It’s difficult, and somewhat unimportant, to quantify with precision just how many prayers have been added to the Spiritual Bouquet for the intentions of our Holy Father. Nevertheless, those of you following along this important pilgrimage may find it encouraging. To date, we have had nearly 100 pledges of prayers and good works dedicated to Pope Benedict XVI’s intentions through this blog and to the call-in number at the Archdiocese of Detroit. More than 130 Masses have been pledged for the pope’s intentions, and literally thousands of Rosaries (more than 3,000 were pledged by the Children’s Rosary Army). More than 100 hours will be spent in front of the Blessed Sacrament in Adoration. Hundreds of other prayers, novenas and other devotionals also have been and will be prayed for the Holy Father’s intentions.
Schools and youth ministries have also pledged acts of kindness and volunteer works, along with daily prayers for the pope’s intentions. Students at St. Paul on the Lake, for example, pray daily and have even made a Rosary book of intentions. And Sacred Heart Youth Ministry is dedicating their service to the needy in the inner city through the Peanut butter and Jelly mobile soup kitchen ministry.
It is our hope as a local Church that our bouquet is full and beautiful before God, and is a show to him and to the Holy Father our love and care for our Catholic Church.
