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 In
the morning, Pope Benedict visits “Ground Zero,” the site of the World Trade
Center, destroyed in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Then he
celebrates Mass at Yankee Stadium. In the evening, he departs New York for
Rome, marking the end of his first apostolic visit to the United States.
Prayer for each day
Lord our God,
we give thanks for this land of freedom:
may we use our freedom for the good of all.
We give thanks for this land of opportunity:
may we share our abundance with others,
so that all people may have their fill of your good gifts.
We give thanks for our peace and security:
may we work to establish peace in the world.
May our nation truly be
a land of liberty and justice,
a place where every human life is treasured,
and a beacon of hope to the world.
We ask this through Christ, our risen Lord.
Reflection from Pope Benedict XVI: The Way to
Peace
Humanity today is unfortunately experiencing great division and sharp conflicts
which cast dark shadows on its future. Vast areas of the world are caught up in
situations of increasing tension, while the danger of an increase in the number
of countries possessing nuclear weapons causes well-founded apprehension in
every responsible person. Many civil wars are still being fought in Africa, even
though a number of countries there have made progress on the road to freedom and
democracy. The Middle East is still a theatre of conflict and violence, which
also affects neighbouring nations and regions and risks drawing them into the
spiral of violence. On a broader scale, one must acknowledge with regret the
growing number of States engaged in the arms race: even some developing nations
allot a significant portion of their scant domestic product to the purchase of
weapons. The responsibility for this baneful commerce is not limited: the
countries of the industrially developed world profit immensely from the sale of
arms, while the ruling oligarchies in many poor countries wish to reinforce
their stronghold by acquiring ever more sophisticated weaponry. In difficult
times such as these, it is truly necessary for all persons of good will to come
together to reach concrete agreements aimed at an effective demilitarization,
especially in the area of nuclear arms. At a time when the process of nuclear
non-proliferation is at a stand-still, I feel bound to entreat those in
authority to resume with greater determination negotiations for a progressive
and mutually agreed dismantling of existing nuclear weapons. In renewing this
appeal, I know that I am echoing the desire of all those concerned for the
future of humanity.
From the Holy Father’s Message for the celebration of the World Day of
Peace, January 1, 2008.
Read
the entire message here.
Prayer Intentions for Today
As Pope Benedict stands at Ground Zero, let us remember all the victims of the
terrorist attacks of September 11; and let us pray for the countless people who
have lost their lives to terrorist violence since that day. Let us pray
that hatred may give way to forgiveness, and that we who acknowledge Christ as
our hope may be the first to set the example of love.
Let us pray for the Holy Father’s safe return home, and let us pray that this,
his first apostolic visit to the United States, may inspire us to renewed faith,
hope, and love.
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