In his prayer intention for the month of February 2023, Pope Francis asks parishes to be generous and open communities close to all. This month, we join the Holy Father in praying for:
February – Parishes
“We pray that parishes, placing communion at the center, may increasingly become communities of faith, fraternity and welcome towards those most in need.”
In the video, Pope Francis offers the following message:
Sometimes I think that we should put a sign on the door of parishes that says, “Free admission.”
Parishes should be close-knit communities, without bureaucracy, people-centered —a place where the gift of the sacraments can be found.
They have to become once again schools of service and generosity, with their doors always open to those who are excluded. And to those included. To all.
Parishes are not a club for the few, which give a certain kind of social belonging.
Please, let us be daring.
Let us all rethink the style of our parochial communities.
Let us pray that parishes, placing communion –communion of people, ecclesial communion– at the center, may increasingly become communities of faith, of fraternity and of welcoming the most in need.
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Editor’s Note: Read the full list of the Pope Francis’ Monthly Intentions for 2023 here.
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