Pope renews call for peace at Sunday Angelus 12 9 Print 2015-01-04 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) At his Angelus address on Sunday, Pope Francis again returned to the theme of peace building. “My hope,” he said, “is that the exploitation of man by man would be overcome.” He said, “Each person, and every people hungers and thirsts for peace; therefore, it is necessary and urgent to build peace!” Pope Francis re-iterated that peace is always possible, and said that we are all called “called to rekindle in our hearts an impulse of hope, that should result in concrete works of peace, reconciliation, and fraternity.” Each one of us, the Holy Father said, “can accomplish gestures of fraternity in dealing with one’s neighbour, especially with those who are tried by family tensions or by disagreements of different kinds.” He continued, “These small gestures have great value: they can be the seeds that give hope, they can open paths and prospects of peace.” Below, please find the complete text of the Pope’s Angelus address on Sunday: Dear brothers and sisters, A few days ago we began the new year in the name of the Mother of God, celebrating World Peace Day on the theme: “No longer slaves, but brothers”. My hope is that the exploitation of man by man would be overcome. This exploitation is a social plague that mortifies interpersonal relations and impedes a life of communion imprinted with respect, justice and charity. Each person, and every people hungers and thirsts for peace; therefore, it is necessary and urgent to build peace! Certainly, peace is not only the absence of war, but a general condition in which the human person is in harmony with himself, with nature, and with others. First of all, to silence arms and to extinguish the outbreaks of war remain the unavoidable conditions to begin a journey that leads to the achievement of peace in its different aspects. I think of conflicts are still shedding blood in too many regions of the planet, of tensions in families and in communities, as well as the sharp conflicts in our cities and towns between groups of different culture, ethnic and religious backgrounds. We must convince ourselves, despite any appearances to the contrary, that concord is always possible, at every level and in every situation. There is no future without proposals and projects for peace! From the Old Testament, peace has been attached to the promise of God: “They shall beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruning hooks; One nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again” (Is 2:4). Peace is proclaimed, as a special gift of God, in the birth of the Redeemer: “Peace on earth to those on whom His favour rests (Lk 2:14).” Such a gift requires that we seek it incessantly in prayer and welcome it every day with commitment, in the situations in which we find ourselves. At the dawn of a new year, we are all called to rekindle in our hearts an impulse of hope, that should result in concrete works of peace, reconciliation, and fraternity. Each one, in his own role and responsibility, can accomplish gestures of fraternity in dealing with one’s neighbour, especially with those who are tried by family tensions or by disagreements of different kinds. These small gestures have great value: they can be the seeds that give hope, they can open paths and prospects of peace. Let us invoke Mary, the Queen of Peace. She, during her earthly life, knew no small difficulties, joined to the daily fatigue of existence. But she never lost peace of heart, the fruit of trustful abandonment to the mercy of God. Let us ask Mary, our tender Mother, to show to the whole world the sure path of love and of peace. After the Angelus I offer a cordial greeting to all of you, dear pilgrims from Italy and from various countries to take part in this encounter of prayer. In particular I greet the faithful from Casirate d’Adda, Alfianello, Val Brembilla, and Verona. To each of you I express the hope that you will spend this second Good Sunday in peace and serenity. And please, don’t forget to pray for me. (from Vatican Radio) http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-renews-call-for-peace-at-sunday-angelus
Pope Francis will directly see the destruction the typhoon caused in the Philippines 2015-01-04 It was a deadly typhoon that hit the Philippines in November 2013. This fisherman who lives in the eastern city of Tacloban took refuge in a boat that was washed ashore. BARTOLOMÉ NOHGO Survivor of Typhoon Haiyan "This is where we stayed after the Yolanda. We stayed there for three weeks. Me and my family and my brother.” For eight straight days, the typhoon hit Southeastern Asia. It hit the Philippines the hardest, killing roughly 6,300 people. One year later, the country is still rebuilding itself, but it will take much longer to heal personal wounds. ALGINA LACABA Survivor of Typhoon Haiyan "The painful part was seeing my children almost