During a soggy General Audience yesterday, Pope Francis re-launched the commitment to pray for the upcoming Synod of Bishops on the Family rather than continue to engage in the gossip that is surrounding the event.

L’Osservatore Romano is reporting on the address, which took place during a rainy Feast of the Annunciation in Rome when Francis interjected a pause for prayer for the Synod into his normal catechesis on the family. Participants were all given a special prayer to recite along with a Hail Mary, a practice he hopes they will make into a habit between now and October when the pivotal Synod will take place.

“We re-launch this commitment until next October, when the Ordinary Synodal Assembly will take place, dedicated to the family. I would like this prayer, as the whole Synodal course, to be animated by the compassion of the Good Shepherd for his flock, especially for the persons and families that, for different reasons, are ‘tired and finished,’ as sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:36),” the pope said.

“Thus, sustained and animated by God’s grace, the Church will be able to be committed again, and still more united, in the testimony of the truth of the love of God and of his mercy for the families of the world, none excluded, be it inside or outside the sheepfold.”

He went on to beg the crowd, “ . . . (P)lease, that your prayer not be lacking. All -- Pope, Cardinals, Bishops, priests, men and women religious, lay faithful – we are all called to pray for the Synod. There is need of this, not of gossip!”

Francis was referring to the excessive speculation about key issues to be discussed during the synod, such as how to minister to those who are divorced and remarried outside the Church as well as those who are cohabiting or in same-sex relationships.

“I also invite you to pray for those who feel far away, or who are no longer accustomed to doing so. This prayer for the Synod on the Family is for the good of all. I know that this morning you were given a little prayer card and that you have it in your hands. (Perhaps it’s a bit wet). I invite you to keep it and to carry it with you, so that in the coming months you can recite it often, with holy insistence, as Jesus has asked us.”

The complete text of the prayer is as follows:

Jesus, Mary and Joseph, In you we contemplate The splendor of true love, We turn to you with confidence.

Holy Family of Nazareth, Make our families, also, Places of communion and cenacles of prayer, Authentic schools of the Gospel, And little domestic Churches.

Holy Family of Nazareth May our families never more experience Violence, isolation, and division: May anyone who was wounded or scandalized Rapidly experience consolation and healing.

Holy Family of Nazareth, May the upcoming Synod of Bishops Re-awaken in all an awareness Of the sacred character and inviolability of the family, Its beauty in the project of God. Jesus, Mary and Joseph, hear and answer our prayer.

Amen.

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