Pope Benedict XVI's prayer intentions, March 2009

Prayer is a "dialogue with God" and the "engine of the world,"  Pope Benedict said on Ash Wednesday. He also reminded us that Lent is a journey of conversion that invites all believers to prayer, penitence, and fasting.

The general intention

That all nations of our world may grow in appreciation of the dignity and value of women and their roles in society.

The missionary intention

That all the bishops, priests, consecrated persons, and laity of the Catholic Church in China may strive to be instruments of unity, communion, and peace, as enjoined by the letter sent to them by Pope Benedict XVI.