L I V I N G P R AY E R 2 0 1 7
PRAYER
O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
I offer you the prayers, works, joys
and sufferings of this day for all the
intentions of your Sacred Heart
in union with the holy sacrifice of the Mass
throughout the world.
I offer them to you especially for the
Pope’s intention for this month.
POPE FRANCIS FOR THE
FEAST OF THE SACRED HEART 2017
The Heart of the Good Shepherd tells us that his love is limitless; it is never
exhausted and it never gives up. There we see his infinite and boundless selfgiving; there we find the source of that faithful and meek love which sets free and
makes others free; there we constantly discover anew that Jesus loves us ‘even to
the end’ (Jn 13:1), without ever being imposing.
The Heart of the Good Shepherd reaches out to us, above all to those who are
most distant. There the needle of his compass inevitably points, there we see a
particular ‘weakness’ of his love, which desires to embrace all and lose none.
Contemplating the Heart of Christ, we are faced with the fundamental question
of our life: Where is my heart directed? Our ministry is often full of plans, projects
and activities: from catechesis to liturgy, to works of charity, to pastoral and
administrative commitments. Amid all these, we must still ask ourselves: ‘What
is my heart set on, where is it directed, what is the treasure that it seeks?’ For as
Jesus says: ‘Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.’ (Mt 6:21).
The DAILY OFFERING
THREE IMPORTANT MOMENTS OF THE DAY
With Jesus in the morning: As I begin my day, I look for a moment of
silence to become aware of the presence of the Risen Lord. I ask the Father to make
me available to the mission of his Son, offering him what I am and possess. I ask the
Holy Spirit to open my heart to the needs and challenges that confront humanity
and the mission of the Church, summarised in the Pope’s intentions for this month.
With Jesus during the day: In different moments during the day, on the
road or at a stop, at home or at work, I recall the nearness of the Lord and renew my
desire to know his will and to carry it out.
With Jesus at night: At the end of the day, I ask the Holy Spirit to show
me the ways in which Jesus has been with me during the day and I thank him. I ask
myself in what ways I have been available to his mission and I also thank him. I look
at how I have been an obstacle to his work in me and I ask that in his mercy he may
come and transform my heart. I ask him that I may live the next day close to him.
Jesus gives me his blessing.
© Messenger Publications 2017
David Stewart SJ, National Director
Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network (AOP)
Copleston House Jesuit Community, 221/3 Goldhurst Terrace,
W. Hampstead, London NW6 3EP
Phone: 074 3259 1117 Email: [email protected]
CLICK-TO-PRAY
What is ‘Click To Pray’? The Pope now has a mobile application called Click To Pray, brought to you by the Pope’s
Worldwide Prayer Network (Apostleship of Prayer). The app invites you to pray together
with millions of others around the world for the Pope’s monthly prayer intentions, which
address current challenges facing humanity. And because every day is different, the app
offers a prayer 365 days a year to help you discover each day how God calls you to live. Join
us as we pray together with the Pope in his global prayer network.
Prayer is now easy, flexible, and creative. The app accompanies you throughout your
day, connecting you with thousands of people who find purpose in praying every day for
the challenges of humanity and for the mission of the Church, as the Pope proposes in
his monthly prayer intentions. Through prayer, we can live and build the world we dream.
Through prayer, we can give meaning to our lives and be moved to action.
Click To Pray offers you three brief moments of prayer each day. You are invited to join
the Pope’s call to connect your heart with others seeking to serve the mission of Jesus.
Together, we make each day different. Live each day with a twist. Click To Pray also lets
you share your own prayer intentions for all to pray.
www.clicktopray.org
TOGETHER WE MAKE EACH DAY DIFFERENT
The POPE’S WORLDWIDE PRAYER NETWORK
Apostleship of Prayer (AOP)
Identity: The Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network addresses
the challenges facing humanity and assists the mission of the
Church.
Vision: To pray and work to meet the challenges of the world
identified by the Pope. His intentions are keys for our prayer and
mission.
Mission: You are apostles in daily life, walking a spiritual path
called ‘Way of the Heart,’ working to serve Christ’s mission.
PRAYER to the SACRED HEART
Grant, we pray, almighty God, that we, who glory in the Heart of your beloved Son
and recall the wonders of his love for us,
may be made worthy to receive an overflowing measure of grace
from that fount of heavenly gifts.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Mass at Knock Roman Catholic pilgrimage centre
JANUARY2016
Photo: © Ros Drinkwater / Alamy Stock Photo
Epiphany of The Lord. Mt 2:1-12
Baptism of The Lord. Mt 3:13-17
Ordinary Weekday. Mk 1:21-28
Ordinary Weekday. Mk 1:29-39
Ordinary Weekday. Mk 1:40-45
St Hilary BD. Mk 2:1-12
1st Week Ordinary Time. Mk 2:13-17
8 Sun
9 Mon
10 Tue
11 Wed
12 Thu
13 Fri
14 Sat
29 Sun 4th Sunday Ordinary Time. Mt 5:1-12a
30 Mon Ordinary Weekday. Mk 5:1-20
31 Tue St John Bosco Pr. Mk 5:21-43
l First Friday
22 Sun 3rd Sunday Ordinary Time. Mt 4:12-23
23 Mon Ordinary Weekday. Mk 3:22-30
24 Tue St Francis de Sales BD. Mk 3:31-35
25 Wed Conversion of St Paul Ap. Mk 16:15-18
26 Thu Ss Timothy and Titus, Bb. Mk 4:21-25
27 Fri St Angela Merici V. Mk 4:26-34
28 Sat St Thomas Aquinas PD. Mk 4:35-41
15 Sun 2nd Sunday Ordinary Time. Jn 1:29-34
16 Mon Ordinary Weekday. Mk 2:18-22
17 Tue St Anthony Ab. Mk 2:23-28
18 Wed Ordinary Weekday. Mk 3:1-6
19 Thu Ordinary Weekday. Mk 3:7-12
20 Fri St Sebastian M. Mk 3:13-19
21 Sat St Agnes VM. Mk 3:20-21
Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. Lk 2:16-21
Ss Basil and Gregory B D. Jn 1:19-28
Holy Name of Jesus. Jn 1:29-34
St Elizabeth Ann Sexton. Jn 3:7-10/ Ps 98:1. 7-8. 9/ Jn 1:35-42
St John Neumann B. Jn 1:43-51
Bl André Bessette R. Mk 1:7-11 l
Raymond of Peñafort Pr. Jn 2:1-11
1 Sun
2 Mon
3 Tue
4 Wed
5 Thu
6 Fri
7 Sat
YOUR DAILY OFFERING
Gracious Father, listen to our morning
prayer. Grant me the grace to turn my
thoughts to what is holy and may I ever
live in the light of your love, serving others
and helping them to see the beauty of
God. I offer you this day for the intention
of Pope Francis for this month.
