P R A Y I N G W I T H T H E C H U R C H
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INTENTION : |
That all those who are able to benefit from a holiday period may be helped during their vacation to rediscover in God their inner harmony and to open themselves to the love of human beings.
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Holiday-vacation is one of the forms by which we live our free time. It leads us to the enjoyment of nature, of knowing other people's history, culture, and present reality. When we leave our own homes and interrupt the rhythm of daily life we discover many aspects of life in a different focus. All the knowledge we have been able to acquire through information from their parties, mass-media or books, become a reality which invites us to personal reflection, judgement and gratitude for the blessings we take so much for granted.
The time of holiday is not a time during which the basic principles which guide the material and spiritual development of a person are suspended. On the contrary a holiday must contribute to strengthen these principles. Tourism creates a great opportunity for Christians to discover and cultivate important aspects of their spiritual life. It serves as a meeting place for persons. It fosters dialogue between different civilizations and their ways of being, encouraging respect for one another, overcoming prejudices and inspiring a common effort in favour of peace and living together.
Let us in our prayer remember all those who for one reason or another cannot enjoy a holiday. Sickness, poverty or unjust working conditions still deprive the majority of humankind to enjoy a holiday.
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