Pope B16's visit to the US, get the nets ready!

This week, Pope Benedict will begin his apostolic trip to the United States with celebrations and various meetings in Washington, D.C and New York City.

The theme of his visit is, Christ our Hope. And Pope Benedict's conviction is that Jesus alone can bring humanity hope.

Whenever there have been Apostolic visits, they have been times of extraordinary grace and conversion. This visit will be a time when thousands upon thousands of people will be provoked to curiosity about Jesus Christ and his Church. A window of opportunity will be presented to us. Are we prepared to respond? Are you ready to put down the nets(Luke 5)?

I would like to encourage each of us to continue praying for Pope Benedict's mission and for personal opportunities to share with others! This visit is Apostolic. The Lord is sending the Holy Father to proclaim Jesus! And as disciples of the Lord we are entrusted with helping those who are asking questions, who are moved in their hearts with the questions of life, to serve them in knowing the reason for our hope, Jesus Christ.

May the Lord Jesus bring many to new life in him, and to a place of welcome and support in our parishes.

Be Pre-prayered and ready to help others to come to know the love of God we know in Jesus our Lord!

Lord God, we ask you to bless Pope Benedict's apostolic journey to the US. May it be a time of renewed hope and life changing encounter with you, for millions. And may we your people be ready to answer peoples questions. Give us opportunities to share your love with others. In Jesus' holy name and in the power of your Spirit we pray, Amen!