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.”

 

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