New Haven, Conn., Nov 28, 2006 / 12:00 am (CNA).- International Catholic lay fraternal organization, the Knights of Columbus, have begun their “spiritual pilgrimage,” with Pope Benedict XVI as he arrives in Turkey today.  As previously reported, the Knights will pray for the Pope’s intentions as he makes his historic visit to the Muslim country.

Supeme Knight, Carl A. Anderson noted that, “Only a few Catholics can physically travel with the Holy Father to Turkey, but millions of us can be united with him in prayer during his pilgrimage for peace.”

“We will ask Our Lady of Fatima to intercede for the Pope during this journey,” Anderson continued. “Mary is regarded with special esteem by people of the Islamic faith, and this is especially true under her title Our Lady of Fatima, since Fatima was the name of the prophet Mohammed’s daughter.”

Knights, their families, and all Catholics are being asked to pray daily for the Pontiff during his journey, which begins today and concludes Friday, Dec. 1.

In addition, the Knights of Columbus will print and distribute cards with a special prayer written by the Order’s Supreme Chaplain, Bishop William E. Lori. Knights and others joining in the Spiritual Pilgrimage will say the prayer each day during the Pope’s trip.

The prayer asks that the Pope’s visit will bring about “deeper ties of understanding, cooperation, and peace among Roman Catholics, the Orthodox, and those who profess Islam.” And it asks that “Pope Benedict be kept safe from all harm as he prays, bears witness to the Gospel, and invites all peoples to a dialogue of faith, reason, and love.”

The full text of the prayer is available at www.kofc.org/pilgrimage.

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