The Vatican Press office announced today that Pope John Paul’s prayer intentions for April will be focused on solid priestly formation.

The Pontiff’s general intention for the month is: “That solid preparation of the candidates for holy orders and permanent training of ordained ministers may be carefully provided for.”

His missionary intention is: “That the missionary spirit of ‘ad gentes’ may become a theme of reflection and a matter of constant commitment in the ordinary pastoral activity of the Christian community.”