Is the Holy Father’s prayer intentions answered in this Evangelical priest in Brazil?

The Vatican has released the prayer intentions of Pope Benedict XVI for November 2012.

The Holy Father’s general intention is:

“That bishops, priests, and all ministers of the Gospel may bear courageous witness of fidelity to the crucified and risen Lord.”

His missionary intention is:

“That the pilgrim Church on earth may shine as a light to the nations.”

Brazil still has more Catholics than any other country in the world, with about 65 percent of its 192 million people identifying themselves that way in the 2010 census. But that is down from 74 percent in 2000 and is the lowest since records began tracking religion 140 years ago. That’s shy Father Marcelo Rossi’s Mother of God sanctuary takes centre stage in Sao Paulo, Brazil’s largest city. The not-yet-finished structure will seat 6,000 people and have standing room for 14,000 more, church leaders say. In addition, the grounds outside can hold 80,000 people who could watch Mass on outdoor video screens.

It is said to be one of the world’s 10 biggest churches. Anyone know which the other 8 are. I’m sure the Vatican would feature in the top 10 biggest churches in the world?

The Mother of God sanctuary was designed by noted Brazilian architect Ruy Ohtake, it has a wide-open layout.  With the church several years away from completion, white plastic chairs were in the place of pews for a lucky few thousand to grab a seat. The rest had to stand over during the Masses held over this past week-end.

The “pop-star priest” is seen by Brazilian Catholicism as its biggest weapon against the lack of interest, and his new sanctuary adds to his tools of best-selling books and music recordings to keep worshippers interested in what many complain has become a staid institution.

Brazil was the first nation outside Europe that Pope Benedict XVI visited, during a five-day tour in 2007 largely aimed at stopping losses in Latin America. During the trip, the pope canonized Brazil’s first native-born saint.

Then Benedict announced last August during the church’s World Youth Day, which drew 1.5 million people to Spain, that the next version of the gathering would be held in Rio de Janeiro in 2013. The pope is expected to attend.

For now, Rossi hopes his big church will bring together tens of thousands of faithful for every Mass, giving new energy to the Catholic faith.

An estimated 50,000 people attended the inaugural Mass at the Mother of God sanctuary in São Paulo, Brazil’s largest city. The church, which seats 6,000, has additional standing room for 14,000; an additional 80,000 can stand outside on church grounds.

The church was built by Father Marcelo, a priest active in the charismatic movement and a Latin Grammy award nominee.

“People want big spaces. They want grand places for prayer,” he said. “One candle illuminates, 10 candles illuminate — and 100,000 candles light up so much more.”

Perhaps not the most conventional priest around, but the Brazilian people love him and are flocking to hear the Word of God as part of this Evangelical priest’s flock. They are flocking to learn more about Jesus.

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Posted by 1catholicsalmon on November 6, 2012

https://1catholicsalmon.wordpress.com/2012/11/06/is-the-holy-fathers-prayer-intentions-answered-in-this-evangelical-priest-in-brazil/