Intentions of the Holy Father for the Year 2010
JANUARY
Young people and Social Communications Media
General:
That young
people may learn to use modern means of social communication for their personal
growth and to better prepare themselves to serve society.
Christian Unity
Missionary:
That every
believer in Christ may be conscious that unity among all Christians is a
condition for more effective proclamation of the Gospel.
FEBRUARY
Scholars
General:
For all
scholars and intellectuals, that by means of sincere search for the truth they
may arrive at an understanding of the one true God.
The Church’s Missionary Identity
Missionary:
That the Church, aware of its own missionary identity, may strive to follow
Christ faithfully and to proclaim His Gospel to all peoples.
MARCH
World
Economy
General:
That the world economy may be managed according to the principles of
justice and equity, taking account of the real needs of peoples, especially the
poorest.
The Churches
in Africa
Missionary:
That the Churches in Africa may be signs and instruments of reconciliation and
justice in every part of that continent.
APRIL
Fundamentalism and Extremism
General:
That every tendency to fundamentalism and extremism may be countered by constant
respect, by tolerance and by dialogue among all believers.
Persecuted
Christians
Missionary:
That Christians persecuted for the sake of the Gospel may persevere, sustained
by the Holy Spirit, in faithfully witnessing to the love of God for the entire
human race.
MAY
Human
Trafficking
General:
That the shameful and monstrous commerce in human beings, which sadly involves
millions of women and children, may be ended.
Priests,
Religious and Committed Lay People
Missionary:
That ordained ministers, religious women and men, and lay people involved in
apostolic work may understand how to infuse missionary enthusiasm into the
communities entrusted to their care.
JUNE
Respect for
Human Life
General:
That every national and transnational institution may strive to guarantee
respect for human life from
conception to natural death.
The Churches
in Asia
Missionary:
That the Churches in Asia, which constitute a “little flock” among non-Christian
populations, may know how to communicate the Gospel and give joyful witness to
their adherence to Christ.
JULY
Justice in
Electing those who Govern
General:
That in every nation of the world the election of officials may be carried out
with justice, transparency and honesty, respecting the free decisions of
citizens.
Missionary:
An Urban Culture of Justice, Solidarity and Peace
That Christians may strive to offer everywhere, but especially in great urban
centers, an effective contribution to the promotion of education, justice,
solidarity and peace.
AUGUST
The Unemployed and the Homeless
General:
That those who are without work or homes or who are otherwise in serious need
may find understanding and welcome, as well as concrete help in overcoming their
difficulties.
Victims of
Discrimination, Hunger and Forced Emigration
Missionary:
That the Church may be a “home” for all people, ready to open its doors to any
who are suffering from racial or religious discrimination, hunger, or wars
forcing them to emigrate to other countries.
SEPTEMBER
The Word of
God as Sign of Social Development
General:
That in less developed parts of the world the proclamation of the Word of God
may renew people’s hearts, encouraging them to work actively toward authentic
social progress.
The End of
War
Missionary:
That by opening our hearts to love we may put an end to the numerous wars and
conflicts which continue to bloody our world.
OCTOBER
Catholic
Universities
General:
That Catholic Universities may more and more be places where, in the light of
the Gospel, it is possible to experience the harmonious unity existing between
faith and reason.
World
Mission Day
Missionary:
That the World Mission Day may afford an occasion for understanding that the
task of proclaiming Christ is an absolutely necessary service to which the
Church is called for the benefit of humanity.
NOVEMBER
Drug Addicts
and Victims of Every Form of Dependence
General:
That victims of drugs or of other dependence may, thanks to the support of the
Christian community, find in the power of our Saving God strength for a radical
life-change.
The
Continent-wide Mission in Latin America
Missionary:
That the Churches of Latin America may move ahead with the continent-wide
mission proposed by their bishops, making it part of the universal missionary
task of the People of God.
DECEMBER
The
Experience of Personal Suffering as a Help to Others who Suffer
General:
That our personal experience of suffering may be an occasion for better
understanding the situation of unease and pain which is the lot of many people
who are alone, sick or aged, and stir us all to give them generous help.
Opening Our
Doors to Christ
Missionary:
That the peoples of the earth may open their doors to Christ and to His Gospel
of peace, brotherhood and justice.
The Vatican, December
31, 2008
Benedict XVI