November Prayer Theme
"Suffering in Body and Spirit: A True Vocation!"
Cardinal Maida's November Message

As we celebrate the Communion of Saints during this month of November, it is good for us to reflect on the mystery of human suffering and the way those who are sick in body or spirit help to build up the Body of Christ, the Church, by the way they accept their share of Christ's suffering. We need to pray for them and to be grateful for their witness of faith and patient endurance. Their acceptance of suffering is truly a vocation! We give thanks to God as well for the vocation of those who give their lives to ministry with and for all who suffer in body or spirit.

Heavenly Father, as we celebrate the mystery of our communion of life with your Son and one another, we rejoice in the unique call to holiness experienced by all who share the pain of your Son's Death, hoping to share also in His Resurrection. As they accept their particular share in His cross through physical or psychological pain, give them the strength and consolation of the sacraments of the Church, and according to your will, restore them to health of body and spirit. May all who minister to the sick and suffering be grateful for the privilege of their vocation to be your instruments of healing and hope. Together, in the giving and receiving of the Christian life, may we all build up the Body of Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.