Pope Benedict's Prayer Intentions for April

General:

That every tendency to fundamentalism and extremism may be countered by respect, tolerance, and dialogue among believers.

Missionary:

That persecuted Christians may persevere, sustained by the Holy Spirit, in witnessing to the love of God for all, even for those who persecute them.

For more info, see the Apostleship of Prayer.

This month we also offer a special prayer for the Church in crisis:

God of our fathers, renew us in the faith which is our life and salvation, the hope which promises forgiveness and interior renewal, the charity which purifies and opens our hearts to love you, and in you, each of our brothers and sisters.

Lord Jesus Christ, may the Church renew her age-old commitment to the education of our young people in the way of truth and goodness, holiness and generous service to society.

Holy Spirit, comforter, advocate and guide, inspire a new springtime of holiness and apostolic zeal for the Church.

May our sorrow and our tears, our sincere effort to redress past wrongs, and our firm purpose of amendment bear an abundant harvest of grace for the deepening of the faith in our families, parishes, schools and communities, for the spiritual progress of our society, and the growth of charity, justice, joy and peace within the whole human family.

To you, Triune God, confident in the loving protection of Mary, our Mother, and of all the saints, do we entrust ourselves, our children, and the needs of the Church.

Amen.

- adapted from "Prayer for the Church in Ireland," Pope Benedict XVI, 2010