Pope to honor Our Lady of Guadalupe by celebrating a 'Creole Mass' 2014-12-11 Friday, December 12th is the day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Americas and commonly referred to as the Queen of Mexico. To mark the occasion, Pope Francis will celebrate a Mass in her honor, in St. Peter's Basilica. GUZMAN CARRIQUIRY Pontifical Commission for Latin America "More than 750 priests will concelebrate the Mass with Pope Francis. In fact, many Cardinals and Bishops will travel to Rome, specifically to take part in this celebration.” But this won't be your typical celebration, rather it will be a so called 'Creole Mass.' The style combines indigenous instruments and rhythms with prayers in Spanish. One of the singers, will be Argentinian Patricia Sosa. PATRICIA SOSA Singer "I still feel like I'm dreaming. I get nervous and anxious and then I just tell myself to relax, even though I still can't believe I'm here.” Devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe has long been recognized as a uniting force throughout the Americas. In fact the Mass will televised live by different Spanish language television outlets. GUZMAN CARRIQUIRY Pontifical Commission for Latin America "She is the Patroness of the Americas and the queen of the entire continent. In fact, she is also the Patroness of the Philippines.” PATRICIA SOSA Singer "The Mass will be highly symbolic. Our Lady is the Mother of the Americas and she brings a message of peace. The fact that we will be singing in Spanish along with an Argentinian Pope is incredible. We couldn't ask for more.” The last time a Creole Mass was celebrated in the Vatican, was roughly three years ago, under the Pontificate of Benedict XVI. http://www.romereports.com/pg159484...of-guadalupe-by-celebrating-a-creole-mass--en
Pope: we can't be book-keepers of God's love 12 3 Print 2014-12-11 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Thursday said that God is like a mother, He loves us unconditionally, but too often we want to take control of this grace in a kind of a spiritual book-keeping. The Pope was speaking during his homily at morning Mass in the Casa Santa Marta. Taking his cue from the prophet Isaiah, Pope Francis said that God saves his people not from afar but being close and tender. “God’s closeness is such that he is presented like a mother, a mother who talks to her baby, and sings lullabies to her baby” The Pope said that the mother even taken on the voice and the language of a child so much so she can seem ridiculous if one does not understand how great the context actually is: ‘Do not fear, you little worm Jacob’. How often – Francis pointed out – does a mother say this kind of thing to her child as she caresses him? ‘I will make of you a threshing sledge, sharp, new, full of teeth… I will make you grow big’ and she caresses him again and holds him close. And so does God. This is God’s tenderness. And He is he expresses his closeness with tenderness: the tenderness of a mother”. God loves is free - the Pope continued - just as a mother’s love is for her child. And the child "allows himself to be loved": "this is the grace of God." "But many times, just to be sure, we want to control the grace". He said that "in history and also in our lives we are tempted to transform grace into a kind of a merchandise, perhaps saying to ourselves something like "I have so much grace," or, "I have a soul clean, I am graced": "In this way this beautiful truth of God's closeness slips into a kind spiritual book-keeping: 'I will do this because it will give me 300 days of grace ... I will do that because it will give me this, and doing so I will accumulate grace'. But what is grace? A commodity? That’s what it appears. And throughout history this closeness of God to his people has been betrayed by this selfish attitude, selfish, by wanting to control grace, to turn it into merchandise". The Pope recalled the groups at the time of Jesus who wanted to control grace: the Pharisees, enslaved by the many laws that they loaded "on the shoulders of the people." The Sadducees with their political compromises. The Essenes, "who were good, very good, but they had so much fear, they never took any risks" and ended up isolated within their monasteries. The Zealots, for whom the grace of God was the "war of liberation", "another way to transform grace into merchandise." "The grace of God – Pope Francis said - is another matter: it is closeness, it is tenderness. This rule is always valid. If, in your relationship with the Lord, do not feel that He loves you tenderly, you are missing something, you still have not understood what grace is, you have not yet received grace which is this closeness". Pope Francis recalled the confession many years ago, of a woman who was tormented by the question of whether a Mass attended on a Saturday evening for a wedding was valid as it had readings different to that on the Sunday. This was his answer: "Madam, the Lord loves you so much. You went to Church and there you received Communion, you were with Jesus... Do not worry, the Lord is not a merchant, the Lord loves us, He is close": "St. Paul reacts strongly against this spirituality of the law.’I am right, and this and this. If I do not do this I am not right'. But you are right because God has drawn close, because God caresses you, because God tells you these beautiful things with tenderness: this is our justice, this closeness of God, this tenderness, this love. At the risk of seeming ridiculous our God is so good. If we had the courage to open our hearts to this tenderness of God, how much spiritual freedom we would have! How much! Today, if you have a little 'time, at home, take the Bible: Isaiah, chapter 41, from verse 13 to 20, seven verses. Read them. This tenderness of God, this God who sings in each of us a lullaby, like a mother”. http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-we-cant-be-book-keepers-of-gods-love
