July 24

Our Lady of Cambron (France, 1148)

Pope Benedict XVI

May 31, 2009

Lourdes, France

Dear friends, in Mary's school we too learn to recognize the Holy Spirit's presence in our life, to listen to his inspirations and to follow them with docility. He makes us grow in the fullness of Christ, in those good fruits that the apostle Paul lists in the Letter to the Galatians: "Love, joy, peace, magnanimity, benevolence, goodness, fidelity, meekness, self-control" (Galatians 5:22) Pope Benedict XVI, May 31, 2009

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Flower of the Day

Hollyhock Althea Rosea The Pope's Rose

The Hollyhock are in full bloom now! In France the hollyhock is called The Pope's Rose (rose du pape), Rose of the Passion (rose-Passion), Our Lady's Rose (rose Notre Dame) and St. Joseph's Staff (baton de Jacob).

Prayer for Pope Benedict XVI

Lord, source of eternal life and truth, give to Your shepherd, the Pope, a spirit of courage and right judgement, a spirit of knowledge and love.

By governing with fidelity those entrusted to his care may he, as successor to the apostle Peter and vicar of Christ, build Your church into a sacrament of unity, love, and peace for all the world.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

Ave Maria!