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Pope Benedict XVI: Study the Eastern Catholic Churches

November Intention: That Whole Church Will Esteem This "Spiritual Treasure"

VATICAN CITY, NOV. 3, 2011 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI is praying this month for an increase in knowledge of and esteem for the Eastern Catholic Churches.

The Apostleship of Prayer announced the intentions chosen by the Pope for this month.

His general intention is "that the Eastern Catholic Churches and their venerable traditions may be known and esteemed as a spiritual treasure for the whole Church."

The Eastern Catholic Churches are in full communion with Rome. They originate in Eastern Europe, Asia or Africa and have their own liturgical and legal systems. The national or ethnic character of their regions of origin identifies these Churches. There are 22 Eastern Catholic Churches, and their members number worldwide between 16 million and 17 million.

The Pontiff's mission intention is focused on Africa: "That the African continent may find strength in Christ to pursue justice and reconciliation as set forth by the Second Synod of African Bishops."

Benedict XVI will be traveling to Benin in just over two weeks for a three-day apostolic trip.

The Spirit of Truth

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, You are everywhere present and fill all things. Treasury of Blesings and Giver of Life, come and dwell within us, cleanse us of all stain, and save our souls, O Good One.

Hymn from the Vespers of Pentecost

Wisdom from the Church Fathers

For to despise the present age, not to love transitory things, unreservedly to stretch out the mind in humility to God and our neighbor, to preserve patience against offered insults and, with patience guarded, to repel the pain of malice from the heart, to give one's property to the poor, not to covet that of others, to esteem the friend in God, on God's account to love even those who are hostile, to mourn at the affliction of a neighbor, not to exult in the death of one who is an enemy, this is the new creature whom the Master of the nations seeks with watchful eye amid the other disciples, saying:"If, then, any be in Christ a new creature, the old things are passed away. Behold all things are made new" (2 Cor. 5:17). 

St. Gregory the Great
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