Washington, D.C. (18 June 2010) – American Life League president Judie Brown released the fourth day of prayer intentions for the Catholic clergy as the bishops continue their spring assembly in St.Petersburg, Florida, around the theme, “The Bishop as an Agent of Hope for His Priest.” Day four focuses on “communion related to bishops and priests as ministers of word and sacrament.”
The theme, communion related to bishops and priests as ministers of word and sacrament, invites personal scrutiny of the word “communion” in the context of Christ’s priests, including those who have been elevated to the status of bishop, archbishop and cardinal. If we look to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, we find a treasure trove of teachings for each priest and particularly for the bishops during this time of reflection on their last day.
The Church teaches that the “communion of saints” refers to the bond of the living, the departed and the saints in heaven, all joined in common faith, praising the one true God, our Father in heaven, and constantly praying for all those in need of prayer.
The word “communion” is a reference to the sacrament of Holy Communion wherein the body, blood, soul and divinity of Christ is distributed to those who, though unworthy, realize that Christ is the Bread of Life and that they cannot live without His holy sustenance.
According to the Catechism, Para. 951: Communion of charisms: “Within the communion of the Church, the Holy Spirit ‘distributes special graces among the faithful of every rank’ for the building up of the Church. Now, ‘to each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.’”
And the list continues, with a common thread of unity of purpose, prayer and inspiration from God to share His truth with one and all.
For as the Catechism teaches, particularly with regard to the priest (#1108), “In every liturgical action the Holy Spirit is sent in order to bring us into communion with Christ and so to form His Body. The Holy Spirit is like the sap of the Father’s vine which bears fruit on its branches. The most intimate cooperation of the Holy Spirit and the Church is achieved in the liturgy. The Spirit who is the Spirit of communion, abides indefectibly in the Church. For this reason the Church is the great sacrament of divine communion which gathers God’s scattered children together. Communion with the Holy Trinity and fraternal communion are inseparably the fruit of the Spirit in the liturgy.”
Throughout her teaching, the Church calls for unity—a communion of faith, in, through and with Christ.
PRAYER:
LET US PRAY: In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, we pray for our bishops and their priests, each of whom is entrusted to them by the High Priest Himself, our Lord Jesus Christ. We pray that the communion they share in unity with Christ will be of benefit to all souls, especially those most in need of being touched by the Truth that surpasses all understanding. Through the intercession of the Blessed Mother, Our Lady of the Eucharist,* we ask Christ’s blessings and the visitation of the Holy Spirit upon each of our bishops as they complete their reflections. Amen.
American Life League was cofounded in 1979 by Judie Brown. It is the largest grassroots Catholic pro-life organization in the United States and is committed to the protection of all innocent human beings from the moment of creation to death. For more information or press inquiries, please contact Katie Walker at 540.659.4942.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
- Catholic Culture: Our Lady of the Eucharist http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?id=6608