Archbishop Charles Chaput invites all people to participate in a worldwide Day of Prayer on Sunday, Sept. 28 for the Synod of Bishops on the Family. The extraordinary synod will take place Oct. 5-19 in Vatican City on topics related to the pastoral challenges to the family and evangelization. Learn more about it here.

Churches, parish communities and religious orders within the Archdiocese of Philadelphia are invited to pray during Masses and in devotional prayers including adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament in the days before and during the synod.

The faithful, especially families, are encouraged to include this intention in their personal prayers and to pray the holy rosary for the work of the bishops at the synod.

The prayer for the Synod of Bishops on the Family composed by Pope Francis follows:

Jesus, Mary and Joseph,
in you we contemplate
the splendor of true love,
to you we turn with trust.

Holy Family of Nazareth,
grant that our families too
may be places of communion and prayer,
authentic schools of the Gospel
and small domestic Churches.

Holy Family of Nazareth,
may families never again
experience violence, rejection and division:
may all who have been hurt or scandalized
find ready comfort and healing.

Holy Family of Nazareth,
may the approaching Synod of Bishops
make us once more mindful
of the sacredness and inviolability of the family,
and its beauty in God’s plan.

Jesus, Mary and Joseph,
graciously hear our prayer.