Pope to create new Cardinals on February 14th 2014-12-11 For the past few days, Pope Francis met with his advisory council, which includes nine cardinals who weigh in on ways to reform the governance of the Church. In these meetings, the Pope announced that he will make new cardinals on February 14th. FR. FEDERICO LOMBARDI Vatican spokesman "On the 14th and 15th of February, new cardinals will be created by Pope Francis. We know the date, but what we don't know is which new cardinals will be named by the Pope.” Even though no one knows who will be made a Cardinal, it's likely that the number will be around ten. That way the number of Cardinals electors will reach 120, which marks the maximum number that can take part in an eventual conclave. Since most Cardinals will be in Rome during that time, the Pope is also planning on sharing the progress that has been made as far as reforms and re-organization of the Roman Curia. FR. FEDERICO LOMBARDI Vatican spokesman "As of today, the idea is to have two new Vatican departments that can include most of the current Pontifical Councils. But it's all up in the air at this point. The Council of Cardinals is analyzing the suggestions of all the department heads to see what changes can be made.” The council of cardinals has addressed other issues as well. For example, Cardinal Sean O'Malley has been outspoken about the Commission for the Protection of Minors, which deals with the prevention of sexual abuse. This Commission will add new members. Another issue is the Vatican's funds. The second in command in the Vatican's Council of the Economy, Joseph Zahra, has shed light on some of the challenges these financial departments face and what can be done to improve their standing. http://www.romereports.com/pg159492-pope-to-create-new-cardinals-on-february-14th--en
Pope Francis: God's grace is not for sale 2014-12-11 In his Thursday morning Mass, Pope Francis talked about God's love. In his homily, he said that God's love and grace cannot be controlled or even accumulated like merchandise. POPE FRANCIS "In this way this beautiful truth of God's closeness slips into a kind spiritual book-keeping: Some will say, 'I will do this because it will give me 300 days of grace ... I will do that because it will give me this, and doing so I will accumulate grace'. But what is grace? A commodity? It seems to look that way. Throughout history, God's closeness to His people has been betrayed by this selfish attitude, selfish, by wanting to control grace and turn it into merchandise.” The Pope went even further, adding that God's love is completely free, just like the love a mother has for her child. SUMMARY OF POPE'S HOMILY: (Source: Vatican Radio) "God’s closeness is such that he is presented like a mother, a mother who talks to her baby, and sings lullabies to her baby” The Pope said that the mother even taken on the voice and the language of a child so much so she can seem ridiculous if one does not understand how great the context actually is: ‘Do not fear, you little worm Jacob’. How often – Francis pointed out – does a mother say this kind of thing to her child as she caresses him? ‘I will make of you a threshing sledge, sharp, new, full of teeth… I will make you grow big’ and she caresses him again and holds him close. And so does God. This is God’s tenderness. And He is he expresses his closeness with tenderness: the tenderness of a mother”. God loves is free - the Pope continued - just as a mother’s love is for her child. And the child "allows himself to be loved": "this is the grace of God." "But many times, just to be sure, we want to control the grace". He said that "in history and also in our lives we are tempted to transform grace into a kind of a merchandise, perhaps saying to ourselves something like "I have so much grace," or, "I have a soul clean, I am graced.” http://www.romereports.com/pg159488-pope-francis-god-s-grace-is-not-for-sale-en
Pope to Syriac Catholic Patriarch: I'm close to persecuted Christians in Iraq and Syria 2014-12-12 Pope Francis met with the Syriac Catholic Patriarch of Antioch and other Syriac Catholic Bishops in the Vatican. The Eastern Bishops were visiting Rome as part of their Church's Synod. A group of lay people also attended the meeting. Patriarch Ignatius Joseph III Younan explained why they were eager to meet the Pope. "We came here to ask for strength and courage from the successor of Peter.” This Eastern Church has a strong presence in Syria and Iraq, given the dramatic persecution of Christians being carried out by ISIS, the Bishops asked for prayers and support. POPE FRANCIS "I want to express my closeness to your communities throughout the world and to give my support in particular to those in Iraq and Syria. They are going through moments of great suffering and fear because of the current violence.” Pope Francis explained the exodus of Christians from the Middle East impoverishes the region in many different ways. The situation, he said, is especially painful because it's the land where the first preachers of the Gospel, preached. He also called on other Christian Churches in the region to join forces to help refugees, who left it all behind to keep their faith and survive. http://www.romereports.com/pg159528...to-persecuted-christians-in-iraq-and-syria-en