Our Father...
CHRISTIAN UNITY
That all Christians may be faithful to the Lord’s teaching
by striving with prayer and fraternal charity to restore
ecclesial communion and by collaborating to meet the
challenges facing humanity.
Jesus prayed for his followers: ‘Holy Father, protect them in your
name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are
one’ (Jn.17:11). When we pray for Christian Unity, we know that
what we desire is what Christ desires.
Alongside such prayer for unity, it can help to reflect on our
underlying attitudes. Some questions: When we think of the
‘Church’, do we only mean the Roman Catholic Church or have
we in mind the World Church comprising all who recognise
Jesus as Lord? When in Ireland we speak of the renewal of the
Church, do we simply mean the Roman Catholic Church or include
all Christian bodies on this island? Is our attitude exclusive or
inclusive?
Fr Brian O’Leary SJ is a well-known author and theologian.
Rooftop view towards Canterbury Cathedral, Kent, England.
FEBRUARY2016
Photo: © Images of Kent / Alamy Stock Photo
5th Sunday Ordinary Time. Mt 5:13-16
St Paul Miki & Co Mm. Mk 6:53-56
Ordinary Weekday. Mk 7:1-13
St Josephine Bakhita V. Mk 7:14-23
Ordinary Weekday. Mk 7:24-30
St Scholastica. Mk 7:31-37
Our Lady of Lourdes. Mk 8:1-10
5 Sun
6 Mon
7 Tue
8 Wed
9 Thu
10 Fri
11 Sat
l First Friday
26 Sun 8th Sunday Ordinary Time. Mt 6:24-34
27 Mon Ordinary Weekday. Mk 10:17-27
28 Tue Ordinary Weekday. Mk 10:28-31
19 Sun 7th Sunday Ordinary Time. Mt 5:38-48
20 Mon Ordinary Weekday. Mk 9:14-29
21 Tue St Peter Damian BD. Mk 9:30-37
22 Wed See of St Peter Ap. Mt 16:13-19
23 Thu St Polycarp BM. Mk 9:41-50
24 Fri Ordinary Weekday. Mk 10:1-12
25 Sat 7th Week Ordinary Time. Mk 10:13-16
12 Sun 6th Sunday Ordinary Time. Mt 5:17-37
13 Mon Ordinary Weekday. Mk 8:11-13
14 Tue Ss Cyril M and Methodius B. Mk 8:14-21
15 Wed Ordinary Weekday. Mk 8:22-26
16 Thu Ordinary Weekday. Mk 8:27-33
17 Fri Seven Founders Order of Servites. Mk 8:34 – 9:1
18 Sat 6th Week Ordinary Time. Mk 9:2-13
St Brigid. Mk 6:1-6
Presentation of the Lord. Lk.2:22-40
St Blase BM. Mk 6:14-29 l
4th Week Ordinary Time. Mk 6:30-34
1 Wed
2 Thu
3 Fri
4 Sat
YOUR DAILY OFFERING
Father, as a new day dawns, make us
true to your teaching and keep us free
from error and sin this day. Grant me the
grace to walk in your light and see your
light in all I meet. I offer this day for the
intention of Pope Francis for this month.
Our Father...
WELCOME THE NEEDY
That all those who are afflicted, especially the poor,
refugees and the marginalised, may find welcome and
comfort in our communities. Pope Francis has consistently drawn our attention to the plight of
refugees. In a series of gestures of solidarity with those who are
forced to move by war, violence and extreme poverty, he has gone
to meet them, in Lampedusa, in Greece, in East Africa, and even
taken refugees with him from camps back to live with him in the
Vatican. He has called on the world to shake off the globalisation
of indifference and recognise in the refugee our brother and sister
and invited us to weep with them. We should not be caught up
with their legal status he said, but recognise them as persons of
value, able to make a contribution. To welcome them, he said, is
to welcome God in person.
We pray then with the Pope for a conversion of hearts and minds
towards those in need of protection. We pray that political leaders
may make laws and policies that promote hospitality rather than
hostility; that we may be able to recognise refugees as our own
brother and sister; and that communities may respond with generosity, with offers of practical help and friendship. We ask also for
the grace to be open to all that refugees have to give us and teach
us and we look forward with hope with them, confident that God
is very close to the poor and the needy.
Sarah Teather, former MP, Director, Jesuit Refugee Service UK.
Lough Derg, County Donegal, Ireland.
