Arrivederci, Papa!

As Pope Benedict nears his final day as Pope (Feb 28, 2013), let us pray:
-for wisdom for those Cardinals in the conclave, that they will listen to the Holy Spirit's gift of wisdom in choosing a successor.

-that in his remaining years as bishop emeritus of Rome, Benedict XVI will, through, his prayers enter more deeply into the mystery of Christ and His Church.

Prayer for the Pope:

 

Let us pray for Benedict, the Pope.

May the Lord preserve him,

give him a long life,

make him blessed upon the earth,

and not hand him over

to the power of his enemies.

May Your hand be upon Your holy servant.

And upon Your son, whom You have anointed.

 

Closing: The Prayer of St. Benedict

 

Gracious and holy Father,

please give to our Pope and 

to us the faithful:

intellect to understand You;

reason to discern You;

diligence to seek You;

wisdom to find You;

a spirit to know You;

a heart to meditate upon You;

ears to hear You;

eyes to see You;

a tongue to proclaim You;

a way of life pleasing to You;

patience to wait for You;

and perseverance to look for You.

 

Grant Your servant the 

Pope and us the faithful:

a perfect end,

Your holy presence.

A blessed resurrection,

And life everlasting.

 

Our Father...

Hail Mary...

Glory Be...

 

Amen.

Earthquake in Japan

Pray for the victims of the earthquake in Japan.

A prayer and a pledge here.

International donations (Euros) here.

World Day of Peace

This New Year's Day is the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. It is also the World Day for Peace. Mary is also called Our Lady Queen of Peace.

Please pray for peace in the world. Pope Benedict has a message for this day here with some good topics for prayer!

UPDATE: Pray for the Coptic Church in Egypt. Story here.

Catholics Jailed in Vietnam

The Independent Catholic News reports that "Six Catholics from Con Dau were convicted and sentenced for protesting when authorities tried to stop a burial in a church cemetery." Here is the story from the AP via Yahoo! News.

Please pray for those who were arrested and for the Church in Vietnam.

Pray for the People of Sudan

Pray for peace in Sudan after the recent elections there.

Pope Benedict's Prayer Intentions for May 2010

Pope Benedict's general prayer intention is "That the shameful and monstrous commerce in human beings, which sadly involves millions of women and children, may be ended."

His mission intention is "That ordained ministers, religious women and men, and lay people involved in apostolic work may understand how to infuse missionary enthusiasm into the communities entrusted to their care."

Another request:
According to Zenit.org the Pope commented after a concert for his 5th anniversary "Remember me in your prayers," he said in conclusion, "so that on beginning the sixth year of my pontificate, I will always be able to fulfill my ministry as the Lord wills."

Pope Benedict's Trip to Malta

Pope Benedict XVI will be in Malta April 17-18.

Malta is mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles as the place where the apostle Paul and others came ashore after a shipwreck on the way to Rome. (Acts 27:27 to 28:10.)

Please pray that this visit will encourage the Church in Malta to a deeper faith in Christ and for the safety of Pope Benedict as he travels there.

Official Website

EWTN converage