Pope Francis: Serving the poor is how to meet Jesus 2014-12-13 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) Pope Francis met with the French charitable organizations “Amis di Gabriel Rosset” and the “Foyer Notre Dame des Sansabri”, which Rosset founded in 1950 to help the homeless people of France. Pope Francis thanked the groups for their commitment to the “poorest”: the homeless, the hungry, and those without work, and “therefore without dignity.” “Your founder, Gabriel Rosset, had heard the cry of the poor; was shocked at the suffering of others, and responded with generosity,” Pope Francis said. The Pope in serving the poor, they are serving Christ, and that “through them, you meet Jesus.” “The world today is in urgent need of this witness of Divine mercy,” continued Pope Francis. “In today’s time, the human person is often dismissed as useless…God, on the other hand, always recognizes the dignity and nobility of the child He loves. The poor are favored by the Lord, and are at the center of the Gospel.” Pope Francis thanked them for their “testimony of mercy”, which through “concrete actions” give people a new hope, and help restore their dignity. The Holy Father concluded by reminding them to remain firmly faithful to their name, “Notre Dame des Sansabri” [Our Lady of the Homeless], saying the Marian dimension of their work is “vitally important.” “The Heart of Mary is full of compassion for all people, above all for the poor and disadvantaged, those most in need; and it is her maternal tenderness - together with that of the Church - which is manifested through you.” http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-francis-serving-the-poor-is-how-to-meet-jesus
Pope at Angelus: Jesus is our joy 1 0 Print 2014-12-14 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) An especially large crowd filled St Peter’s Square on Sunday for the papal blessing of the Baby Jesus figurines for the Nativity scenes that are the centre of traditional Italian Christmas decorations. The annual tradition takes place on the Third Sunday of Advent, also known as “Gaudete” Sunday from the first words of the prayers of the day’s Mass. The Latin word “Gaudete,” meaning “rejoice” gave the Pope the inspiration for his remarks ahead of the Angelus prayer. “In this third Sunday,” he said, “the liturgy proposes to us an interior attitude with which to live this waiting for the Lord: that is, ‘joy,’ the joy of Jesus.” Pointing to a sign in the crowd, the Holy Father said, “With Jesus, joy is part of the home” (It: Con Gesù, la gioia è di casa). It was a phrase Pope Francis would return to throughout his remarks. “The heart of every person desires joy… All of us desire joy, every family, every people aspires to happiness,” he continued. The Christian, he said, is called to live and to witness to the joy that comes from the nearness of God, from God’s presence in our life. Christian joy is not simply the fullness of joy that we will experience in heaven, the Pope said. Rather, it begins even in this life, it is experienced even now, “because Jesus is our joy, our home with Jesus is our joy.” He asked the crowd to say with him “With Jesus, joy is part of the home.” Pope Francis said all Christians are called to welcome God’s presence in their lives, and to help others discover that presence, or to re-discover it if they have forgotten it. He called this “a beautiful mission, similar to that of John the Baptist: to orient people to Christ… because he is the goal toward which the heart of each person tends when it seeks joy and happiness.” Turning to the readings of the day, the Holy Father said that St Paul shows us the conditions for being “missionaries of joy”: to pray with perseverance, to always give thanks to God, to seek what is good and avoid what is evil. “If this is our way of life,” he said, “the Good News would be able to enter into so many homes and help people and families to rediscover that in Jesus there is salvation.” In Jesus, he said, we find the inner peace and the strength to face the situations we find ourselves in each day – even in times of difficulty. “The Christian is a person who has a heart filled with peace because he knows to place his joy in the Lord, even when he is going through difficult moments in life.” Pope Francis said that having the faith doesn’t mean there won’t be difficult moments in our life; rather, it means “having the strength to confront them knowing that we are not alone.” God is present in our lives, “and this is the peace that God gives to His children.” As Christmas approaches, the Pope said in conclusion, “the Church invites us to bear witness that Jesus is not a person of the past; He is the Word of God who today continues to illuminate the journey of humankind; His actions – the Sacraments – are the manifestation of the tenderness, of the consolation, and of the love of the Father for every human being.” (from Vatican Radio) http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-at-angelus-jesus-is-our-joy
