The Pope’s December Prayer Intention is for catechists, with the accompanying video released,

Do you remember when you went to catechism? Perhaps at that time, you didn’t realize it, but—as the Pope tells us in his video for December—“catechists have an invaluable mission for the transmission and growth of the faith.” In the words of Francis, “Being a catechist means that you ‘are a catechist,’ not that you ‘work as a catechist.’ It’s an entire way of being, and we need good catechists who are both companions and teachers.” In many places around the world, “evangelization is fundamentally in the hands of a catechist.” Truly, it is an important mission. This video is for you and for the catechists you know.

The Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network prepares The Pope Video each month and makes it available worldwide in multiple languages.

Overwork and work-related stress cause many people to experience extreme exhaustion —mental, emotional, affective, and physical exhaustion.

Here is the text of the video:

Sadness, apathy, and spiritual tiredness end up dominating people’s lives, who are overloaded due to the rhythm of life today.

Let us try to be close to those who are exhausted, to those who are desperate, without hope. Often, we should just simply listen in silence, because we cannot go and tell someone, “No, life’s not like that. Listen to me, I’ll give you the solution.” There’s no solution.

And besides, let us not forget that, along with the indispensable psychological counseling, which is useful and effective, Jesus’ words also help. It comes to my mind and heart: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

Let us pray that people who suffer from depression or burn-out will find support and a light that opens them up to life.