The Holy Father's Prayer Intentions for 2012

Each month, Pope Benedict XVI announces his special prayer intentions--particular things that he wishes all Catholics to pray for that month.

Pope Benedict offers two intentions every month, one general, and one for a particular Catholic missionary activity.

JANUARY

General:
Victims of Natural Disasters
That the victims of natural disasters may receive the spiritual and material comfort they need to rebuild their lives.

Missionary:
Dedication to Peace
That the dedication of Christians to peace may bear witness to the name of Christ before all men and women of good will.


FEBRUARY

General:
Access to Water
That all peoples may have access to water and other resources needed for daily life..

Missionary:
Health Workers
That the Lord may sustain the efforts of health workers assisting the sick and elderly in the world's poorest regions.


MARCH
General:
Contribution of Women
That the whole world may recognize the contribution of women to the development of society.

Missionary:
Persecuted Christians
That the Holy Spirit may grant perseverance to those who suffer discrimination, persecution, or death for the name of Christ, particularly in Asia.


APRIL
General:
Vocations
That many young people may hear the call of Christ and follow him in the priesthood and religious life.

Missionary:
Christ, Hope for Africans
That the risen Christ may be a sign of certain hope for the men and women of the African continent.


MAY
General:
The Family
That initiatives which defend and uphold the role of the family may be promoted within society.

Missionary:
Mary, Guide of Missionaries
That Mary, Queen of the World and Star of Evangelization, may accompany all missionaries in proclaiming her Son Jesus.


JUNE
General:
Christ, Present in the Eucharist
That believers may recognize in the Eucharist the living presence of the Risen One who accompanies them in daily life.

Missionary:
European Christians
That Christians in Europe may rediscover their true identity and participate with greater enthusiasm in the proclamation of the Gospel.


JULY
General:
Work Security
That everyone may have work in safe and secure conditions.

Missionary:
Christian Volunteers
That Christian volunteers in mission territories may witness to the love of Christ. .


AUGUST
General:
Prisoners
That prisoners may be treated with justice and respect for their human dignity.

Missionary:
Youth Witness to Christ
That young people, called to follow Christ, may be willing to proclaim and bear witness to the Gospel to the ends of the earth.


SEPTEMBER
General:
Politicians
That politicians may always act with honesty, integrity, and love for the truth.

Missionary:
Help for the Poorest Churches
That Christian communities may have a growing willingness to send missionaries, priests, and lay people, along with concrete resources, to the poorest Churches.


OCTOBER
General:
New Evangelization
That the New Evangelization may progress in the oldest Christian countries.

Missionary:
World Mission Day
That the celebration of World Mission Day may result in a renewed commitment to evangelization.


NOVEMBER
General:
Ministers of the Gospel
That bishops, priests, and all ministers of the Gospel may bear the courageous witness of fidelity to the crucified and risen Lord.

Missionary:
Pilgrim Church
That the pilgrim Church on earth may shine as a light to the nations.


DECEMBER
General:
Peace among All Peoples
That migrants throughout the world may be welcomed with generosity and authentic love, especially by Christian communities.

Missionary:
Christ, light for all humanity
That Christ may reveal himself to all humanity with the light that shines forth from Bethlehem and is reflected in the face of his Church.