Pope Francis: Rigidity is a sign of a weak heart 2014-12-15 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) The day’s Gospel reading, which relates how the chief priests asked Jesus by what authority He did His works, was the focus of the Pope’s homily on Monday. It is a demand, the Pope explained, that demonstrates the “hypocritical heart” of those people – people who were not interested in the truth, who sought only their own interests, and went where the wind blew: you should go this way, you should go that way…” They were weathervanes, all of them! All of them! Without consistency. A heart without consistency. And so they negotiated everything: they negotiated interior freedom, they negotiated the faith, they negotiated their county, everything except appearances.” To such people, getting the best out of every situation was the important thing. They were opportunists: “They profited from the situations.” “And yet,” the Pope continued, “some of you might ask me: ‘But Father, these people were observers of the law: on Saturday they didn’t travel more than a hundred metres – or however many they were able to go – they never, never sat down to eat without washing their hands and making their ablutions; they were a very observant people, very secure in their habits.’ Yes, it’s true – but only in appearance. They were strong, but on the outside. They were in a cast. The heart was very week, they didn’t know what they believed. And because of this their life, the outer part of their life, was completely regulated, but the heart was otherwise: a weak heart, and a skin that was plastered over, strong, harsh. Jesus, on the other hand, teaches us that the Christian should have a strong heart, a firm heart, a heart built on the rock, that is Christ; and then, in the way it goes out, it goes out with prudence: ‘In this case, I do this, but…’ It is the way of going out, but the heart is not negotiable, the rock is not negotiable. The rock is Christ, it is not negotiable”: “This is the drama of the hypocrisy of this people. And Jesus never negotiates His heart of the Son of the Father, but He was so open to the people, seeking paths to help them. ‘But this can’t be done; our discipline, our doctrine say this can’t be done!’ they say. ‘Why do your disciples eat grain in the fields, when they travel, on the day of the Sabbath? It can’t be done!’ They were so rigid in their disciple: ‘No, the discipline can’t be touched, it’s sacred.’” Pope Francis recalled how “Pius XII freed us from the very heavy cross that was the Eucharistic fast”: “But some of you might remember. You couldn’t even drink a drop of water. Not even that! And to brush your teeth, it had to be done in such a way that you didn’t swallow the water. But I myself as a young boy went to confession for having made the Communion, because I thought a drop of water had gone in. Is it true or no? It’s true. When Pius XII changed the discipline: ‘Ah, heresy! No! He touched the discipline of the Church.’ So many Pharisees were scandalized. So many. Because Pius XII had acted like Jesus: he saw the need of the people. ‘But the poor people, with such warmth.’ These priests who said three Masses, the last at one o’clock, after noon, fasting. The discipline of the Church. And these Pharisees [spoke about] ‘our discipline’ – rigid on the outside, but, as Jesus said of them, ‘rotting in the heart,’ weak, weak to the point of rottenness. Gloomy in the heart.” “This is the drama of these people,” and Jesus denounces hypocrisy and opportunism: “Even our life can become like that, even our life. And sometimes, I confess something to you, when I have seen a Christian, a Christian of that kind, with a weak heart, not firm, not fixed on the rock—Jesus – and with such rigidness on the outside, I ask the Lord: ‘But Lord, throw a banana peel in front of them, so that they will take a good fall, and feel shame that they are sinners, and so encounter You, [and realize] that You are the Saviour. Many times a sin will make us feel shame, and make us encounter the Lord, Who pardons us, as the sick who were there and went to the Lord for healing.” “But the simple people,” the Pope said, “do not err,” despite the words of these doctors of the law, “because the people know, they have a certain ‘flair’ for the faith.” The Pope concluded his homily with this prayer: “I ask the Lord for the grace that our hearts might be simple, luminous with the truth that He gives us, and thus we might be able to be lovable, forgiving, understanding of others, [to have] a large heart with the people, to be merciful. Never to condemn, never to condemn. If you have wanted to condemn, you condemn yourself, who has some reason, eh?” He continue, “Let us ask the Lord for the grace that He might give us this interior light, that convinces us that the rock is him alone, and not so many stories we make as if they were important things; and that He might tell us – that He might tell us! – the path, that He might accompany us on the path, that He might enlarge our hearts, so that they can enter into the problems of so many people, and that He might give us the grace that these people did not have: the grace to feel that we are sinners.” (from Vatican Radio) http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-francis-rigidity-is-a-sign-of-a-weak-heart
Pope to Roman Parish: Remember that Christmas is not about gifts or parties 2014-12-15 The Pope left the Vatican for a few hours to visit a local Roman parish, San Giuseppe all'Aurelio. The celebration marked the Third Sunday of Advent, which is also known as the Sunday of joy. In his homily, the Pope talked about why Christians should reflect the happiness that comes with the season. POPE FRANCIS "On this Sunday, the Church looks ahead to the joy of Christmas, which is precisely why it's known as the Sunday of joy.” He reminded the parishioners that Christmas is about a lot more than gifts and parties. POPE FRANCIS "Some will say, 'Father we organized a party and everyone is happy.' This is fine. Parties are good, but they are not the core of the Christian joy we're talking about.” He then explained that Christian joy is one that comes with prayer and with giving thanks to