drowning, but they kept holding onto the window. When I reached them, I got them to climb up one at a time to a metal rod that was leading upstairs.” In just moments, more than 4 million people lost everything. Now thousands of them still live in refugee camps. The UN Refugee Agency along with the Philippine Government have helped 700,000 people so far. JOEL LACABA Survivor of Typhoon Haiyan "We feel better now. And when we move to our permanent home, we will really be thankful because it's a sturdy house and we'll be far from the sea.” Pope Francis will travel to Sri Lanka and to the Philippines next year, in Mid January, from the 12th to the 19th. There he will meet a group of survivors and listen to how they survived one of the greatest natural disasters in recent history. http://www.romereports.com/pg159717...ion-the-typhoon-caused-in-the-philippines--en
Pope Francis: Epiphany Mass and Angelus 6 23 Print 2015-01-06 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) Pope Francis celebrated Mass on Tuesday in St. Peter’s Basilica, to mark the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord. In his homily, Pope Francis focused on the three Wise Men of whose journey to meet and worship the newborn Christ the day’s Gospel reading, taken from the Gospel according to St Matthew, recounts. “The wise men,” said Pope Francis, “are models of conversion to the true faith, since they believed more in the goodness of God than in the apparent splendour of power.” They were not without their trials and tribulations along their way, though even in the face of great temptation – by worldly wisdom, riches and power, and by simple human frailty – the Magi never failed in faith. “Led by the Spirit,” explained the Holy Father, “they come to realize that God’s criteria are quite different from those of men, that God does not manifest himself in the power of this world, but speaks to us in the humbleness of his love.” Pope Francis encouraged the faithful and all persons of good will to pray that God should allow each of us to undergo that same journey of conversion experienced by the wise men. “Let us ask him to protect us and to set us free from the temptations which hide the star,” he said, “to let us always feel the troubling question: ‘Where is the star?’, whenever – amid the deceptions of this world – we lose sight of it; to let us know ever anew God’s mystery, and not to be scandalized by the ‘sign’ which points to ‘a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger’ (Lk 2:12), and to have the humility to ask the Mother, our Mother, to show him to us; to find the courage to be liberated from our illusions, our presumptions, our “lights”, and to seek this courage in the humility of faith and in this way to encounter the Light, like the holy wise men.” This theme of searching in faith, under the guidance of the Spirit, was one to which the Holy Father returned in his remarks ahead of the Angelus prayer with pilgrims and tourists gathered beneath the window of the papal apartments in the Apostolic Palace, in St Peter’s Square, under a crystalline noonday Roman sky. “The Magi testify that Jesus came to earth to save not one people, but all peoples,” said Pope Francis. “Therefore, in today's feast our gaze broadens to encompass the whole world, that everyone everywhere might celebrate the ‘manifestation’ of the Lord to all people, that is, the manifestation of God’ love and of the universal salvation,” he offers through His son. Pope Francis also had special greetings for the Christians of the East. “On this day of Epiphany,” he said, “our thoughts also go to our Christian brothers and sisters, Catholic and Orthodox, many of whom shall tomorrow celebrate the Lord's birth.” He also recalled that the Solemnity of the Epiphany is also the World Day of World Day of Missionary Childhood – one of the Pontifical Mission Societies that is especially geared to harnessing the zeal of children for spreading the Good News of salvation. “It is a celebration of children who live with joy the gift of faith and pray that the light of Jesus might reach all the children of the world,” Pope Francis said, concluding with a word of exhortation: “I encourage educators to cultivate in little ones the missionary spirit, so that may arise between them witnesses of the tenderness of God and announcers of his love.” (from Vatican Radio) http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-francis-epiphany-mass-and-angelus
Top Vatican Official: Washington, NYC likely stops on papal trip http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/n...hington-nyc-likely-stops-on-papal-trip-82648/
