By Catholic Philly Staff Report • Posted September 29, 2023

Pope Francis has invited Catholics around the world to offer continued prayer in the days leading up to the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops in Rome October 4-29 and during the course of its proceedings.

Archbishop Pérez is echoing our Holy Father’s call by encouraging all clergy, religious, and lay faithful in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to support the synod through prayer throughout the month of October.

In a June 10 statement, the Archdiocese announced that Julia Osęka, an international student from Poland attending Saint Joseph’s University, had been appointed as one of 10 non-bishop voting delegates chosen to represent the North American region at the synod. The Archbishop recently sat down with Julia for a one-on-one conversation in his latest vlog for Catholic Philly.

>>SEE RELATED: St. Joe’s Junior Joins Synodal Conversation This October in Rome

The following prayer can be used personally, in families, before parish meetings, and in educational settings.

We stand before You, Holy Spirit, as we gather together in Your name.

With You alone to guide us, make Yourself at home in our hearts;

Teach us the way we must go and how we are to pursue it.

We are weak and sinful; do not let us promote disorder.

Do not let ignorance lead us down the wrong path nor partiality influence our actions.

Let us find in You our unity so that we may journey together to eternal life and not stray from the way of truth and what is right.

All this we ask of You, who are at work in every place and time, in the communion of the Father and the Son, forever and ever.

Amen

Additionally, the special intentions below have been provided to parishes throughout the Archdiocese to be included in the Universal Prayer on Sundays throughout October.

XXVI Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 1, 2023
For the Universal Church, on the eve of the Synod in Rome,
that the power of the Gospel, alive and at work in her members,
may make her truly and in every way a place of truth, justice, and charity.
Let us pray to the Lord/Lord, hear our prayer.

XXVII Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 8, 2023
For the bishops and all the participants in the Synod in Rome,
that they may be attentive to the voice of God, the Holy Spirit, for the genuine benefit of the People of God
to encourage all to be an attractive witness to the newness of the Gospel in the world.
Let us pray to the Lord/Lord, hear our prayer.

XXVIII Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 15, 2023
For theologians at work on behalf of the Synod in Rome,
that their gifts of wisdom and understanding of the Word of God
may allow the faith to become even more rooted in the life of all the members of the Church.
Let us pray to the Lord/Lord, hear our prayer.

XXIX Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 22, 2023
For young people, seekers of truth and authentic witnesses of Christ,
that the Synod in Rome may inspire them in the midst of the challenges and confusion of our times
to be engaged even more so in the life and mission of the Church
Let us pray to the Lord/Lord, hear our prayer.

XXX Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 29, 2023
For all the members of the Church all over the earth,
that the Synod in Rome may foster among us a profound desire to be in communion with Christ,
the same yesterday, today, and forever, and with one another
so that we may be witnesses to his truth, life, and love for all in the world.
Let us pray to the Lord/Lord, hear our prayer.