God. POPE FRANCIS "So how should we give thanks? Reflect on your life and think about all the good things you have. There are so many of them. Some will say, 'yes, but my life has had its share of bad things.' Yes, that's true, but that happens to every one of us. Think about the positive. There are people who don't know how to give thanks to God. They're always complaining about something. There was this nun I knew, not here. She was a good person, she worked, but she always complained. She complained about everything....In the convent, they nicknamed her, Sister Complaints.” He also talked about the need for Christians to embrace the joys that come with the Gospel and to share it with others. In his visit, the Pope also met with the sick and also with children. He also took the time to confess some of the parishioners. Before going back to the Vatican, he took a pictures with the choir. http://www.romereports.com/pg159534...at-christmas-is-not-about-gifts-or-parties-en
Pope: Salvation is a humble heart that trusts God 7 41 Print 2014-12-16 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) God saves "a repentant heart," while he who does not trust in Him draws "condemnation" upon himself. This message was at the heart of Pope Francis’s homily during morning Mass at the Casa Santa Marta. Humility saves man in God’s eyes, while pride is a loser. The key lies in the heart. The heart of a humble person is open, it knows repentance, it accepts correction and trusts in God. The heart of the proud person is the exact opposite: it is arrogant, closed, knows no shame, it is impervious to God's voice. The reading from the Book of the prophet Zephaniah and from the Gospel of the day guide Pope Francis in a parallel reflection. Both texts, he notes, speak of a "judgment" upon which salvation and condemnation depend. HUMILITY, THE ONLY PATH The situation described by the prophet Zephaniah is that of a rebellious city in which, however, there is a group of people who repent of their sins: this group, the Pope said, is the "people of God" possesses the "three characteristics" of "humility, poverty, and trust in the Lord." But in the city there are also those, Francis says, who "do not accept correction, they do not trust in the Lord." They will be condemned: "These people cannot receive Salvation. They are closed to Salvation. ‘I will leave within you the meek and humble; they will trust in the name of the Lord’ throughout their lives. And that is still valid today, isn’t it? When we look at the holy people of God that is humble, that has its riches in its faith in the Lord, in its trust in the Lord - the humble, poor people that trust in the Lord: these are the ones who are saved and this is the way of the Church, isn’t it? This is the path I must follow, not the path in which I do not listen to His voice, do not accept correction and do not trust in the Lord. " SINCERELY REPENNTANT, NOT HYPOCRITES The scene of the Gospel tells of the contrast between two sons invited by their father to work in the vineyard. The first refuses, but then repents and goes to work in the vineyard; the second says yes to the father but actually deceives him. Jesus tells this story to the chief priests and the elders of the people stating clearly that it is they who have not wanted to listen to the voice of God through John and that is why the Kingdom of Heaven will be entered, not by them but by tax collectors and prostitutes who did believe John. And the scandal provoked by this statement, Pope Francis said, is identical to that of many Christians who feel "pure" just because they go to Mass and receive communion. But God, he says, needs much more: "If your heart is not a repentant heart, if you do not listen to the Lord, if you don’t accept correction and you do not trust in Him, your heart is unrepentant. These hypocrites who were scandalized by what Jesus said about the tax collectors and the prostitutes, but then secretly approached them to vent their passion or to do business - but all in secrecy - were pure! The Lord does not want them. " OFFER YOUR SINS This judgment "gives us hope" - Pope Francis assured the faithful - provided, he concludes, that we have the courage to open our hearts to God without reserve, giving Him even the "list" of our sins. And in explanation of these words the Pope recalled the story of the Saint who thought he had given everything to the Lord, with extreme generosity: "He listened to the Lord, he always followed His will, he gave to the Lord, and the Lord said to him: 'there is still one thing you have not given me’. And the poor man who was good said: 'But, Lord, what is it that I have not given you? I have given you my life, I work for the poor, I work for catechesis, I work here, I work there ... ‘ 'But there is something you have not given me yet' .- 'What is it Lord? 'Your sins'. When we will be able to say to the Lord: 'Lord, these are my sins – they are not his or hers, they are mine… They are mine. Take them and I will be saved'- when we will be able to do this we will be that people, ‘that meek and humble people', that trusts in the Lord's name. May the Lord grant us this grace. " http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-salvation-is-a-humble-heart-that-trusts-god
Papa Francis "saints don't have sad face" May Gods Will be Done http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/201...ss_for_gaudete_sunday_at_roman_parish/1114796