A look inside the Papal Plane 2015-01-06 More than 2,000 years ago, St. Peter, the first Pope, traveled on a boat. Now, the mode of transportation is much quicker. The first Pope to take a flight as Pontiff, was Paul VI back in 1964, as he made his way to the Holy Land. Years later, John Paul II would break records, by making 104 international trips. Benedict XVI traveled outside of Italy on 24 occasions. His first trip was to Cologne, Germany and his last was to Lebanon. Pope Francis once said he wasn't big on traveling, but he now seems quite accustomed to it, even carrying his personal luggage on board. The so called papal plane is not owned by the Pope. The Vatican rents it from a local airline, usually Alitalia. When the Pope is on his way back, he usually boards a plane owned by a major airline of the visited country. It's a plane just like any other. The only noticeable difference is that the head covers are embroided with the Papal shield. For most of the passengers, the flight isn't for sleeping, but to get ahead on work. In route to his destination, the Pope usually meets with reporters to highlight the main points of his trip. Every now and then, there are some lighthearted jokes that follow. On his way back to Rome, there's a press conference that can last anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour. It's a time to reflect on the trip and other pressing issues of the Universal Church. Moments after the press conference ends, journalists don't waste any time. They sometimes use satellite phones to pass on the headline or even to go live on radio or television on flight. If time permits, one can also enjoy some lunch or dinner prepared specifically for the flight. For those who just want to shut off, there's the usual option of reading a book or simply watching a movie. If possible, some journalists choose to use their free time to recuperate from the jet lag since once they get off the plane, they have to be ready to give the big story. http://www.romereports.com/pg159769-a-look-inside-the-papal-plane-en
Pope Francis' talks about late Salvadorian Archbishop, Oscar Romero 2015-01-07 In his first general audience of 2015, Pope Francis talked about the role of mothers, both in society and in the Church. He described mothers as the antidote of self-centeredness, adding that they don't always get the support they need or deserve. POPE FRANCIS "They are not always listened to or helped in every day life. On the contrary, they are often exploited because of their availability. They are not even fully appreciated by the Christian community.” Motherhood, he said is much more than just childbearing. It's about sacrifice and generosity. He also referenced late Salvadorian Archbishop Oscar Romero, who was shot to death in 1980. The late Archbishop described the role of women as the 'martyrdom of mothers.' POPE FRANCIS "They offer themselves completely, without any fuss. They do this in silence and in prayer as they go about their daily responsibilities. Little by little, they give their lives.” The Pope then added that the Church is also a mother. He called on all pilgrims to give a round of applause to mothers, as a sign of gratitude. "We greet all the mothers here with a loud round of applause.” At the end of the general audience, there was also some color, as members of the Golden Circus put on a little show to start off the year on a happy note. http://www.romereports.com/pg159779...t-late-salvadorian-archbishop-oscar-romero-en
Pope thanks mothers for their precious role 2015-01-07 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) Pope Francis thanked all mothers for their precious role in society and for what they give to the Church and to the world. Speaking on Wednesday morning at the General Audience, Pope Francis continued his catechesis on the family, inspired, he said, by the Christmas image of Our Lady who presents her Son to the world. Listen to the report by Linda Bordoni: Reflecting on the role of mothers in society and in the Church, he pointed out that the Church too is a mother, “our mother” and that no believer is an orphan. The Pope said that for all our symbolic glorification of mothers, their important contribution to the life of society, their daily sacrifices and their aspirations are not always properly appreciated. Even in Christian communities – he said – often mothers are not listened to. He said that their voices should be taken more into consideration and they should be supported in their aspirations. Mothers, Pope Francis said, “are an antidote to the spread of self-centeredness, a decline in openness, generosity and concern for others”. And speaking of motherhood, the Pope said that it “is more than childbearing; it is a life choice, entailing sacrifice”, respect for life, and commitment to passing on those human and religious values which are essential for a healthy society. A society without mothers, the Pope said, would be an "inhuman society" because even in the darkest moments "mothers are witnesses of tenderness, dedication and moral strength". Mothers - he continued - are the ones who transmit "the deep sense of the practice of religion, the first prayers, the first gestures of devotion. The value of faith in the life of a human being is a message