On June 28, in the Paul VI Hall in Vatican City, directors and friends from around the world had the privilege of a special audience with Pope Francis to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network (formerly the Apostleship of Prayer), which includes the Eucharistic Youth Movement, and the 10th anniversary of its recreation process initiated by Pope Francis.
The inauguration on June 28 was chosen on the occasion of the Solemnity of the Heart of Jesus, the annual feast of the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network (PWPN). Asia Pacific was well represented by over 300 delegates from across the Jesuit Conference, among them was Fr David Braithwaite, Asia Pacific Coordinator.
As part of the recreation process, PWPN has been canonically erected as a Pontifical Work. Fr Frédéric Fornos SJ, the International Director, reports directly to the Holy Father under the new structure. Previously it was the Jesuit Father General who was the Apostleship of Prayer Director. This has elevated PWPN in the curial structure, underlining the singular importance Pope Francis places on it as a powerful network of prayer for this pontificate.
“It is a wonderful statement as to the centrality of prayer for the Christian life and the life of the Church. Prayer is a practical tool for mission and not an afterthought”, said Fr Braithwaite.
In his message to the assembled delegates Pope Francis affirmed the ongoing role of the Society of Jesus in the promotion and care of this ministry, which also involves many diocesan clergy and religious other than Jesuits.
The same evening Fr General Arturo Sosa SJ celebrated a Mass of thanksgiving in the archbasilica of St John Lateran. It was a joyous occasion and marked by the languages and cultures that span the globe. Fr Sosa urged everyone to pray for the monthly intentions of the Holy Father as we face with him the “great challenges of humanity” as he called them.
The next day Fr Fornos, with Fr Sosa in attendance, led a retrospective discussion of the work of the Apostleship of Prayer’s recreation into PWPN in the Jesuit General Curia with all country delegates present.
“The exchange of ideas was fulsome and inspiring”, said Fr Braithwaite. “The vision set by Pope Francis is a call to engage particularly with the young in innovative and daring projects to show that the Church listens to them and is indeed truly alive with the Holy Spirit.”
