PARIS, APR. 15, 2001 (Zenit.org).- In an era of widespread consumerism, prayer continues to be of value for most Frenchmen, a survey indicates.
The survey, published Friday in Pelerin Magazine, the country´s largest-circulation Catholic weekly, was carried out by the public opinion enterprise Sofres. It revealed that prayer continues to inspire 67% of Frenchmen. Only 2% regard prayer as something ridiculous or old-fashioned.
Half of those surveyed said they pray and meditate, although only 42% said they pray in the strict sense of the term; 22% pray regularly, at least once a week.
Women are more pious (54%) than men (46%). Personal prayer at home is preferred by 79%, as opposed to prayer in a church (48%).
To the question “To whom do the French address their prayer?” the answers are: 65% pray to God; 35% to the Virgin Mary; and 25% to Christ.
Among the other findings:
–45% engage in prayers of praise and thanksgiving.
–43% pray for personal healing or success for others.
–39% pray for the problems of the world. Among the prayer intentions for personal reasons, 49% pray on important occasions, 35% for courage to face life, and 23% to overcome stress.
The Sofres survey was carried out from March 22-24, and included interviews with 953 individuals, representing Frenchmen older than 18 years.