MARCH2016
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1st Sunday of Lent. Mt 4:1-11
Lenten Weekday. Mt 25:31-46
Lenten Weekday. Mt 6:7-15
St John of God R. Lk.11:29-32
St Frances of Rome R. Mt 7:7-12
Lenten Weekday. Mt 5:20-26
1st Week of Lent. Mt 5:43-48
5 Sun
6 Mon
7 Tue
8 Wed
9 Thu
10 Fri
11 Sat
l First Friday n Holy Day of Obligation in Ireland
26 Sun 4th Sunday of Lent. Jn 9:1-41
27 Mon Lenten Weekday. Jn 9:1-41
28 Tue Lenten Weekday. Jn 5:1-16
29 Wed Lenten Weekday. Jn 5:17-30
30 Thu Lenten Weekday. Jn 5:31-47
31 Fri Lenten Weekday. Jn 7:1-2
19 Sun 3rd Sunday of Lent. Jn 4:5-42
20 Mon St Joseph, husband of BMV. Lk.2:41-51a
21 Tue Lenten Weekday. Jn 4:5-42
22 Wed Lenten Weekday. Mt 5:17-19
23 Thu St Toribio de Mogrovejo B. Lk.11:14-23
24 Fri Lenten Weekday. Mk 12:28-34
25 Sat Annunciation of the Lord. Lk.1:26-38
12 Sun 2nd Sunday of Lent. Mt 17:1-9
13 Mon Lenten Weekday. Lk.6:36-38
14 Tue Lenten Weekday. Mt 23:1-12
15 Wed Lenten Weekday. Mt 20:17-28
16 Thu Lenten Weekday. Lk.16:19-31
17 Fri St Patrick B. Mt 21:33-43. 45-46 n
18 Sat Cyril of Jerusalem B. Lk.15:1-3. 11-32
Ash Wednesday. Mt 6:1-6. 16-18
Thursday after Ash Wednesday. Lk.9:22-25
Friday after Ash Wednesday. Mt 9:14-15 l
St Casimir. Lk.5:27-32
1 Wed
2 Thu
3 Fri
4 Sat
YOUR DAILY OFFERING
Loving Father, you are the true light of
the world, enlighten us as we start a
new day and guide us in all our actions.
Grant me the courage, strength and grace
to build a world of justice and peace. I
offer you this day for the Pope’s monthly
intention.
Our Father...
SUPPORT FOR
PERSECUTED CHRISTIANS
That persecuted Christians may be supported by the
prayers and material help of the whole Church.
Today, more than ever, with the advances in communication
we are fully aware of the many violent acts committed
against Christians, some of whom are being slaughtered while
pronouncing the name of Jesus. Pope Francis asks us ‘not to
forget the tragedy of persecution. ‘Open Doors’, an international
organisation that brings awareness of Christian persecution,
states that a significant increase in attacks has occurred against
Christians since 2014. Last year, for instance, more than 7,000
Christians were killed for their faith, which they note is ‘almost
3,000 more than the previous year.’ The largest areas of
growing Christian persecution occur in the Middle East, Africa,
and Central Asia.
World leaders offer little more than condolences after major
attacks on Christians. People are truly suffering in unthinkable
ways for holding Christian beliefs. We need to stand up in
solidarity with them. Pope Francis says: ‘Today there are more
Christian martyrs than in the first years of the Church.’
Cormac McConnell writes for The Sacred Heart Messenger.
Shrine gardens in Walshingham, Norfolk, England.
APRIL2016
Photo: © UK Churches / Alamy Stock Photo
5th Sunday of Lent. Jn 11:1-45
Lenten Weekday. Jn 8:1-11
St Isidore of Seville BD. Jn 8:21-30
St Vincent Ferrer Pr. Jn 8:31-42
Lenten Weekday. Jn 8:51-59
St John Baptist de la Salle P. Jn 10:31-42 l
Lenten Weekday. Jn 11:45-56
2 Sun
3 Mon
4 Tue
5 Wed
6 Thu
7 Fri
8 Sat
l First Friday
30 Sun 3rd Sunday of Easter. Lk.24:13-35
23 Sun 2nd Sunday of Easter. Jn 20:19-31
24 Mon Easter Weekday. Jn 3:1-8
25 Tue St Mark Evangelist. Mk 16:15-20
26 Wed Easter Weekday. Jn 3:16-21
27 Thu Easter Weekday. Jn 3:31-36
28 Fri St Louis Mary de Montfort P. Jn 6:1-15
29 Sat St Catherine of Siena V D. Jn 6:16-21
16 Sun Easter Sunday. Lk.24:13-35
17 Mon Easter Monday. Mt 28:8-15
18 Tue Easter Tuesday. Jn 20:11-18
19 Wed Easter Wednesday. Lk.24:13-35
20 Thu Easter Thursday. Lk.24:35-48
21 Fri Easter Friday. Jn 21:1-14
22 Sat Easter Saturday. Mk 16:9-15
9 Sun Palm Sunday. Mt 26:14–27:66
10 Mon Monday of Holy Week. Lk.4:16-21
11 Tue Tuesday of Holy Week. Jn 13:21-33. 36-38
12 Wed Wednesday of Holy Week. Mt 26:14-25
13 Thu Holy Thursday. Jn 13:1-15
14 Fri Good Friday. Jn 18:1. 19:42
15 Sat Holy Saturday. Mt 28:1-10
Lenten Weekday. Jn 7:40-53
1 Sat
YOUR DAILY OFFERING
Merciful Father, you have brought us
to the light of a new day, keep us safe
from every sinful inclination. Grant me
the grace to do what is pleasing in your
sight through all my thoughts, words
and deeds. I offer you this day for the
intention of Pope Francis for this month.
Our Father...
YOUNG PEOPLE
That young people may respond generously to their
vocations and seriously consider offering themselves to
God in the priesthood or consecrated life.
‘Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on
fire.’ – St Catherine of Siena speaks of the power for good that
is released when we discover our vocation – the God-given call
for our lives.
Each of us has a unique contribution to make. Vocation is
about discovering deep within ourselves who we are called
to be. When we discover what gives us joy, what we are
passionate about, we begin to discover where we are called
to place our energies, our talents, and ultimately our lives.
Vocation is much more than a choice of what we might do or
how we might choose to live. It is a response to the call of God
within us, which affects every aspect of our lives.
The apostles encountered Christ and were moved to respond
generously to His invitation. The gospel reveals ordinary people
responding in an extraordinary way. Through our baptism, we
are each called to follow Christ. May we have the courage and
generosity to respond wholeheartedly to His invitation in our
lives, willing to follow wherever His call leads us.
Sr Lynne Baron is a University Chaplain and Vocations Director.
Shrine to The Virgin Mary, Lady’s Island, County Wexford, Ireland.