that mothers transmit without having to give too many explanations". He said that explanations come later, but the "germ of faith is in those first, precious moments" of life, and without mothers, Francis pointed out, "not only there would be no new faithful, but faith itself would lose a good part of its simple and profound warmth." Recalling the words of Archbishop Oscar Romero who was assassinated while serving Mass in El Salvador in 1980, Francis said he spoke of a “martyrdom of mothers”, whose sensitivity to all that threatens human life and welfare is a source of enrichment for society and the Church. “To be a mother does not only mean to give life to a child, it is a choice of life, the choice of giving life. This is beautiful” he said. Concluding his catechesis, Pope Francis asked all to join him in thanking mothers everywhere for what they are, and for all that they give to the Church and to our world. (from Vatican Radio) http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-thanks-mothers-for-their-precious-role
French Muslim leaders meet with Pope Francis, condemn deadly Paris attacks 2015-01-07 "He is a man of great spirituality.” These four Muslim leaders from the Union of Mosques in France, met with Pope Francis after he led his first general audience of 2015. They all condemned the deadly attacks that took place on Wednesday January 7th, where gunmen stormed the offices of the 'Charlie Hebdo' weekly satirical magazine. It's an attack presumed to be linked to the publication of cartoons depicting Muhammad. For years, these Muslim leaders have worked with Catholics to promote inter-religious dialogue. French Bishops have condenmend the attacks describing them as 'horrible.' Holy See's statement on this morning's terrorist attack in Paris. The Holy Father expresses the strongest condemnation for the horrific attack that afflicted the city of Paris this morning with a high number of victims, sowing death, throwing the entire French society into consternation, and deeply upsetting all peace loving people, well beyond the borders of France. Pope Francis joins in prayers for the suffering of the wounded and the families of the deceased and calls upon all to oppose by all means the spread of hatred and all forms of violence, both physical and moral, which destroys human life, violates the dignity of the person, radically undermines the fundamental good of peaceful coexistence between individuals and peoples, despite differences of nationality, religion and culture. Whatever the motives may be, homicidal violence is abhorrent, it is never justifiable, the life and dignity of all are guaranteed and protected firmly, any incitement to hatred should be refused, respect must be cultivated. The Pope expresses his closeness, his spiritual solidarity and support for all those who, according to their different responsibilities, continue to work consistently for peace, justice and the law, to heal the deep sources and the causes of hatred, in this painful and tragic moment, in France and around the world marked by tensions and violence. http://www.romereports.com/pg159808...-pope-francis-condemn-deadly-paris-attacks-en
Pope Francis hails motherhood as the 'antidote to individualism' Pope Francis prays before a statue of Mary in St. Peter's Basilica on Nov. 30, 2013. Credit: Lauren Cater/CNA. Pope Francis prays before a statue of Mary in St. Peter's Basilica on Nov. 30, 2013. Credit: Lauren Cater/CNA. by Elise Harris FacebookTwitterGoogle+PinterestAddthis Vatican City, Jan 7, 2015 / 05:39 am (CNA/EWTN News).- During his general audience Pope Francis lamented how mothers are often under-appreciated in their family role, and said they are key players in fighting against an individualistic, self-centered society. “To be a mother is a great treasure. Mothers, in their unconditional and sacrificial love for their children, are the antidote to individualism; they are the greatest enemies against war,” the pontiff told pilgrims during his Jan. 7 general audience address. Mothers, he said, “are often exploited because of their availability. Not even the Christian community values them properly, despite the eminent example of the Mother of Jesus.” The Roman Pontiff offered his words to those gathered in the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall for his first general audience after the Christmas holiday vacation. He continued his catechesis on the family, which he initiated in December, by turning his gaze to the image of the Mother of Jesus at Christmas, who presents her son to the world. Mary’s example provides an opportunity for the Church to reflect on the role of all mothers in society and the Church, the Pope explained, noting how despite all of the “symbolic glorification” we give to motherhood, it is still under-valued. “All of us give credit to our mothers for life and many other things, but not always are they listened to or helped in everyday life…Their important