Will 2015 be declared a Year of Prayer?

The diocese of Avila in Spain has begun collecting signatures for a petition declaring 2015, the 500^th anniversary of St Teresa of Jesus’ birth, as a ‘Year of Prayer’.

St Teresa was a “master of prayer” who “left the testimony of her personal experience of prayer in her wrtings,” said campaign organisers.

Local Church leaders expressed hopes that Pope Benedict will declare 2015 as a Year of Prayer and make St Teresa the patroness for the celebration.

The campaign is being organised by the Order of Discalced Carmelites, with the support of Bishop Jesus Garcia Burilo of Avila, who has written to all the priests of the diocese inviting them to participate.

Signatures are being collected in parishes, religious communities and the diocesan chancery.

They will be sent along with a special letter to the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarcsio Bertone, SDB.

“In time St Teresa became a master of prayer, not only for her spiritual sons and daughters, but for the entire Church,” organisers said.

Source: Clerical Whispers