MAY2016
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4th Sunday of Easter. Jn 10:1-10
Easter Weekday. Jn 10:11-18
Easter Weekday. Jn 10:22-30
Damien of Molokai P. Jn 12:44-50
Easter Weekday. Jn 13:16-20
Ss Nereus and Achilleus Mm. Jn 14:1-6
Our Lady of Fatima. Jn 14:7-14
7 Sun
8 Mon
9 Tue
10 Wed
11 Thu
12 Fri
13 Sat
28 Sun 7th Sunday of Easte. Mt 28:16-20
29 Mon Easter Weekday. Jn 16:29-33
30 Tue Easter Weekday. Jn 17:1-11a
31 Wed Visitation of the BMV. Lk.1:39-56
l First Friday
21 Sun 6th Sunday of Easter. Jn 17:1-11a
22 Mon St Rita of Cascia R. Jn 15:26-16:4a
23 Tue Easter Weekday. Jn 16:5-11
24 Wed Easter Weekday. Jn 16:12-15
25 Thu Ascension of the Lord. Jn 16:16-20
26 Fri St Philip Neri Pr. Jn 16:20-23
27 Sat Augustine of Canterbury B. Jn 16:23b-28
14 Sun 5th Sunday of Easter. Jn 14:1-12
15 Mon St Isidore the Farmer. Jn 14:21-26
16 Tue Easter Weekday. Jn 14:27-31a
17 Wed Easter Weekday. Jn 15:1-8
18 Thu St John P M. Jn 15:9-11
19 Fri Easter Weekday. Jn 15:12-17
20 Sat St Bernardine of Siena Pr. Jn 15:18-21
St Joseph the Worker. Mt 13:54-58
St Athanasius BD. Jn 6:30-35
Ss Philip and James Aps. Jn 14:6-14
Easter Weekday. Jn 6:44-51
Easter Weekday. Jn 6:52-59 l
Easter Weekday. Jn 6:60-69
1 Mon
2 Tue
3 Wed
4 Thu
5 Fri
6 Sat
YOUR DAILY OFFERING
Heavenly Father, I thank you for the gift
of a new day. May the prayers of the
Virgin Mary bring us protection this day
and freedom from sin, that we may share
the joy of the Gospel with others. I offer
you this day for the intention of Pope
Francis for this month.
Our Father...
CHRISTIANS IN AFRICA
That Christians in Africa, in imitation of the Merciful Jesus,
may give prophetic witness to reconciliation, justice, and
peace.
Examples of apartheid, genocide, wars and tribal conflict offer
a testimony for reconciliation as a prophetic witness of peace.
Uganda is one example. Peter is a school principal in Gulu. In the
science room of his school, surrounded by beakers and Bunsen
burners he explained that as a child, attending this same school,
he was captured by the rebel army to be trained as a child
solider. In his recalling of events he detailed his determination
to learn. When a group member enquired about his feelings
towards the rebels, he said, ‘they were blind, didn’t know what
they were doing, many of them children, some of them people I
know and see now in Gulu. Anger and revenge will not achieve
anything; patience with each other leads to peace’. May we add
to the Pope’s intention that we recognise and protect, in our
relationships, personal, economic and political, the efforts in
many African countries towards reconciliation, justice and peace.
This is what the Pope calls ‘prophetic witness to reconciliation,
justice and peace’; it is also a work of mercy.
Bríd Dunne is a teacher.
Looking through doorway of St Columba’s Shrine to the replica of St John’s Celtic
Cross, Iona Abbey, Mull, Scotland.
JUNE2016
Photo: © Mark Boulton / Alamy Stock Photo
Pentecost. Jn 20:19-23
St Boniface B M. Mk 12:1-12
St Norbert B. Mk 12:13-17
Ordinary Weekday. Mk 12:18-27
Ordinary Weekday. Mk 12:28-34
St Ephrem of Syria D Dr, St Columba Ab. Mk 12:35-37
9th Week Ordinary Time. Mk 12:38-44
4 Sun
5 Mon
6 Tue
7 Wed
8 Thu
9 Fri
10 Sat
l First Friday n Holy Day of Obligation in England and Wales
25 Sun 12th Sunday Ordinary Time. Mt 10:26-33
26 Mon Ordinary Weekday. Mt 7:1-5
27 Tue St Cyril of Alexandria B D. Mt 7:6. 12-14
28 Wed St Irenaeus B M. Mt 7:15-20
29 Thu Ss Peter and Paul Ap. Mt 16:13-19 n
30 Fri First Martyrs of the Church of Rome. Mt 8:1-4
18 Sun Corpus Christi. Jn 6:51-58
19 Mon St Romuald Ab. Mt 5:38-42
20 Tue Ordinary Weekday. Mt 5:43-48
21 Wed St Aloysius Gonzaga Rel. Mt 6:1-6. 16-18
22 Thu St Paulinus of Nola B. Mt 6:7-15
23 Fri SACRED HEART OF JESUS. Mt 11:25-30
24 Sat Nativity of John the Baptist. Lk.1:57-66. 80
11 Sun Trinity Sunday. Jn 3:16-18
12 Mon Ordinary Weekday. Mt 5:1-12
13 Tue St Anthony of Padua Pr D. Mt 5:13-16
14 Wed Ordinary Weekday. Mt 5:17-19
15 Thu Ordinary Weekday. Mt 5:20-26
16 Fri Ordinary Weekday. Mt 5:27-32
17 Sat 10th Week Ordinary Time. Mt 5:33-37
St Justin M. Jn 17:20-26
Ss Marcellinus & Peter Mm. Jn 21:15-19 l
Charles Lwanga & Co Mm. Jn 21:20-25
1 Thu
2 Fri
3 Sat
YOUR DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, you call your children to
walk in the light of Christ, the light of
the world. Grant me the grace to be more
attentive today to those around me and
seek to be a light shining in the darkness.
I offer you this day for the intention of
Pope Francis for this month.
Our Father...
NATIONAL LEADERS
That national leaders may firmly commit themselves to
ending the arms trade, which victimises so many innocent
people.
What is in the Pope’s heart this month can be in everyone’s heart
too. If we pray with him for this intention, we pray along with
many others too, all of us seeking to have our hearts changed and
become more like the heart of Christ.
