So...just as I suspected. The bishops in the u.s. ignored the pope's request for '24 hours for the Lord"; '...The exercise wasn't just one for the Vatican – the penance service doubled as the global kickoff of "24 Hours for the Lord," an initiative of the Pontifical Council for Promoting the New Evangelization that asked the dioceses of the world to provide round-the-clock opportunity for confession in at least one church at some point over this fourth weekend of Lent. (In Rome, the church of Spirito Santo in Sassia right outside the Vatican walls was slated to open its doors for the night once the Vatican service ended.) While Francis plugged the event as "a feast of forgiveness" at his Sunday Angelus – and the dioceses were reportedly alerted in February – as of press time, only two US churches are known to have joined the effort: San Antonio and Juneau. The PCPNE has expressed the intent that the "24 hours" will become an annual opportunity over the days around Laetare Sunday." http://whispersintheloggia.blogspot.com/2014/03/in-confessional-penitent-pope.html
Most telling line for me from the blog post: "According to CARA figures, just 14 percent of US Catholics partake of the sacrament more than once a year" I wish it were as simple as having Churches open all night for Confession. It is beyond that IMO- it is poor catechisis. Most Catholics (at least the ones I meet ) don't understand the need or reason for reconciliation. We teach 8th graders- Confirmation year in our parish, but spend a lot of time teaching on Confession. I think we need to go to the basics first.
Pope Angelus: Be open to the light of Christ http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-angelus-be-open-to-the-light-of-christ
Pope's Angelus: Sometimes we're so proud that we even judge God! http://www.romereports.com/pg156269...imes-we-re-so-proud-that-we-even-judge-god-en
Pope to Salesians: Working for the souls helps fight spiritual worldliness http://www.romereports.com/pg156278...he-souls-helps-fight-spiritual-worldliness-en
Pope Francis: don't be 'tourists' on the spiritual journey of faith http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-francis-dont-be-tourists-on-the-spiritual-jou
Evangelii Gaudium: Theme of the Pope's Meeting with the Heads of the Dicasteries of the Roman Curia http://www.news.va/en/news/evangelii-gaudium-theme-of-the-popes-meeting-with 18 6 Print
Pope Francis end catechesis on the Sacraments with focus on marriage http://www.romereports.com/pg156292...s-on-the-sacraments-with-focus-on-marriage-en
US Bishops follow in Pope Francis' footsteps with Mission for Migrants http://www.news.va/en/news/us-bishops-follow-in-pope-francis-footsteps-with-m
This is a tough one. Many bishops/priests/laity would love to see open free borders to the US without having to go through an ordered system, thus eliminating the sovereignty of this nation. The democrat party would love this too, as they know that 80% will vote their way, as they promise free everything to them to exploit their votes. This would keep one party in rule forever and destroy the very fabric of freedom this country was built on.
I love the advice given by the Pope here for married couples. One has to laugh when he says you don't need to call the UN in to broker the peace when the inevitable argument breaks out between spouses. I sent this to my daughter as she is in the frantic last few months preparing fir her wedding in June. I keep on reminding her to not worry about the "things" of the wedding day, but for her and her fiancé to prepare spiritually through roster. I hope these words of Francis are meaningful for her. Please keep her and fiancé in prayer- we are very happy- but the world is tough and we want them to build their relationship on the Rock of Christ. http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1401345.htm
Pope at Mass: The power of real prayer http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-at-mass-the-power-of-real-prayer
Pope to meet with Britain's Queen Elizabeth in the Vatican http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-to-meet-with-britains-queen-elizabeth-in-the
Pope meets with Queen Elizabeth. Sends gift to little Prince George http://www.romereports.com/pg156318...izabeth-sends-gift-to-little-prince-george-en
Pope's Mass: Prophets are always persecuted, at times even within the Church http://www.romereports.com/pg156337...persecuted-at-times-even-within-the-church-en
Pope Francis laments Abortion. “lamented the culture of waste, pointing out as an example the killing of unborn children in their mother’s womb,” http://www.catholicculture.org/news/headlines/index.cfm?storyid=21030
Pope: The Cross isn't a prop. It's God's love and mystery http://www.romereports.com/pg156374-pope-the-cross-isn-t-a-prop-it-s-god-s-love-and-mystery--en