Pope Francis explains how to achieve true repentance 2014-12-16 In his Tuesday morning Mass, Pope Francis talked about repentance. He said that only those who repent accept Salvation. He went even further explaining what it really means to reject one's sins. POPE FRANCIS "If you don't listen to the Lord, if you don’t accept correction and if you do not trust Him, your heart has not yet repented.” The Pope concluded that Jesus condemned the hypocrites who called themselves 'pure' but lived a double life. EXCEPRT OF THE POPE'S HOMILY (Source: Vatican Radio) "These people cannot receive Salvation. They are closed to Salvation. ‘I will leave within you the meek and humble; they will trust in the name of the Lord’ throughout their lives. And that is still Valid today, isn’t it? When we look at the holy people of God that is humble, that has its riches in its faith in the Lord, in its trust in the Lord - the humble, poor people that trust in the Lord: these are the ones who are saved and this is the way of the Church, isn’t it? This is the path I must follow, not the path in which I do not listen to His voice, do not accept correction and do not trust in the Lord." "If your heart is not a repentant heart, if you do not listen to the Lord, if you don’t accept correction and you do not trust in Him, your heart is unrepentant. These hypocrites who were scandalized by what Jesus said about the tax collectors and the prostitutes, but then secretly approached them to vent their passion or to do business - but all in secrecy - were pure! The Lord does not want them." "He listened to the Lord, he always followed His will, he gave to the Lord, and the Lord said to him: 'there is still one thing you have not given me’. And the poor man who was good said: 'But, Lord, what is it that I have not given you? I have given you my life, I work for the poor, I work for catechesis, I work here, I work there ... ‘ 'But there is something you have not given me yet' .- 'What is it Lord? 'Your sins'. When we will be able to say to the Lord: 'Lord, these are my sins – they are not his or hers, they are mine… They are mine. Take them and I will be saved'- when we will be able to do this we will be that people, ‘that meek and humble people', that trusts in the Lord's name. May the Lord grant us this grace." http://www.romereports.com/pg159549-pope-francis-explains-how-to-achieve-true-repentance-en
Happy Birthday, Pope Francis! 2014-12-17 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) There was a festive atmosphere at the weekly General Audience on Wednesday, as Pope Francis celebrated his 78th birthday. As he made his way through the crowds, Pope Francis stopped by a group of seminarians from the Legion of Christ, who offered him a birthday cake, complete with lighted candles. The Holy Father also took the opportunity to take a sip of maté, a traditional Argentinian drink, offered my pilgrims at the Audience. On the Via della Conciliazione, which leads up to St Peter's Square, tango enthusiasts danced in the street to celebrate the Pope's birthday. Pope Francis didn’t mention his birthday during the audience, but his reflections on the importance of simple, humble family life, lived on the peripheries, was certainly appropriate for the occasion. Vatican Radio joins Catholics from around the world in wishing Pope Francis a very happy birthday. Ad multos annos! A prayer for the Pope: V. Let us pray for Francis, the Pope. R. May the Lord preserve him, give him a long life, make him blessed upon the earth, and may the Lord not hand him over to the power of his enemies. V. May your hand be upon your holy servant. R. And upon your son whom you have anointed. Let us pray. O God, the Pastor and Ruler of all the faithful, look down, in your mercy, upon your servant, Francis, whom you have appointed to preside over your Church; and grant, we beseech you, that both by word and example, he may edify all those under his charge; so that, with the flock entrusted to him, he may arrive at length unto life everlasting. Through Christ our Lord. R. Amen. http://www.news.va/en/news/happy-birthday-pope-francis
Pope prays for conversion of terrorists who do not even spare children 2014-12-17 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has asked for prayers for the victims of the “inhuman terror attacks perpetrated in the past days in Sydney, Australia and in Peshawar, Pakistan”. Listen to the report by Linda Bordoni: Concluding his address to pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the weekly General Audience, the Pope asked those present to join him in his prayers to the Lord to receive the deceased in peace, to bring comfort to their families and to convert the hearts of the violent who do not hold back even before children. ” Taliban militants in Pakistan killed at least 132 children and 9 staff members at a school in Peshawar on Tuesday, whilst an Islamist militant killed 2 people during a siege on a Café in Sydney on Monday. The Pope’s appeal came after his second catechesis in preparation for next October’s Ordinary Synod of Bishops. He said that the Extraordinary Synod that took place last October represented the first step of a journey which will conclude next year with another Synodal Assembly on the theme “Vocation and Mission of the Family in the Church and in the World”. Francis said that his weekly Wednesday prayers and meditations are part of that common journey, and that is why he has chosen to reflect, this year, on the family: “this great gift of the Lord to the world, right from the beginning, when he entrusted Adam and Eve with the mission to “be fruitful, increase in number and fill the earth” (Genesis 1, 28). A gift – the Pope said – that Jesus confirmed and put his seal on in the Gospel. And the Pope pointed out that Christmas