Spiritual Bouquet In Preparation for the visit of his Holiness Pope Benedict XVI Part One The Pope’s Intentions for August

LEADER: As we start our time of prayer let us take a moment in silence before beginning with our prayer to the Trinity; ALL: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. “Above all I entrust myself to your prayers” Pope Benedict XVI

LEADER: During August the Pope has asked that we pray particularly for : the Unemployed and the Homeless victims of discrimination, hunger and forced emigration As we listen to St. Luke and St. Matthew describing the birth of Jesus let us reflect on our world today. We pray for those who find themselves travelling, hungry and homeless, forced to flee their countries because of discrimination and hatred. “Above all I entrust myself to your prayers” Pope Benedict XVI

READER ONE: “So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn” “Above all I entrust myself to your prayers” Pope Benedict XVI

READER TWO: “An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. "Get up," he said, "take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him." So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. This is the Word of the Lord ALL: Thanks be to God “Above all I entrust myself to your prayers” Pope Benedict XVI

READER THREE: Lord,we ask that you hear our prayers and intercede on our behalf as we pray: - for the unemployed and the homeless That those who are without work or homes or who are otherwise in serious need may find understanding and welcome, as well as concrete help in overcoming their difficulties. Lord Hear Us ALL: Lord graciously hear us - for victims of discrimination, hunger and forced emigration That the Church may be a “home” for all people, ready to open its doors to any who are suffering from racial or religious discrimination, hunger, or wars forcing them to emigrate to other countries. Lord Hear Us ALL: Lord graciously hear us “Above all I entrust myself to your prayers” Pope Benedict XVI

LEADER: As we prepare for the visit of the Holy Father to the UK we pray together the words that Jesus taught us, ALL: Our Father... “Above all I entrust myself to your prayers” Pope Benedict XVI

LEADER: Each day we will be united in prayers of preparation with schools, parishes and families across the UK. As we look forward to welcoming the Holy Father to the UK, we finish our time of prayer together as we say: ALL: God of truth and love, we pray for Pope Benedict and look forward with joy to his forthcoming visit to our countries. May he be a witness to the unity and hope which is your will for all people. We make our prayer through Christ our Lord, Amen Our Lady Mother of the Church Pray for Us St. Andrew Pray for Us St. George Pray for Us St. David Pray for Us “Above all I entrust myself to your prayers” Pope Benedict XVI

Some inspirational words of Pope Benedict XVI

Humour is in fact an essential element in the mirth of creation. We can see how, in many matters in our lives, God wants to prod us into taking things a bit more lightly. Pope Benedict XVI

If you follow the will of God, you know that in spite of all the terrible things that happen to you, you will never lose a final refuge. You know that the foundation of the world is love, so that even when no human being can or will help you, you may go on, trusting in the One who loves you. Pope Benedict XVI

Seeing with the eyes of Christ, I can give to others much more than their outward necessities. I can give them the look of love which they crave. Pope Benedict XVI

The aim of all Christian education... is to train the believer in an adult faith that can make him a new creation, capable of bearing witness in his surroundings to the Christian hope that inspires him. Pope Benedict XVI

‘Supporting and promoting Catholic Education in England and Wales’ 39 Eccleston Square London SW1V 1BX ‘Supporting and Promoting Catholic Education in Scotland’ 75 Craigpark, Glasgow G31 2HD, Scotland,