Pope's prayer intention for September: 'For parishes at service of mission'

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Pope Francis has released a video message accompanying his monthly prayer intention for September.

This month’s intention is for parishes at the service of the mission: "That they not be simple offices, but that animated by a missionary spirit, may be places where faith is communicated and charity is seen."

The text of the video message reads:

Parishes must be in contact with homes, with people’s lives, with the life of society.
They have to be houses where the door is always open so as to go forth toward others.
And it is important that this going-forth follows a clear proposal of faith.
The doors must be opened so that Jesus can go out with all of the joy of his message.
Let us pray for our parishes, that they not be simple offices, but that animated by a missionary spirit, may be places where faith is communicated and charity is seen.

Watch the Pope's video message here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fllasWmJEE