Pray!
The journey to justice must be rooted in prayer. Pope Benedict XVI echoed this sentiment in his encyclical, Deus Caritas Est:“In the example of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, we have a clear illustration of the fact that time devoted to God in prayer not only does not detract from effective and loving service to our neighbor, but is in fact the inexhaustible source of that service.”
Check out these resources to help you pray for our brothers and sisters around the world.
World Youth Day Online Pilgrimage
Even if you are not attending World Youth Day, you can learn about and pray with peoples around the world through the online World Youth Day. Each month during the next year leading up to World Youth Day, CRS will highlight one country sending delegates to World Youth Day. Prayer opportunities and information about the work of CRS in those countries are provided
Food Fast Prayers
Food Fast is CRS’ hunger awareness retreat for US Catholic youth. With a focus on global poverty and justice, Food Fast provides an experience of faith, solidarity and community. The prayers and presentations from CRS’ dynamic youth program Food Fast are available online!
Prayer Without Borders
Read the book that “provides a window on the spirituality that flows in and around CRS’ relief and development work around the world.” This collection of prayers and reflections was developed in an effort to build bridges between people in the United States and those overseas.
CAFOD’s Prayer Page
The Catholic Agency for Overseas Development is the United Kingdom counterpart to CRS. Explore their prayer resources that focus on a variety of themes like peace, HIV & AIDS, poverty, refugees and more!
Catholic Campaign for Peace in the Holy Land
Pray for our brothers and sisters in the Holy Land, a region torn apart by conflict, by using a collection of prayers made available by the United States Bishops!
Going Global with Youth Prayer Services and Retreats
A variety of prayer services and ideas for prayer are available on the CRS Education website! Use these to develop a retreat on social justice.