contribution to the life of society, their daily sacrifices and their aspirations are not always properly appreciated,” he observed. To be a mother is a gift, the Pope said, and explained that through their sacrifices, mothers assist in helping society to overcome its self-centered tendencies, as well as its lack of openness, generosity and concern for others. “In this sense motherhood is more than childbearing; it is a life choice entailing sacrifice, respect for life, and commitment to passing on those human and religious values which are essential for a healthy society,” he said. Pope Francis then drew attention to the phrase “martyrdom of mothers” coined by Archbishop Oscar Romero, who served as the archbishop of El Salvador and was shot and killed while saying Mass in 1980 for speaking out against social injustices committed by the government. This maternal martyrdom, the pontiff noted, consists of a mother’s ability to offer herself in silence, prayer and total surrender, “without any fanfare,” to her motherly duties. A mother’s sensitivity “to all that threatens human life and welfare is a source of enrichment for society and the Church,” he said, observing how it is common in moments of difficulty to encounter the tenderness, dedication and moral strength of our mothers. “It is they, mothers, who often give the first roots of the faith, the ones that permeate deepest; without them not only would the faithful be lost, but also a good part of the deepest fire of our faith,” he explained. Pope Francis then greeted pilgrims present from various countries around the world, including Ireland, Finland, Indonesia, Australia, the United States, Spain, Mexico and Argentina. He concluded by asking those present to join him in thanking all mothers “for what they are and for all that they give to the Church and to our world,” and gave his blessing. http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/n...ailynews+(CNA+Daily+News)&utm_term=daily+news
Pope Francis : love leads us to God 2015-01-08 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) Pope Francis reminded the faithful that Christian love is to be expressed with concrete acts, and he pointed out that words are not enough. Speaking during his homily on Thursday morning during Mass at the Casa Santa Marta, the Pope said that God leads the way with love, and that it is through love that we get to know God. Reflecting on what he called the “key word” in the liturgy during this time of the year, Pope Francis said Jesus ‘manifests’ himself at the Epiphany, at the Baptism, at the Wedding of Cana, but he asked: “how can we know God?” Francis explained that this truth is explained less by the intellect than by the heart. WE GET TO KNOW GOD ON THE PATH OF LOVE “God is love! It is only on the path of love that you can know God. ‘Reasonable love’, ‘love accompanied by reason’. But love! And how can we love what we do not know? Love your neighbors”. This, the Pope said, is the doctrine of two Commandments: the most important is ‘You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself’. And he pointed out that “to get to the first we must ascend the steps of the second: that means that through our love for our neighbor we can get to know God, who is love. Only through loving can we reach love”. That’s why, Pope Francis said, we have to love each other, because love comes from God and whoever loves has been generated by God: GOD’S LOVE IS NOT A SOAP OPERA “He who loves knows God; he who does not love has no knowledge of God because God is love”. But, Francis stressed: “it’s not the love of a ‘soap opera’. No, it is solid, strong and eternal. “It ‘manifests’ itself in the Son, in the Son of God who has come to save us. It is a concrete love made of works and not of words. To know God we must walk through life in love, love for our neighbor, love for those who hate us, love for all”. GOD’S LOVE IS LIKE AN ALMOND BLOSSOM Pointing out that God sent us his only Son to free us from sin, Pope Francis said that in the person of Jesus we can contemplate the love of God, and following His example, we can climb the steps, one by one, to God’s love, to the knowledge of God who is love. Recalling the words of the prophet Jeremiah, the Pope said that God's love precedes everything … He precedes us. “The prophet Jeremiah said that God was like the flower of the almond-tree, as it is the first tree that flowers in spring, meaning that God always flowers before us. When we arrive, He is already there waiting for us. … He is always there before us”. GOD’S LOVE ALWAYS WAITS FOR US Turning his attention to the Gospel reading of the day that tells of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes, The Pope said the Lord had compassion for the many people who had flocked to listen to Jesus “because they were like sheep without a shepherd, they had no orientation”, today – Francis said – so many people have no orientation, but God precedes just as he preceded the disciples who hadn’t understood what was going on. “God’s love always awaits us; it always takes us by surprise. Our Father who loves us so much is always ready to forgive us. Always! Not once, always!” Pope Francis concluded asking the Lord to give us the grace to be acquainted and to get to know God on the path of love. http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-francis-love-leads-us-to-god
