VATICAN: MESSAGE TO ASIA LAITY AND SEPT. PRAYER INTENTION END TO WAR

CONGRESS OF ASIAN CATHOLIC LAITY: PROCLAIMING JESUS CHRIST
VATICAN CITY, 1 SEP 2010 (VIS) - Made public today was a Message from the Pope for the opening of the Congress of Asian Catholic Laity, which is being held in Seoul, Korea, from 31 August to 5 September on the theme "Proclaiming Jesus Christ in Asia Today".
In the English-language Message, addressed to Cardinal Stanislaw Rylko, president of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, the Holy Father mentions his "wish to single out with gratitude the outstanding work of the many catechists who bring the riches of the Catholic faith to young and old alike". In this context he highlights the contribution of apostolic and charismatic movements which "bring new life and vigour to the formation of the laity, particularly families and young people".
"I pray", the Holy Father writes, "that the present congress will highlight the indispensable role of the lay faithful in the Church's mission and develop specific programmes and initiatives to assist them in their task of proclaiming Jesus Christ in Asia today".
"Those who have found in Jesus the truth, joy and beauty which give meaning and direction to their lives will naturally desire to bring this grace to others. Undaunted by the presence of difficulties, or the enormity of the task at hand, they will trust in the mysterious presence of the Holy Spirit Who is always at work in the hearts of individuals, in their traditions and cultures, mysteriously opening doors to Christ as 'the way, and the truth and the life', and the fulfilment of every human aspiration".



BENEDICT XVI'S PRAYER INTENTIONS FOR SEPTEMBER
VATICAN CITY, 1 SEP 2010 (VIS REPORT) - Pope Benedict's general prayer intention for September is: "That in less developed parts of the world the proclamation of the Word of God may renew people's hearts, encouraging them to work actively toward authentic social progress".
His mission intention is: "That by opening our hearts to love we may put an end to the numerous wars and conflicts which continue to bloody our world".

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