brings much light to this mystery. The incarnation of the Son of God – he said - opens a whole new chapter in the universal history of man and woman. This new beginning – he pointed out - took place within a little family, in Nazareth. The Son of God – he said – chose to be born into a human family in an obscure town on the periphery of the Roman Empire. Not in Rome, not in a great city, but in an almost invisible – even rough – periphery, as described by the Gospels “Nazareth, can anything good come from there?” (John 1, 46). Perhaps, the Pope said, in many parts of the world we too use that kind of language when we hear talk of some of the urban peripheries of our own cities: “Well, that’s exactly where the most holy of stories began, that of Jesus amongst mankind!” Jesus – he said – stayed in that periphery for over 30 years as narrated by Luke (2, 51 – 52). There is no talk of miracles or preaching, but of a very normal family life. And Pope Francis spoke of the tenderness aroused by the descriptions of Jesus’s life as an adolescent who was raised in an atmosphere of religious devotion, learning from the words and examples of Mary and Joseph, and growing in wisdom, age and grace. In imitation of the Holy Family, the Pope said, every Christian family must make a place for Jesus in its home, for it is through the love of such “normal” families, even in the peripheries of the world, that God’s Son quietly comes to dwell among us bringing Salvation to our world. (from Vatican Radio) http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-prays-for-conversion-of-terrorists-who-do-not
Pope: Salvation is a humble heart that trusts God 2014-12-17 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) God saves "a repentant heart," while he who does not trust in Him draws "condemnation" upon himself. This message was at the heart of Pope Francis’s homily during morning Mass at the Casa Santa Marta. Listen to the report by Linda Bordoni: Humility saves man in God’s eyes, while pride is a loser. The key lies in the heart. The heart of a humble person is open, it knows repentance, it accepts correction and trusts in God. The heart of the proud person is the exact opposite: it is arrogant, closed, knows no shame, it is impervious to God's voice. The reading from the Book of the prophet Zephaniah and from the Gospel of the day guide Pope Francis in a parallel reflection. Both texts, he notes, speak of a "judgment" upon which salvation and condemnation depend. HUMILITY, THE ONLY PATH The situation described by the prophet Zephaniah is that of a rebellious city in which, however, there is a group of people who repent of their sins: this group, the Pope said, is the "people of God" possesses the "three characteristics" of "humility, poverty, and trust in the Lord." But in the city there are also those, Francis says, who "do not accept correction, they do not trust in the Lord." They will be condemned: "These people cannot receive Salvation. They are closed to Salvation. ‘I will leave within you the meek and humble; they will trust in the name of the Lord’ throughout their lives. And that is still valid today, isn’t it? When we look at the holy people of God that is humble, that has its riches in its faith in the Lord, in its trust in the Lord - the humble, poor people that trust in the Lord: these are the ones who are saved and this is the way of the Church, isn’t it? This is the path I must follow, not the path in which I do not listen to His voice, do not accept correction and do not trust in the Lord. " SINCERELY REPENNTANT, NOT HYPOCRITES The scene of the Gospel tells of the contrast between two sons invited by their father to work in the vineyard. The first refuses, but then repents and goes to work in the vineyard; the second says yes to the father but actually deceives him. Jesus tells this story to the chief priests and the elders of the people stating clearly that it is they who have not wanted to listen to the voice of God through John and that is why the Kingdom of Heaven will be entered, not by them but by tax collectors and prostitutes who did believe John. And the scandal provoked by this statement, Pope Francis said, is identical to that of many Christians who feel "pure" just because they go to Mass and receive communion. But God, he says, needs much more: "If your heart is not a repentant heart, if you do not listen to the Lord, if you don’t accept correction and you do not trust in Him, your heart is unrepentant. These hypocrites who were scandalized by what Jesus said about the tax collectors and the prostitutes, but then secretly approached them to vent their passion or to do business - but all in secrecy - were pure! The Lord does not want them. " OFFER YOUR SINS This judgment "gives us hope" - Pope Francis assured the faithful - provided, he concludes, that we have the courage to open our hearts to God without reserve, giving Him even the "list" of our sins. And in explanation of these words the Pope recalled the story of the Saint who thought he had given everything to the Lord, with extreme generosity: "He listened to the Lord, he always followed His will, he gave to the Lord, and the Lord said to him: 'there is still one thing you have not given me’. And the poor man who was good said: 'But, Lord, what is it that I have not given you? I have given you my life, I work for the poor, I work for catechesis, I work here, I work there ... ‘ 'But there is something you have not given me yet' .- 'What is it Lord? 'Your sins'. When we will be able to say to the Lord: 'Lord, these are my sins – they are not his or hers, they are mine… They are mine. Take them and I will be saved'- when we will be able to do this we will be that people, ‘that meek and humble people', that trusts in the Lord's name. May the Lord grant us this grace. " http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-salvation-is-a-humble-heart-that-trusts-god