Pope's Mass: Charlie Hebdo attack shows all the cruelty human beings are capable of 2015-01-08 Pope Francis offered his daily morning Mass at Casa Santa Marta for the 12 victims of yesterday's deadly terrorist attack in Paris. In his homily, the Pope reflected on the nature of such attack. POPE FRANCIS "Wednesday's attack in Paris makes us think on cruelty, human cruelty, and on terrorism, be its isolated cases as well as State terrorism. How much cruelty human beings are capable of. Let's pray in this Mass for the victims of this cruel act. So many. And let's pray also for the perpetrators of such cruelty, that the Lord might change their hearts.” The Pope sent a message to the Archbishop of Paris, French Cardinal André Vingt-Trois. He also asked for prayers in Twitter, using the hashtag #PrayersforParis. EXCERPT OF THE POPE'S HOMILY Source: Vatican Radio "God is love! It is only on the path of love that you can know God. ‘Reasonable love’, ‘love accompanied by reason’. But love! And how can we love what we do not know? Love your neighbors”. This, the Pope said, is the doctrine of two Commandments: the most important is ‘You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself’. And he pointed out that "to get to the first we must ascend the steps of the second: that means that through our love for our neighbor we can get to know God, who is love. Only through loving can we reach love.” "He who loves knows God; he who does not love has no knowledge of God because God is love”. But, Francis stressed: "it’s not the love of a ‘soap opera’. No, it is solid, strong and eternal. "It ‘manifests’ itself in the Son, in the Son of God who has come to save us. It is a concrete love made of works and not of words. To know God we must walk through life in love, love for our neighbor, love for those who hate us, love for all.” "Wednesday's attack in Paris make us think on all the cruelty, human cruelty, and on all the terrorism, the isolated one as well as State terrorism. How much cruelty are human beings capable of. Let's pray in this Mass for the victims of this cruel act. So many. And let's pray also for the the perpetrators of such cruelty, that the Lord might change their heart.” http://www.romereports.com/pg159819...ll-the-cruelty-human-beings-are-capable-of-en
Pope Francis: Only the Holy Spirit opens our hearts to love God 2015-01-09 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) Pope Francis said only the Holy Spirit has the power to open our hearts to God and his love and not thousands of yoga sessions or Zen spirituality courses. His words came during his homily at morning Mass on Friday celebrated in the Santa Marta residence. The Pope’s reflections came from the day's gospel reading that recounted how the apostles were terrified when they saw Jesus walking on water. And the reason for their terror, he explained, is that their hearts were hardened. "Mirror" men and women and religious narcissists Pope Francis said a person’s heart can be made of stone for many reasons, such as, for example, a painful experience in one’s life. But as he went on to point out, another reason for hardened hearts is because people are closed in on themselves. “Creating a world within one self, all closed in. Closed within oneself, in one’s community or parish, but always closed in. And this closure can revolve around so many things. But let’s think about pride, self-sufficiency, thinking I am better than others, and vanity too, right? We have ‘mirror men and women’ (who are wedded to their own image in the mirror), who are closed in on themselves and are constantly looking at themselves, right? These religious narcissists, right? But they have a hardened heart because they are closed in on themselves, they are not open. And they seek to defend themselves with these walls that they have created around themselves.” Hardened hearts because of insecurity and fear The Pope said these hardened hearts in people can also arise from a problem of insecurity, such as those who barricade themselves behind the laws and rules, as though inside a prison, to feel safer and follow these rules to the letter, “When a heart becomes hardened, it’s not free and if it’s not free it’s because that person isn't capable of love, that was the fate of the Apostle John in the first Reading. A love that’s perfect banishes fear: in love there’s no fear, because fear is expecting a punishment and a person who's afraid doesn’t have a perfect love. He or she is not free. They are constantly afraid that