Marian Solidarity

Dependencies of Australia (Christmas Island, Cocos Island, Coral Sea Islands Territory, Heard and McDonald Islands, Norfolk Island)

Dependencies of Norway (Bouvet Island, Jan Mayen, Svalbard)

Joyful Mysteries: Intentions

1. For leaders to be responsible stewards of their nation’s resources.
2. For men of faith to lead the way to peace between nations.
3. For governments to respect the human rights of its citizens.
4. For governments to care for the poor and downtrodden.
5. For conservation and preservation of the riches of creation.

Two World Wars have diminished its empire but the UK remains a major economic and military power, with considerable political and cultural influence around the world.

Sorrowful Mysteries: Intentions for United Kingdom

1. That the government’s austerity measures may succeed in reducing deficits.
2. That at a time of international instability, British economy may grow and create jobs.
3. That the military may be supported in its peace-keeping missions throughout the world.
4. That the public be made more aware of the dimensions of human trafficking.
5. That the mother of parliaments may continue to serve as model for political debate and discourse.

Ukraine is the largest contiguous country in Europe. Its history dates back to the 9th century, and independence from the Soviet Union came in 1991. The tradition of the Easter Egg (“pysanky”) has long roots in the Ukraine. The Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant is located 100 km north of the capital, Kiev.

Luminous Mysteries: Intentions for Ukraine

1. That Ukraine’s leaders fulfill the promise of the Orange Revolution for more democracy and prosperity.
2. That Ukraine address the need for genuine reform of the justice system that can effectively deal with official corruption.
3. That civil society may be encouraged to build institutions.
4. That workers may be safe in their places of employment.
5. That foreign investment may improve the lives of the majority.

Modern Turkey encompasses cosmopolitan centers, pastoral farming villages, barren wastelands, peaceful Aegean coastlines, and steep mountain regions. The modern secular republic was established by Kemal Ataturk; in its bid to join the European Union, it introduced substantial human rights and economic reforms.

Glorious Mysteries: Intentions for Turkey

1. For the military to support duly elected governments.
2. For continued progress toward democracy.
3. For closer cooperation between Turkey and her neighbors.
4. For the government to control its borders and illegal migration.
5. For the people of this ever-ancient and ever-new land to end religious discrimination and return church properties to Christians.

After the breakup of Yugoslavia in 1991, Macedonia faced formidable economic challenges, and tense regional conflicts including the war in Bosnia, sanctions on Serbia and crisis in Kosovo. Its political and security situation is stable and this has allowed the government to focus energies on domestic reforms.

Sorrowful Mysteries: Intentions for Republic of Macedonia

1. That lessons of history may show the way forward in peace.
2. That government may be supported in its efforts at reform.
3. That media refrain from ethnic fear mongering.
4. That government succeed in increasing foreign investments and reducing unemployment.
5. That the government increase investment in education, to improve the labor market.

Switzerland sits at the crossroads of several major European cultures. It has four official languages, and many Swiss speak more than one language. It consistently ranks high on quality of life indices.

Joyful Mysteries: Intentions for Switzerland

1. That the riches of the earth, given by God, may be used wisely.
2. That the Swiss may continue to share their wealth with the world.
3. That the elderly may find security in those who care for them.
4. That the Swiss may continue their commitment to justice around the world.
5. That the government continue its investment in research.