VATICAN CITY, MARCH 1, 2005 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II this month is praying in a special way that development policies around the world pay special attention to the oppressed.
The Apostleship of Prayer announced the Pope’s intention for March. Millions of faithful around the world join the Holy Father in offering prayers and sacrifices for the intention.
The general intention for March is «That governments of every nation, in their policies and development plans, should always take into account the poor, the marginalized and the oppressed.»
When it presented the intention, the headquarters of the Apostleship of Prayer in Rome published a commentary prepared by the Pontifical Council «Cor Unum.»
The commentary explained that a «particularly sensitive and attentive ear is needed to recognize their true needs and find the courage to consider them true protagonists, worthy of being at the center of the stage. Besides, they need to be trusted and provided with the instruments necessary for them to play a central role, especially in the programs and projects which concern their life.»
«Genuine development policies must involve the whole of the social fabric, so as not to create tears that are difficult to mend,» stated the pontifical council. «Their objective is to provide a supplementary impulse to those who cannot keep up with others’ pace, and to succeed in getting those in the lead to support those who grow weary.»
Every month, the Holy Father also offers his prayer for a missionary intention.
In March it is «That each individual Church should be aware of the ever greater urgency of preparing holy Christians, capable of confronting challenges to the new evangelization.»