Turnover from the arms trade is approaching $100 billion
annually. Can we imagine a world without that? There are those
who say without it, jobs in the arms industry would be lost,
families would suffer and security would be risked. The follower
of Christ will appreciate that yet will still remember words of
Scripture that invite us to ‘beat our swords into ploughshares’.
The Pope’s concern does not omit how the arms trade victimises
many innocent people. Globally, armed violence kills up to
508,000 people each year, not all of them combatants. We pray
for them and for their families, but ever more urgently for the
world’s leaders, who could eliminate this killer trade.
David Stewart SJ, National Director of the Pope’s Prayer Network
for Britain and various Jesuit ministries in London.
Pilgrims climbing Croagh Patrick, County Mayo, Ireland.
JULY2016
Photo: © Hemis / Alamy Stock Photo
13th Sunday Ordinary Time. Mt 10:37-42
St Thomas Ap. Jn 20:24-29
St Elizabeth of Portugal. Mt 8:23-27
St Anthony Mary Zaccaria Pr. Mt 8:28-34
St Maria Goretti V M. Mt 9:1-8
Ordinary Weekday. Mt 9:9-13 l
13th Week Ordinary Time. Mt 9:14-17
2 Sun
3 Mon
4 Tue
5 Wed
6 Thu
7 Fri
8 Sat
l First Friday
30 Sun 17th Sunday Ordinary Time. Mt 13:44-52
31 Mon St Ignatius of Loyola P. Mt 13:31-35
23 Sun 16th Sunday Ordinary Time. Mt 13:24-43
24 Mon St Sharbel Makhluf Pr. Mt 12:38-42
25 Tue St James Ap. Mt 20:20-28
26 Wed Ss Joachim and Anne, parents BMV. Mt 13:1-9
27 Thu Ordinary Weekday. Mt 13:10-17
28 Fri Ordinary Weekday. Mt 13:18-23
29 Sat St Martha, disciple of the Lord M. Lk.10:38-42
16 Sun 15th Sunday Ordinary Time. Mt 13:1-23
17 Mon Ordinary Weekday. Mt 10:34-11:1
18 Tue St Camillus de Lellis Pr. Mt 11:20-24
19 Wed Ordinary Weekday. Mt 11:25-27
20 Thu St Apollinarius B M. Mt 11:28-30
21 Fri St Lawrence of Brindisi Pr D. Mt 12:1-8
22 Sat St Mary Magdalene. Jn 20:1-2. 11-18
9 Sun 14th Sunday Ordinary Time. Mt 11:25-30
10 Mon Ordinary Weekday. Mt 9:18-26
11 Tue St Benedict Ab. Mt 9:32-38
12 Wed Ordinary Weekday. Mt 10:1-7
13 Thu St Henry M. Mt 10:7-15
14 Fri Bl Kateri Tekakwitha V. Mt 10:16-23
15 Sat St Bonaventure BD. Mt 10:24-33
Bl Junipero Serra P R. Mt 8:5-17
1 Sat
YOUR DAILY OFFERING
Loving Father, today as yesterday, Jesus
continues to cross our paths and spread
your goodness. Do not let Him pass
close to me today without my noticing
His presence. May I be amazed by the
goodness that comes from you, as the
sunlight that warms me? I offer you my
day, and all that will happen, for the
Pope’s intention this month.
Our Father...
LAPSED CHRISTIANS
That our brothers and sisters who have strayed from the
faith, through our prayer and witness to the Gospel, may
rediscover the merciful closeness of the Lord and the
beauty of the Christian life.
Pope Francis in his Apostolic Exhortation, ‘Evangelii Gaudium’
writes ‘goodness always tends to spread... as it expands, goodness
takes root and develops’. Evangelisation, put simply, is sharing
‘Good News’. It is about bringing the Gospel of joy to those
we encounter, whether they are our neighbours or complete
strangers. It is a task for the whole Church to evangelise by inviting
people into a personal encounter with Jesus, to be in friendship
with him. Evangelisation is first and foremost about reaching out
with love, mercy and compassion. It is not about proclaiming faith
but rather inviting people to find Jesus through our gentle words,
good deeds, and kind actions; and it can happen in any place, in
any situation.
Patrick Muldoon works in youth evangelisation and in the Jesuit
Communications Centre, Dublin.
Saint Winefride’s Well, Holywell, North Wales.
AUGUST2016
Photo: © Keith Skingle / Alamy Stock Photo
Transfiguration. Mt 17:1-9
St Sixtus II Pp & Comps Mm. Mt 14:13-21
St Dominic Pr. Mt 15:1-2. 10-14
St Teresa Benedicta of the Cross V M. Mt 15:21-28
St Lawrence DM. Jn 12:24-26
St Clare V. Mt 16:24-28
St Jane Frances de Chantal R. Mt 17:14-20
St Alphonsus Liguori BD. Mt 13:36-43
St Peter Julian Eymard Pr. Mt 13:44-46
Ordinary Weekday. Mt 13:47-53
St John Mary Vianney Pr. Mt 13:54-58 l
Dedication Basilica of St Mary Major. Mt 14:1-12
l First Friday n Holy Day of Obligation
27 Sun 21st Sunday Ordinary Time. Mt 16:13-20
28 Mon St Augustine BD. Mt 23:13-22
29 Tue Martyrdom of John the Baptist M. Mk 6:17-29
30 Wed Ordinary Weekday. Mt 23:27-32
31 Thu Ordinary Weekday. Mt 24:42-51
20 Sun 20th Sunday Ordinary Time. Mt 15:21-28
21 Mon St Pius X P. Mt 19:16-22
22 Tue Queenship of the BMV. Mt 19:23-30
23 Wed St Rose of Lima V. Mt 20:1-16
24 Thu St Bartholomew Ap. Jn 1:45-51
25 Fri St Louis of France. Mt 22:34-40
26 Sat 20th Week Ordinary Time. Mt 23:1-12
13 Sun 19th Sunday Ordinary Time. Mt 14:22-33
14 Mon St Maximilian Mary Kolbe P M. Mt 17:22-27
15 Tue Assumption of the BMV. Lk.1:39-56 n
16 Wed St Stephen of Hungary. Mt 18:15-20
17 Thu Ordinary Weekday. Mt 18:21-19:1
18 Fri Ordinary Weekday. Mt 19:3-12
19 Sat St John Eudes Pr. Mt 19:13-15
6 Sun
7 Mon
8 Tue
9 Wed
10 Thu
11 Fri
12 Sat
1 Tue
2 Wed
3 Thu
4 Fri
5 Sat
YOUR DAILY OFFERING
Father of all goodness, I thank you for
this day that begins and for your warm
presence, which for me is a source of joy,
a joy nothing else can give. I offer you my
day, in union with the Pope’s Worldwide
Prayer Network intention.
