On October 8, 2013, Pope Francis announced there would be an Extraordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops in October 2014, on topics related to the family and evangelization. A worldwide day of prayer for the Synod of Bishops is planned for next Sunday, September 28. Pope Francis provided the prayer below for this Synod. For more information on the Synod, please visit the
USCCB website.
Prayer of Pope Francis for the Synod on the Family
Jesus, Mary and Joseph, in you we contemplate the splendor of true love, to you we turn with trust.
Holy Family of Nazareth, grant that our families too may be places of communion and prayer, authentic schools of the Gospel, and small domestic Churches.
Holy Family of Nazareth, may families never again experience violence, rejection, and division; may all who have been hurt or scandalized find ready comfort and healing.
Holy Family of Nazareth, may the approaching Synod of Bishops make us once more mindful of the sacredness and inviolability of the family, and its beauty in God's plan.
Jesus, Mary and Joseph, graciously hear our prayer.