Holy Father’s Mission Intention for the month of March

(March 01,2012) Pope’s Mission Intention for the month of March is: “That the Holy Spirit may grant perseverance to those who suffer discrimination, persecution, or death for the name of Christ, particularly in Asia.”
From the early days of Christianity, the followers of Christ have faced persecution. This has been on the increase in recent years. In last year’s message for the annual World Day of Peace, Pope Benedict pointed out that “Christians are the religious group which suffers most from persecution.” Every year the U.S. State Department examines the world with regard to the human right to religious freedom. In 2010, 8 of 198 nations were designated as “Countries of Particular Concern.” Seven of those are in Asia, including Burma, India, China, Iran, North Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Uzbekistan. It is reported that in Indonesia alone after 2004, about 2500 churches were destroyed or shut down. This was attributed to the “radicalism and fundamentalism of other religions.” Countries often see Christian evangelization as a threat to their traditional religions, and many who bring Christ to them are persecuted. As we prepare through our Lenten prayer and fasting for the celebration of the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus, let us keep these suffering members of the Body of Christ in our hearts. Pope Benedict is asking all Christians to pray that the Holy Spirit may grant that those who suffer persecution the strength to persevere in their faith. The Holy Spirit has always given to Christians the courage to witness to their faith despite persecution.