International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking
St. Josephine Bakhita, born in Sudan in 1869, was kidnapped at age nine and sold into slavery. Her captors gave her the name "Bakhita," meaning "fortunate." She endured brutal treatment, being sold multiple times. At 14, she was bought by an Italian consul whose kindness led to her conversion to Christianity. She was baptized as Josephine and chose religious life after gaining freedom in adulthood. Her memorial, celebrated on February 8th, is an occasion to pray for victims of human trafficking and continued awareness and advocacy against it.
World Day of the Sick
World Day of the Sick (February 11th) honours Jesus' ministry to the sick, which Pope John Paul II established to offer prayers for those suffering from illness. The day coincides with the Memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes and emphasizes the importance of caring for the sick. It acknowledges the dedication of healthcare workers and pastoral caregivers who minister to the afflicted. The church encourages members to pray for the needs of the sick, highlighting the vital role of service to those who are ill and suffering.
The Feast of the Chair of St. Peter
The Vatican website explains that today’s feast highlights the Chair of Saint Peter (Cathedra Petri), symbolizing the mission Jesus entrusted to Peter. The cathedra, a fixed seat of the bishop, is placed in the mother church of a diocese, giving rise to the word “cathedral.” The feast commemorates Peter, martyred as bishop of Rome. The chair symbolizes a bishop’s authority to protect the flock and transmit the teaching of the gospel as successors of the apostles. Members are encouraged to pray for Pope Francis, the bishop of Rome, who occupies the chair of the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the cathedral church of Rome. https://www.marquette.edu/faith/prayers-new-pope.php
Webinar WUCWO School for Synodality
Dear friends, WUCWO’s School for Synodality, invites you to participate in our webinars: “ One step forward on women’s synodal journey. From Reflection to Action”. Our aim is: To get to know better the transformative insights and key messages of the Final Document of the synodal Assembly and what they mean for our Church today and in the future To share ways, concrete steps and practices to implement these insights at different levels (parishes, dioceses,...) Walking together with the whole Church, I encourage you to participate to be witnesses and actors of this significant change! Join us on: February 24 (English) with Sr. Nathalie Becquart, Catherine Clifford and Nora Kofognotera Nonterah We look forward to your participation!
Interreligious Network of Women Fostering Encounter Webinar
You are kindly invited to the webinar that WUCWO is organising organising together with the Interreligious Network of Women Promoting Encounter under the patronage of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue on the occasion of the World Interfaith Harmony Week. It will be a space for intergenerational dialogue among six women from different religions, countries, and ages, who will share their experiences of faith and harmony. Their example will be a concrete testimony of how female religious leadership can build bridges and promote a culture of encounter worldwide. The event will be in English with simultaneous translation in Spanish and French. We encourage you to participate! Feel free to share this invite with your contacts. 📅 February 28, 1:00 PM (CET) 📌 Register here: https://shorturl.at/XsTc0
Ash Wednesday
The Season of Lent calls Christians to conversion in Jesus Christ. Pope Francis invites: “Let us journey together in hope.” As “pilgrims of hope,” we are to journey in synodality, to “discover what God is asking of us so that we can better advance on our journey to the house of the Father” without anyone being excluded or left behind. “May the hope that does not disappoint (cf. Rom 5:5), the central message of the Jubilee, be the focus of our Lenten journey towards the victory of Easter.” Members are encouraged to prepare for Easter through prayer and penitential practices of “fasting” offered by the attached meditation.
Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Solemnity)
On March 19th, the church celebrates the Solemnity of St. Joseph, spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, patron of Canada and the universal church. On March 25th, the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord is celebrated. In obedience to God’s call, St. Joseph trusted God’s plan for his life, taking Mary as his wife. In his apostolic letter, Patris Corde, Pope Francis describes St. Joseph as a loving, obedient, courageous father, often working in the shadows. He encourages the church to pray to St. Joseph for protection and guidance.
Prayer for Discernment in Use of Technology
As Pilgrims of Hope during Jubilee 2025, plenary indulgences can be obtained by praying for the Holy Father’s intentions. Pope Francis’ prayer intention for April is that “the use of the new technologies will not replace human relationships, will respect the dignity of the person, and will help us face the crises of our times.” While journeying together in hope during Lent towards Easter, members are encouraged to pray the attached prayer.