One Way to Avoid Traffic Accidents

I shouldn’t laugh, because these two prayer intentions are actually quite serious. But what an ironic combo. The following came to me via my daily dose of Vatican gossip:

VATICAN CITY, 16 NOV 2008 - After praying the Angelus this morning, the Pope recalled the fact that 21 November, the liturgical feast of the Presentation of Mary in the Temple, also marks “por orantibus” Day, an initiative dedicated to cloistered religious communities.

“Let us thank the Lord,” he said, “for the sisters and brothers who have embraced this mission dedicating themselves completely to prayer, and who live off what they receive from divine Providence. Let us in our turn pray for them and for new vocations, and undertake to support the material needs of monasteries, Dear sisters and brothers, yours is an indispensable presence in the Church and in the world. I remain close to you and I bless you with great affection.”

Benedict XVI then went on to mention “in a special way all those who have died as a result of traffic accidents. We pray for their eternal rest and for the consolation of their families who grieve their loss. . . . I implore everyone - drivers, passengers and pedestrians - to heed carefully the words of St. Paul in the liturgy of the Word today: ‘stay sober and alert.’ Our behavior on the roads should be characterized by responsibility, consideration and a respect for others. May the Virgin Mary lead us safely along streets and highways throughout the world,” he concluded.