Our Father...
ARTISTS
That artists of our time, through their ingenuity, may
help everyone discover the beauty of creation.
‘In every age the Church has called upon the arts to give
expression to the beauty of her faith and to proclaim the gospel
message of the grandeur of God’s creation, the dignity of human
beings made in his image and likeness, and the power of Christ’s
death and resurrection to bring redemption and rebirth to a
world touched by the tragedy of sin and death,’ said Pope Francis
on 19 October, 2013. Most of us can say we are touched by some
great work of art – a statue, a painting, a piece of music. We
recall that good art lifts the heart and soul to the mystery of life
and the beauty of creation. We can add also that good art can
highlight the injustices of the world, and the reality of life for
those who live ‘on the peripheries’. Maybe our prayer this month
can be to be on the lookout for such creations and be grateful, not
forgetting also the popular art and music that can raise our hearts
to be grateful for the beauty of the world and for reminders of its
imperfectness. What Pope Francis wrote of the Vatican Museum
can refer to much artistic work: ‘it bears witness to the spiritual
aspirations of humanity, the sublime mysteries of the Christian
faith, and the quest of that supreme beauty which has its source
and fulfilment in God’.
Fr Donal Neary SJ, formerly PP of Gardiner Street parish, Dublin,
is the editor of The Sacred Heart Messenger.
Skellig Michael, County Kerry, Ireland.
SEPTEMBER2016
Photo: © Peter Barritt / Alamy Stock Photo
22nd Sunday Ordinary Time. Mt 16:21-27
Ordinary Weekday. Lk.4:16-30.
Ordinary Weekday. Lk.4:31-37
Ordinary Weekday. Lk.4:38-44
Ordinary Weekday. Lk.5:1-11
Nativity of the BMV. Mt 1:1-16. 18-23
St Peter Claver Pr. Lk.6:1-5
3 Sun
4 Mon
5 Tue
6 Wed
7 Thu
8 Fri
9 Sat
l First Friday
24 Sun 25th Sunday Ordinary Time. Mt 20:1-16a
25 Mon Ordinary Weekday. Lk.8:16-18
26 Tue Ss Cosmas and Damian Mm. Lk.8:19-21
27 Wed St Vincent de Paul Pr. Lk.9:1-6
28 Thu St Lawrence Ruiz & Comps Mm. Lk.9:7-9
29 Fri Ss Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Archangels. Jn 1:47-51
30 Sat St Jerome Pr D. Lk.9:43b-45
17 Sun 24th Sunday Ordinary Time. Mt 18:21-35
18 Mon Ordinary Weekday. Lk.7:1-10
19 Tue St Januarius BM. Lk.7:11-17
20 Wed St Andrew Kim Taegon PM. Lk.7:31-35
21 Thu St Matthew Ap. Mt 9:9-13
22 Fri Ordinary Weekday. Lk.8:1-3
23 Sat St Pio of Pietrelcina Pr. Lk.8:4-15
10 Sun 23rd Sunday Ordinary Time. Mt 18:15-20
11 Mon Ordinary Weekday. Lk.6:6-11
12 Tue Holy Name of BMV. Lk.6:12-19
13 Wed St John Chrysostom BD. Lk.6:20-26
14 Thu Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Jn 3:13-17
15 Fri Our Lady of Sorrows. Jn 19:25-27 or Lk.2:33-35
16 Sat St Cornelius PM. Lk.6:43-49
Ordinary Weekday. Mt 25:1-13 l
Ordinary Weekday. Mt 25:14-30
1 Fri
2 Sat
YOUR DAILY OFFERING
Father of all goodness, I thank you for
the beautiful world that you created. Give
me the grace to open my eyes to see the
beauty where I live, where I am studying
or where I work every day. Help me to
discover the beauty of the people who
cross my path. I offer you my day, in
union with Mary, for the Pope’s intention
for this month.
Our father…
PARISHES
That our parishes, animated by a missionary spirit, may
be places where faith is communicated and charity is
seen.
Pope Francis has encouraged parishes to be an ‘oasis of mercy’,
and to be missionary: looking out to all sorts of people both in
the area, and in the wider world. Both are linked. We reach out
to people with the message of Christ from our conviction that the
message is the mercy of God. This is the outreach of the Trinity
to the world. They ‘weep’ over our needs: the loss of meaning of
people in the developed world. The mercy of God hears the needs
of millions for food and shelter, and the cries of the refugees
on seas far away and in houses up the road. Can we feel also
compassion of the Trinity? Our prayer this month will open our
hearts to be merciful, for mercy, according to Pope Francis, is the
‘heartbeat of the gospel’.
Fr Donal Neary SJ, formerly PP of Gardiner Street parish, Dublin,
is the editor of The Sacred Heart Messenger.
Struell Wells, Downpatrick, County Down, Northern Ireland.
