BY STAFF REPORTER
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CARDINAL; CORMAC MurphyO'Connor has asked for prayers for his archdiocesan programme of renewal which is launched this month. •
In a pastoral letter to the parishes of Westminster archdiocese to mark "Prayer Commitment Sunday", the Cardinal called for prayers for a "fruitful response" to At Your Word Lord (AYWL), the programme for spiritual renewal. Cardinal Murphy-O'Connor, the Archbishop of Westminser, said he sometimes wondered "if we had the resources, or the energy, .or the courage to embark on this enterprise".
He said: "It is the gift of faith that gave us the will to begin and it is the same gift of faith that enables us to continue and fulfil what Christ calls us to do."
He added: "Please pray for me and for my fellow bishops that we may lead you well ... pray for your parish priest and core community that they may lead your parish well. Pray for the people who will be touched by our programme of renewal, those gathered in our parishes and those scattered beyond."
The Cardinal said people not formally involved in the programme could contribute through their prayers. The AYWL prayer has been said in parishes throughout the diocese in the months leading up to the launch of the programme. The formal implementation of AYWL faith groups is expected to take place in early October.
At Your Word Lord was inspired by the Holy Father's millennium letter which called for spiritual and pastoral renewal. On September 26, a launch Mass for an estimated 12,000 people will be celebrated at Wembley arena.
The event will represent the largest Mass held in England since the visit of Pope John Paul II in 1982.