Saint Alphonsus Ligouri, whose feast is celebrated today, tells in his "Necessity and Power of Prayer," that "St. Isidore observes, the devil is never more busy to distract us with the thoughts of worldly cares than when he perceives us praying and asking God for grace: 'Then mostly does the devil insinuate thoughts, when he sees a man praying.'"
In union with Pope Benedict and the Church, we challenge the devil in making the following prayers to God:
The general intention
That those who are unemployed, homeless, or in any serious need may find welcome, understanding, and help in overcoming their difficulties.
The missionary intention
That the Church may be a home for all people in need, opening its doors to any who suffer from racial or religious discrimination, hunger, or wars forcing their emigration.
