The Apostleship of Prayer announced the Pope’s missionary intention for the month of May.
Specifically, Benedict XVI is praying that «the Pontifical Mission Societies, desired by the Holy Father and the bishops for the evangelization of all nations, may help the people of God realize they have a part to play in the missionary work ‘ad gentes.'»
Thousands of faithful around the world join the papal intention with their own prayers and sacrifices.
In a commentary on the prayer intention, Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe, the prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, said: «During his long pontificate, Pope John Paul II […] never failed to underline the importance and determinant role of the Pontifical Mission Societies for the life of the Church and for increasing missionary awareness among the people of God.»
Every month, the Pope also offers his prayers for a general intention, which in May is: «For those persecuted because of faith and justice, so that they will experience the consolation and strength of the Holy Spirit.»
