Pope Benedict XVI's Prayer Intentions for August 2011
Pope Benedict XVI's prayer intentions for August 2011 focus on revitalization and renewal. The purpose of World Youth Day (mentioned in his general intention) is to draw Catholic youth more fully into the life of the Church, that they may help renew the Church by their enthusiasm. But that enthusiasm means nothing unless it is borne of the Holy Spirit.
Pope Benedict's general prayer intention for August 2011 is "That World Youth Day in Madrid may encourage young people throughout the world to have their lives rooted and built up in Christ." You can read a short account of the last World Youth Day, held in 2008 in Australia, in "The Pope Down Under." A good way to join your intention to Pope Benedict's is through a prayer to St. Aloysius Gonzaga, the patron saint of youth.
The Holy Father's mission prayer intention for August 2011 is "That Western Christians may be open to the action of the Holy Spirit and rediscover the freshness and enthusiasm of their faith." These various prayers to the Holy Spirit will help reopen your own life to the power of the Holy Spirit.
