VATICAN CITY, JAN. 1, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI is praying for families this month, and particularly that they become founts for the transmission of the faith.

The Apostleship of Prayer announced the general intention chosen by the Pope: "That the family may become more and more a place of training in charity, personal growth and transmission of the faith."

The Holy Father also chooses an apostolic intention for each month. In January, he will pray "that the various Christian confessions, aware of the need for a new evangelization in this period of profound transformations, may be committed to announcing the Good News and moving toward the full unity of all Christians in order to offer a more credible testimony of the Gospel."