February 16, 2012 Let's pray for pope and cardinals Feb 17-18 John's previous articles
On Feb 18, Pope Benedict will bless/install 21 new cardinals.
(Should be 22, but one is ill; will be
installed when health ok)
As usual, on the day before new cardinals are installed,
the pope and all the cardinals, old and new,
will have a day of prayer and reflection
That being the case,
no matter what our views about the Church/pope etc,
our prayers should focus Feb 17-18
on the Vatican
On Feb 17-18, let's say a few special prayers,
and maybe do a bit of fasting
- as used to be done in the early Church
when a big meeting was on
Jesus, please bless the hearts of the
cardinals and the pope.
May they feel your love in their hearts.
May your love give them hope and wisdom and courage and peace
Jesus, move their hearts to respond more
effectively to the needs of the Church.
May they take steps to stop your Church splintering into factions
- as has happened to the Anglican Church
Jesus, may they be blessed by the same Holy
Spirit
who moved the bishops of Vatican Council II
to reach out to the world in a renewed Church
And in case Pope Benedict announces his retirement Feb 18, let's pray for the next pope!
John W