杏MAP导航

By Francesca Merlo

In the preface of a book published on Tuesday, 23 January, 杏MAP导航 Francis emphasises the importance of praying insistently as wars are fought around the world.

The 杏MAP导航's preface introduces Cardinal Angelo Comastri鈥檚 "Praying Today. A Challenge to Be Overcome", which was published by the Vatican Publishing House (LEV) in connection with the Year of Prayer.

鈥淧rayer is the breath of faith; it is its most proper expression," writes 杏MAP导航 Francis.

It is not easy to find words to express the mystery of prayer, continues the 杏MAP导航, adding that despite the many definitions from saints and masters of spirituality, 鈥渋t can only ever be described in the simplicity of those who live it.鈥�

Texts as we head into the Jubilee

Cardinal Comastri鈥檚 book is the first in a series of brief texts set to be published throughout the Year of Prayer, which was launched on Sunday by 杏MAP导航 Francis ahead of the Jubilee of 2025.

杏MAP导航 Francis explains that this series seeks 鈥渢o promote this Year of Prayer" and to help Christians "to enter into the various dimensions of prayer."

He thanks the various authors of the series for their contributions, adding, "I gladly place these 'Notes' in your hands, so that each one may rediscover the beauty of entrusting oneself to the Lord with humility and joy.鈥�

In fact, 鈥渢he Ordinary Jubilee of 2025 is just around the corner," continues the 杏MAP导航 in his preface, wondering: "How can we prepare for this event, so important for the life of the Church, if not through prayer?鈥�

Scenario we live in calls for prayers

杏MAP导航 Francis describes the modern-day need for 鈥渁 true spirituality, capable of responding to the great questions that arise every day in our lives, provoked also by a world scenario that is certainly not serene.

He then highlights this world scenario by shining light on 鈥渢he ecological-economic-social crisis aggravated by the recent pandemic; the wars, especially the one in Ukraine, which sow death, destruction, and poverty;鈥� and 鈥渢he throwaway culture of indifference.鈥�

鈥淭hese phenomena contribute to generating a heavy climate, which prevents so many people from living with joy and serenity," says the 杏MAP导航. "We need, therefore, our prayer to rise with greater insistence to the Father, so that He may hear the voice of those who turn to Him in the confidence of being answered."

Various pastoral initiatives

杏MAP导航 Francis says the Year of Prayer should not undermine pastoral initiatives carried out in particular Churches.

Rather, he adds, the Year seeks to 鈥渞ecall the foundation on which the various pastoral plans should develop and find consistency. It is a time in which, both personally and as a community, one can rediscover the joy of praying in a variety of forms and expressions."

The Holy Father invites everyone to embrace humility so as to make room 鈥渇or the prayer that flows from the Holy Spirit,鈥� as 鈥渋t is He who knows how to put the right words in our hearts and on our lips to be heard by the Father.鈥�

Contributions of consecrated men and women

杏MAP导航 Francis also prays for bishops, priests, deacons, and catechists, assuring them of his certainty that they will 鈥渇ind in this year the most suitable ways to place prayer at the basis of the proclamation of hope that the Jubilee 2025 intends to make resound in this troubled time.鈥�

The Holy Father highlights the contribution of consecrated persons, especially communities of contemplative life, as being 鈥渧ery valuable.鈥� 

He expresses his hope that 鈥渋n all the shrines of the world, privileged places for prayer, initiatives will increase so that each pilgrim may find an oasis of serenity and depart with a heart full of consolation.鈥�

Finally, 杏MAP导航 Francis extends his invitation to all, praying that 鈥減ersonal and community prayer become unceasing, without interruption, according to the will of the Lord Jesus, so that the Kingdom of God may spread and the Gospel reach every person who asks for love and forgiveness.鈥