something painful or sad will occur, that will cause their life to go badly or will endanger their eternal salvation… What an (over-active) imagination, because he or she can’t love. A person who isn't capable of loving is not free. And their heart was hardened because they hadn’t learnt how to love.” The Spirit makes us free and docile not yoga or zen courses Pope Francis concluded his homily by stressing that only the Holy Spirit can teach us how to love and free us from our hardened hearts. “You can follow thousands of catechism courses, thousands of spirituality courses, thousands of yoga or zen courses and all these things. But none of this will be able to give you the freedom as a child (of God). Only the Holy Spirit can prompt your heart to say ‘Father.’ Only the Holy Spirit is capable of banishing, of breaking that hardness of heart and making it … soft? No, I don’t like that word, … ‘docile’. Docile towards the Lord. Docile when it comes to the freedom to love.” (from Vatican Radio) http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-francis-only-the-holy-spirit-opens-our-hearts
Catechism, yoga, Zen cannot open people's hearts to God, pope says By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Courses in yoga, Zen meditation, even extensive studies in church teaching and spirituality can never free people enough to open their hearts to God and his love, Pope Francis said in a morning homily. Only the Holy Spirit can "move the heart" and make it "docile to the Lord, docile to the freedom of love," the pope said Jan. 9 at Mass in the Domus Sanctae Marthae. (CNS/Paul Haring) The pope looked at how Jesus' disciples could fail to recognize and be open to the Lord's miracles, like his walking on water, the multiplication of the loaves and encountering him on the road to Emmaus. "They were the apostles, those closest to Jesus. But they didn't understand," he said, according to the Vatican newspaper, L'Osservatore Romano. "It was because their hearts had been hardened," he said. "But how does a heart harden? How is it possible with these people who were always with Jesus, every day, who listened to him, saw him ... and their heart was hardened." The pope said he had asked his secretary why he thought people's hearts become so closed and cold. Together they came up with a number of reasons that often affect many people in life, he said. Painful and difficult experiences can cause people to harden their hearts because they do not want to be vulnerable to "another ordeal" or be disillusioned once again, the pope said. He said the saying in Argentina, "If a person gets burned by milk, then he will cry when he sees a cow," expresses this idea of becoming fearful after a painful experience. Pride, vanity, smugness and a sense of superiority can lead people to become closed up within themselves, he said. "Religious narcissists" also "have a hard heart because they are closed, they are not open. And they try to defend themselves with these walls they build up around themselves," he said. Insecurity causes people to look for things "to grab onto to be secure," he said, like the Pharisees and Sadducees who were "so attached to the letter of the law." They may feel safe and secure, the pope said, but they are like someone "in a jail cell behind bars: It is a security without freedom," and it was freedom that Jesus came to bring humanity. When the heart "is hardened, it is not free and if it is not free it is because it does not love," he said. God's perfect love "crushes fear," he said, because "in love there is no fear because fear assumes punishment and whoever is afraid is not perfect in love. He is not free. He is always afraid that something painful or sad will happen." The problem is a heart lacking love, a heart that has not learned how to love, he said. "Who teaches us to love? Who frees us from this hardness?" he asked. "Only the Holy Spirit." "You can take a million catechetical courses, a million courses in spirituality, a million courses in yoga, Zen and all these things. But all of this will never be able to give you the freedom" of being a child of God. The Holy Spirit "moves" hearts and compels people to cry out, "Father," and become docile to "the freedom of his love." END http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1500093.htm
Do you have the winning number of the Pope's raffle? 2015-01-09 The so called "Pope's raffle” finally took place. The owner of the number 00333 won the biggest prize: a brand new Fiat Panda. All of the 40 prizes were gifts given to Pope Francis throughout the year. The money raised from the sale of tickets will be sent charity works. "Pope Francis has shown he is a very humble person who is always looking after the poor. He is always getting rid of wealth.” "I think that all the gifts came from God...It doesn't matter if it was a book, a poster...or a car.” The winning numbers were published on January 9th on the webpage of the Vatican City State. The winners will have a total of 30 days to collect their prizes. See the full list of winning numbers. http://www.romereports.com/pg159848-do-you-have-the-winning-number-of-the-pope-s-raffle-en