Vatican played key role in normalizing the relationship between U.S and Cuba 2014-12-17 American President Barack Obama and Cuban leader, Raul Castro announced that the U.S and Cuba will re-establish diplomatic relations. They decided to make the announcement, on December 17th, the Pope's 78th birthday. Through a statement, the Vatican announced that in the last few months, the Pope had written letters to both Obama and Castro, inviting them to deal with the case of some prisoners. He also called for a new phase in the relationship between both countries. The statement also added that back in the month of October, an American and Cuban delegation met in the Vatican to discuss how they could move forward. The Pope said he is highly pleased with the decision, which he hopes will help overcome the challenges that once strained the relationship. Despite Cuba's known resistance towards religion, the Holy See never broke diplomatic ties with the island. John Paul II visited Cuba back in 1998 asking Cuba to open itself to the world and vice-versa. It's a message Benedict XVI reiterated when he too visited Havana in March 2012. Now, Pope Francis is seeing the fruits of those efforts. http://www.romereports.com/pg159569...zing-the-relationship-between-u-s-and-cuba-en
Pope urges Lutherans and Catholics to take further steps towards unity 2014-12-18 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) Pope Francis met on Thursday with a delegation of German Lutheran and Catholic leaders, urging them to continue working towards the goal of unity among all Christians. The delegation was headed by the presiding bishop of the United Evangelical Lutheran Church of Germany, Gerhard Ulrich, together with members of the ecumenical commission of the German Catholic Bishops Conference. Philippa Hitchen reports: Listen: In his words to the German Church leaders, the Pope said half a century of significant progress in the dialogue between Lutherans and Catholics is grounded in sincere friendship and growing cooperation between the two communities. He said the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification, signed 15 years ago in the Bavarian city of Augsburg, is a milestone which enables us to continue with confidence along the ecumenical journey which St John Paul II described as an essential task of the Catholic Church. Noting how the bells in all cathedrals across Germany were rung last month to mark the 50th anniversary of the Vatican II decree on ecumenism, the Pope said we must celebrate past progress, while looking towards the future with hope. While the goal of full unity sometimes seems to be clouded by different views of the nature of Church, Pope Francis said we must never resign ourselves but rather be focused on the next step forward. The Pope noted with pleasure that the bilateral dialogue commission of the German bishops conference and the Lutheran Evangelical Church is concluding its work on the theme of God and human dignity. He noted that all questions regarding the family, marriage, sexuality and human life are essential issues that must not be ignored out of fear of jeopardising our ecumenical consensus. Finally Pope Francis looked ahead to the fifth centenary of the Reformation which Lutherans and Catholics will be commemorating together in 2017, not as “a triumphalistic celebration”, but as a “profession of our common faith in the One, Triune God”. He said may this event encourage us all, with the help of God and the support of the Holy Spirit, to take further steps towards reconciliation and unity. http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-urges-lutherans-and-catholics-to-take-further
Pope to children: Jesus is your best friend 2014-12-18 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) Italian Catholic Action is one of the most active lay movements in Italy today and is made up of both adults and children and it was to the children of this group that the Pope extended his Christmas greetings on Thursday. This year these boys and girls have been focusing on a particular theme "Everything to be discovered" and Pope Francis, reflecting on this slogan had some useful tips for the children present. Listen to Lydia O'Kane's report Firstly, the Holy Father said, “never give up” because Jesus’ plan for you is to be built together with, parents, brothers, sisters, friends, classmates, and catechism. Imparting more words of wisdom, the Pope told the children to concern themselves with the needs of the poorest and those who suffer and he also asked them to donate time to their parishes. In another point Pope Francis stressed how important it is to love the Church and to love oneself and he called on the young to be apostles of peace and serenity adding that misunderstandings can be overcome because united Jesus, everything is possible. He then urged all present to talk to Jesus who, he said, is the greatest friend that never leaves us. The Pope, then said to the children, “what do you think? Do you feel like putting into practice this proposal.” He continued by saying,"(I think you already living out a lot of these things.” Pope Francis concluded by saying, “with the grace of his birth, Jesus wants to help you take a step even stronger, more confident and more joyful to become his disciples.” (from Vatican Radio)
