Pope Benedict's Prayer Intention for
July 2008
On Volunteering.
On volunteering, Pope Benedict writes, The willingness to
take up volunteer work can have various motivations. Frequently
it is simply born of a desire to do something meaningful and
helpful, and out of a desire for new experiences. Young people
rightly and naturally also discover in volunteer work a source
of joy, positive experiences and genuine camaraderie in carrying
out a worthwhile project alongside others. Often these personal
ideas and initiatives are linked to a practical love of neighbour;
the individual thus becomes part of a wider community of support.
A readiness to be at the service of others is something which
surpasses the calculus of outlay and return: it shatters the
rules of a market economy. The value of human beings cannot
be judged by purely economic criteria. Without volunteers,
then, no state can be built up. A society's progress and worth
constantly depend on people who do more than what is strictly
their duty.
We are invited to join Pope Benedict's prayer intention for
July,
.That there may be an increase
in the number of those who volunteer to serve the Christian
community with generous and prompt availability.