OCTOBER2016
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27th Sunday Ordinary Time. Mt 21:33-43
St John Leonardi Pr. Lk.10:25-37
Ordinary Weekday. Lk.10:38-42
Ordinary Weekday. Lk.11:1-4
Ordinary Weekday. Lk.11:5-13
Ordinary Weekday. Lk.11:15-26
St Callistus PM. Lk.11:27-28
8 Sun
9 Mon
10 Tue
11 Wed
12 Thu
13 Fri
14 Sat
l First Friday
29 Sun 30th Sunday Ordinary Time. Mt 22:34-40
30 Mon Ordinary Weekday. Lk.13:10-17
31 Tue Ordinary Weekday. Lk.13:18-21
22 Sun 29th Sunday Ordinary Time. Mt 22:15-21
23 Mon St John of Capistrano Pr. Lk.12:13-21
24 Tue St Anthony Claret B. Lk.12:35-38
25 Wed Ordinary Weekday. Lk.12:39-48
26 Thu Ordinary Weekday. Lk.12:49-53
27 Fri Ordinary Weekday. Lk.12:54-59
28 Sat Ss Simon and Jude Aps. Lk.6:12-16
15 Sun 28th Sunday Ordinary Time. Mt 22:1-14
16 Mon St Margaret Mary Alacoque V. Lk.11:29-32
17 Tue St Ignatius of Antioch BM. Lk.11:37-41
18 Wed St Luke Evangelist. Lk.10:1-9
19 Thu Ss Isaac Jogues and John de Brébeuf Mm. Lk.11:47-54
20 Fri St Paul of the Cross P. Lk.12:1-7
21 Sat 28th Week Ordinary Time. Lk.12:8-12
26th Sunday Ordinary Time. Mt 21:28-32
The Guardian Angels. Mt 18:1-5. 10
Ordinary Weekday. Lk.9:51-56
St Francis of Assisi Pr. Lk.9:57-62
Ordinary Weekday. Lk.10:1-12
Bl Marie-Rose Durocher V. Lk.10:13-16 l
Our Lady of the Rosary M. Lk.10:17-24
1 Sun
2 Mon
3 Tue
4 Wed
5 Thu
6 Fri
7 Sat
YOUR DAILY OFFERING
Father of goodness, at the beginning of
this new day, I thank you for the beauty
of the little things that you give me. By
the action of Your Spirit in me, make me
alert and sensitive to the world in which
I live. I offer you my day for the Church
and for the Pope’s intention this month.
Our Father...
WORKERS AND THE UNEMPLOYED
That all workers may receive respect and protection of
their rights, and that the unemployed may receive the
opportunity to contribute to the common good.
Pope Leo XIII’s great encyclical, Rerum Novarum, broke new
ground in its discussion of workers’ rights and the relationships,
the duties and the mutual responsibilities of labour and capital.
Leo famously spoke of the ‘misery and wretchedness pressing so
unjustly on the majority of the working class’. This letter marks
the birth of modern Catholic Social Teaching, often described as
‘the Church’s best-kept secret’!
Leo’s letter named the duty of the State as the protection
of social justice. The Church, he asserted, always has a duty to
remind the world that God is, and always has been, on the side
of the poor. That mattered in 1894, when new social conditions
were emerging, and it matters now, in 2017. Pope Francis has
frequently reminded us of youth unemployment especially in
Europe. But we must also be aware of those thrown on the
scrap-heap while they still have many productive years to offer
society, a dimension of another of the Pope’s frequent themes,
the ‘throwaway culture’. What this month’s concern highlights,
is that by discarding people, society also takes away their
opportunity to contribute to the Common Good.
David Stewart SJ, National Director of the Pope’s Prayer Network
for Britain and various Jesuit ministries in London.
Clonmacnoise Monastery, County Offaly, Ireland.
NOVEMBER2016
Photo: © scenicireland.com / Christopher Hill Photographic / Alamy Stock Photo
31st Sunday Ordinary Time. Mt 23:1-12
Ordinary Weekday. Lk.14:12-14
Ordinary Weekday. Lk.14:15-24
Ordinary Weekday. Lk.14:25-33
Dedication of St John Lateran. Jn 2:13-22
St Leo the Great PD. Lk.16:1-8
St Martin of Tours B. Lk.16:9-15
5 Sun
6 Mon
7 Tue
8 Wed
9 Thu
10 Fri
11 Sat
l First Friday n Holy Day of Obligation
26 Sun Christ the King. Mt 25:31-46
27 Mon Ordinary Weekday. Lk.21:1-4
28 Tue Ordinary Weekday. Lk.21:5-11
29 Wed Ordinary Weekday. Lk.21:12-19
30 Thu St Andrew Ap. Mt 4:18-22
19 Sun 33rd Sunday Ordinary Time. Mt 25:14-30
20 Mon Ordinary Weekday. Lk.18:35-43
21 Tue Presentation of the BMV. Lk.19:1-10
22 Wed St Cecilia VM. Lk.19:11-28
23 Thu St Clement PM. Lk.17:11-19
24 Fri St Andrew Dung-Lac Pr & Co Mm. Lk.19:45-48
25 Sat St Catherine of Alexandria V M. Lk.20:27-40
12 Sun 32nd Sunday Ordinary Time. Mt 25:1-13
13 Mon St Frances Xavier Cabrini V. Lk.17:1-6
14 Tue Ordinary Weekday. Lk.17:7-10
15 Wed St Albert the Great BD. Lk.17:11-19
16 Thu St Margaret of Scotland. Lk.17:20-25
17 Fri St Elizabeth of Hungary R. Lk.17:26-37
18 Sat Dedication Chs Peter & Paul. Mt 14:22-33
All Saints. Mt 5:1-12a n
All Souls. Ws.3:1
St Martin de Porres R. Lk.14:1-6 l
St Charles Borromeo B. Lk.14:1. 7-11
1 Wed
2 Thu
3 Fri
4 Sat
YOUR DAILY OFFERING
Father rich in love, I thank you today
for all the good you do to me, and for all
you do in me. Allow me to answer with
love the good done to me as well as any
offenses. I offer you my work today, in
union with the intention of Pope Francis.
Our Father…
CHRISTIANS IN ASIA
That Christians in Asia, bearing witness to the Gospel
in word and deed, may promote dialogue, peace, and
mutual understanding, especially with those of other
religions.
