diplomatic means,
or fought for power, land or gold,
or from religious, racial hate?

Do you think I take pleasure in
your use of force to prove your point
that “We are right, and you are wrong.”
Religious wars bring much sadness
to victims and to Me, your God.

Is it not time to change your ways?
You are an obstacle to faith
for faith-seekers who sadly find
your conflicts, your intolerance.


For your traditions all do teach
the need to love and to forgive
as an ideal to pursue
in family and society.
Why not within religions, too,
also with those of other faiths?

You emphasize your differences.
Agree that each and all of you
are equally my children loved,
and that I want more love from you
and not beliefs that fuel the flames
of violence and intolerance.

Know faith alone is not enough.
With faith put justice and put love,
or it is a faith that is incomplete.
It is not expressed in faith-filled deeds,
in works of mercy and of love.

Go from your prayer to reconcile,
forgiving and asking the same.
It may now seem impossible.
It is up to you to take the steps.
Be sure I am with you on this path.

Seek understanding mutually.
Agree that you will disagree
without the need to hate and hurt,
with dialogue your path and goal,
resolving not to persecute
because beliefs differ from yours.
Unite! Fight hunger, poverty,
racism, violence, war.

My Heaven has room for you all.
Please do not teach that it is just for you
or you won’t want to heaven go
where people of all faiths share life,
are happy that others are there,
have made peace with Earth-enemies
and do not argue “Who was right?”
That is all that I will tell you now.

I view your present and your past,
your glass half-empty and half-full,
your negative and positive.
Please listen then to what I have said:
Be tolerant. Do not persecute.
Do not use violence in My name.

Intenciones Generales

ENERO
Para que los jóvenes sepan utilizar los medios de comunicación social para su crecimiento personal y para prepararse mejor para servir la sociedad.

FEBRERO
Para que todos los científicos y las personas de la cultura, por medio de la sincera búsqueda de la verdad, puedan llegar al conocimiento del único Dios verdadero.

MARZO
Para que la economía mundial se desarrolle según criterios de justicia y de equidad, teniendo en cuenta las exigencias reales de los pueblos, especialmente de los más pobres.

ABRIL
Para que toda tendencia hacia el fundamentalismo y el extremismo sea contrarrestada por el respeto, la tolerancia, y el diálogo entre todos los creyentes.

MAYO
Para que se ponga fin al vergonzoso e inicuo comercio de seres humanos, que tristemente involucra a millones de mujeres y niños.

JUNIO
Para que en todas las instituciones nacionales e internacionales se comprometan a garantizar el respeto de la vida humana, desde la concepción hasta su fin natural.

JULIO
Para que en todas las naciones del mundo las elecciones de los gobernantes se realicen según la justicia, transparencia y honestidad, respetando las decisiones libres de los ciudadanos.

AGOSTO
Para que los sin trabajo, sin techo, y cuantos viven en grave situación de necesidad encuentren comprensión y acogida y sean ayudados a superar su dificultades.

SEPTIEMBRE
Para que el anuncio de la Palabra de Dios renueve el corazón de las personas, alentándolas a trabajar por un auténtico progreso social.

OCTUBRE
Para que las universidades Católicas sean cada vez más lugares donde, gracias a la luz del Evangelio, sea posible experimentar la armónica unidad que hay entre fe y razón.

NOVIEMBRE
Para que las víctimas de toda forma de adicción, por el apoyo de la comunidad cristiana, encuentren en el poder de Dios la fuerza de cambiar radicalmente su vida.

DICIEMBRE
Para que la experiencia del sufrimiento nos ayuda a entender el dolor de las personas solas, enfermos y ancianos, y estimule a todos a ayudarlas con generosidad.

Intenciones Misionales

ENERO
Para que todos los creyentes en Cristo entienden de que la unidad entre todos los cristianos es necesario para la proclamación eficaz del evangelio.

FEBRERO
Para que la Iglesia, consciente de su identidad misionera, se esfuerce en seguir fielmente a Cristo y en proclamar su Evangelio a todos los pueblos.

MARZO
Para que las Iglesias en África sean signo e instrumento de reconciliación y de justicia.

ABRIL
Para que los cristianos perseguidos perseveren, sostenidos por el Espíritu Santo, en fiel testimonio del amor de Dios por toda la humanidad.

MAYO
Para que los sacerdotes, las religiosas, religiosos, y los laicos comprometidos en el apostolado, sepan infundir entusiasmo misionero a las comunidades que sirven.

JUNIO
Para que las Iglesias en Asia, que constituyen "una pequeña grey" entre poblaciones no cristianas, sepan comunicar el Evangelio y testimoniar con gozo su fe.

JULIO
Para que los cristianos se comprometen a defender en todas partes, especialmente en las ciudades, la cultura, la justicia, la solidaridad, y la paz.

AGOSTO
Para que la Iglesia sea el hogar de todos, pronto a abrir sus puertas a los que sufren discriminaciones religiosas o raciales, el hambre y las guerras que fuerzan su emigración.

SEPTIEMBRE
Para que por abrir el corazón al amor, se ponga fin a tantas guerras y conflictos que aun ensangrientan el mundo.

OCTUBRE
Para que la celebración de la Jornada Misionera Mundial sea ocasión para comprender que la tarea de anunciar a Cristo es un servicio necesario que la Iglesia estaacute; llamada a desempeñar a favor de la humanidad.

NOVIEMBRE
Para que las Iglesias de América Latina prosigan la misión continental propuesta por sus Obispos, insertándola en la tarea misionera universal del Pueblo de Dios.

DICIEMBRE
Para que los pueblos de la tierra abran las puertas a Cristo y a su evangelio de paz, fraternidad y justicia.