Each month, Pope Benedict XVI announces his special prayer intentions--particular things that he wishes all Catholics to pray for that month. (When, for instance, we pray the rosary and say the prayers at the end for the intentions of the Holy Father, these are the intentions for which we're praying.)
Pope Benedict offers two intentions every month, one general, and one for a particular Catholic missionary activity. His general prayer intention for March 2009 is "That the role of women may be more appreciated and used to good advantage in every country in the world." The Holy Father has long expressed concern that, in the name of "equality of the sexes," woman have been degraded and have been discouraged to practice the vocation of motherhood. His own writings place the Blessed Virgin as the chief example for the Christian woman, and it is likely no coincidence that this prayer intention comes in the month when we celebrate the Annunciation.
Susan, I'm not Catholic, but if you don't mind, I am joining you in that prayer this month. I need a reminder of how much more difficult it is for women in other parts of the world. Thank you for sharing that.
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