Asia’s population is larger than all the other continents put
together. However, only a small minority is Christian. Most Asian
societies have a deep religiosity and strong moral traditions. The
Philippines with a Christian majority have become ‘ambassadors
for Christ’ in the world. Christians in Vietnam face political
persecution, yet vocations to the priesthood and religious life
flourish there. Christians in China and North Korea face a more
violent persecution by the political authorities. In India, Indonesia
and Malaysia, Christians face tensions from either Hindu or
Moslem extremists. By and large these Christians are able to
witness to Christ’s compassion and justice in relative peace and
harmony. However, in Pakistan and Bangladesh, tensions are
more severe and a peaceful religious co-existence is difficult. In
Myanmar, the Rohingka Muslims face persecution at the hands
of Buddhist extremists. In all these countries, the Christian
communities witnessing to mutual love and respect, promote a
society of peace and tolerance.
Ashley Evans SJ is an Irish Jesuit working in Cambodia.
Lindisfarne Castle, Holy Island, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland, England.
DECEMBER2016
Photo: © Ian Sweet / Alamy Stock Photo
1st Sunday Advent. Mk. 13:33-37
St John of Damascus PD. Mt 8:5-11
Advent Weekday. Lk.10:21-24
St Nicholas B. Mt 15:29-37
St Ambrose BD. Mt 7:21. 24-27
Immaculate Conception BMV. Lk.1:26-38 n
Advent Weekday. Mt 9:35-10:1
3 Sun
4 Mon
5 Tue
6 Wed
7 Thu
8 Fri
9 Sat
l First Friday n Holy Day of Obligation
31 Sun Holy Family. Lk.2:22-40
24 Sun 4th Sunday Advent. Lk.1:26-38
25 Mon Nativity of the Lord. Jn 1:1-18 n
26 Tue St Stephen M. Mt 10:17-22
27 Wed St John Ap Evang. Jn 20:1a and 2-8
28 Thu Holy Innocents Mm. Mt 2:13-18
29 Fri St Thomas Becket B M. Lk.2:22-35
30 Sat Christmas Weekday. Lk.2:36-40
17 Sun 3rd Sunday Advent. Jn 1:6-8. 19-28
18 Mon Advent Weekday. Mt 1:18-25
19 Tue Advent Weekday. Lk.1:5-25
20 Wed Advent Weekday. Lk.1:26-38
21 Thu Peter Canisius Pr D. Lk.1:39-45
22 Fri Advent Weekday. Lk.1:46-56
23 Sat St John of Kanty Pr. Lk.1:57-66
10 Sun 2nd Sunday Advent. Mk 1:1-8
11 Mon St Damasus I P. Lk.5:17-26
12 Tue Our Lady of Guadalupe. Ge.12:3
13 Wed St Lucy M. Mt 11:28-30
14 Thu St John of the Cross PD. Mt 11:11-15
15 Fri Advent Weekday. Mt 11:16-19
16 Sat Advent Weekday. Mt 17:9a. 10-13
Ordinary Weekday. Lk.21:29-33 l
Ded. Springfield Ill Cathedral. Ge.28:16
1 Fri
2 Sat
YOUR DAILY OFFERING
Gracious Father, I am grateful for how
you are present in all things in everyday
life. Help me to work with you to build
a more united world. I offer you my day
for the Church and the great challenges of
humanity praying for the intention of the
Holy Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network.
Our Father… THE ELDERLY
That the elderly, sustained by families and Christian
communities, may apply their wisdom and experience to
spreading the faith and forming new generations.
Every year, the excitement builds, and anticipation of joy from
old and young. No, it’s not opening presents at Christmas, but
our school on grandparents’ day. The loving influence of the
grandparents on children can’t be underestimated. Grandparents
are free from the immediate responsibility of parenting, but hold
a unique bond with grandchildren. Grandparents add depth and
foundation to the experience of family.
When a grandparent was asked not to take the crying toddler
out of the playpen by a parent, it caused that grandparent a
major dilemma. So the grandparent, not wanting to go against
the parent, agreed and instead he got into the playpen with the
toddler. This grandparent’s action like many others brings wisdom
to what is really important in fostering the next generation.
Older people’s life experience allows belief and faith to be
shared in the most natural manner. Going to Mass for young
children with Granddad or Nan, or another elderly relative
or neighbour, is part of sharing life. Through their elders our
children learn and retain prayers through routine and loving
relationships.
Ronan Barry is a school chaplain.
A CHRISTIAN PRAYER IN UNION WITH CREATION,
FROM POPE FRANCIS’ ENCYCLICAL, LAUDATO SI
Father,
we praise you with
all your creatures.
They came forth from your
all-powerful hand;
they are yours, filled with your presence
and your tender love.
Praise be to you!
Son of God, Jesus,
through you all things were made.
You were formed in the womb
of Mary our Mother,
you became part of this earth,
and you gazed upon this world
with human eyes.
Today you are alive in every creature
in your risen glory.
Praise be to you!
Holy Spirit, by your light
you guide this world towards
the Father’s love
and accompany creation as it
groans in travail.
You also dwell in our hearts
And you inspire us to do what is good.
Praise be to you! Triune Lord, wondrous community
of infinite love,
teach us to contemplate you
in the beauty of the universe,
for all things speak of you.
Awaken our praise and thankfulness
for every being that you have made.
Give us the grace to feel profoundly joined
to everything that is.
God of love, show us our place in this world
as channels of your love for all the
creatures of this earth,
for not one of them is forgotten in your sight.
Enlighten those who possess
power and money
that they may avoid the sin of indifference,
that they may love the common good,
advance the weak,
and care for this world in which we live.
The poor and the earth are crying out.
O Lord, seize us with your power and light,
help us to protect all life,
to prepare for a better future,
for the coming of your Kingdom
of justice, peace, love and beauty.
Praise be to you! Amen.
IN THIS BOOKLET YOU WILL FIND
Y An explanation of the spirituality of the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network Z
Y Suggested forms of the Daily Offering Z
Y The monthly intentions of the Pope for the needs of the Church and the world Z
Y A brief reflection on the Pope’s Intention for each month Z
Y A calendar with the principal feast days and the gospel of each day’s Mass Z
EACH MONTH’S PAGE MAY BE DETACHED
AND PLACED IN YOUR DIARY
OR PRAYER BOOK FOR EASY USE