Send Pope Francis a voice message during his trip to the Philippines thanks to new app 2015-01-10 Pope Francis' trip to the Philippines has an official app. It's titled "Mercy and Compassion, Papal Visit Philippines.” It will allow users to follow the latest updates and news on the papal trip, as well as the Pope's Twitter account during those days. The app also features a so called "Prayer Wall” where users can post all their intentions. It also gives them the chance of recording a voice message addressed to Pope Francis. The app can be downloaded for free and its available for Android a iOs. It can also be found on Google Play and iTunes App Store. http://www.romereports.com/pg159828...-trip-to-the-philippines-thanks-to-new-app-en
Pope Francis: Lord's Baptism Mass and Angelus 34 161 Print 2015-01-11 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) Remember to pray to the Holy Spirit: this was the message Pope Francis had for pilgrims and tourists who braved the drear and drizzle of a January morning in Rome, to gather in St Peter’s Square beneath the window of the Papal apartments in the Apostolic Palace and pray the Angelus with the Holy Father on this Sunday – the Solemnity of the Baptism of the Lord and the conclusion of the liturgical season of Christmas. Click below to hear our report Noting that the descent of the Holy Spirit at Christ’s baptism in the Jordan is the sign by which the Lord begins His public teaching ministry, Pope Francis said, “We often pray to Jesus, we pray to the Father, especially when we pray the “Our Father” – but not so frequently do we pray to the Holy Spirit – it is true, no? – He is the Forgotten One.” The Holy Father went on to say, “We need to ask for His help, His strength, His inspiration,” explaining, “the Holy Spirit, who entirely animated the life and ministry of Jesus, is the same Spirit who now leads Christian existence, the existence of [every] man and woman who say they are and want to be Christians.” Earlier in the day, Pope Francis marked the Solemnity of the Baptism of the Lord with Mass in the Sistine Chapel, during the course of which he baptized eleven infants. In his homily, the Holy Father focused on three related themes: on the Word of God as nourishment for the soul; on faith as an intrinsically and essentially ecclesial reality – something that is “of the Church” and into which we are incorporated in baptism; on the anointing that is part of baptism, and therefore on the sacrament as one of royal, prophetic and priestly consecration. Departing from his prepared text, the Holy Father offered some homiletic reflections on the importance of prayer – especially of prayer to the Holy Spirit – in the life of Christians. “It is so very important to pray to the Holy Spirit,” he said, “for the Spirit teaches us to carry forward the family, the children – He makes it possible to see that the children grow up in the atmosphere of the Holy Trinity.” The Pope went on to say, “It is precisely the Spirit who leads them forward – and this is why we need not forget to invoke the Holy Spirit often, every day.” (from Vatican Radio) http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-francis-lords-baptism-mass-and-angelus
What to expect of Pope Francis' trip to Sri Lanka and the Philippines 2015-01-12 Pope Francis will kick off 2015 traveling to Sri Lanka and the Philippines from January 12 to 19. Back in 2009, Sri Lanka put an end to a civil war that lasted 25 years. Now many hope Pope Francis will boost national reconciliation and peace. F. PRASAD HARSHAN Sri Lankan Priest "The tears of the people are still drying and it will take some time for them to actually heal the wounds of war. It's going to be a wonderful event. Touching all the corners and all the hearts of the people.” One of the highlights of the trip will be the canonization of Blessed Joseph Vaz, who will become the first Sri Lankan saint. On January 15, the Pope will travel to the Philippines. This country has suffered many natural disasters. The last one was typhoon Haiyan, that took the lives of 6,000 people on November 2013. F. GREGORY GASTON Rector, Pontificio Collegio Filippino (Rome) "The Pope is going to the Philippines to visit the victims, yes, of the typhoon, but also of other calamities, because months before the super typhoon, two years ago, it was also an earthquake that affected many islands.” The Pope's security is one of the biggest concerns of the organizers of this visit, since Paul VI suffered a terrorist attack when he visited the Philippines in 1970. Still, great crowds of pilgrims are expected to attend all the papal Masses and audiences. John Paul II managed to gather 4 million people on the World Youth Day of Manila 1995. http://www.romereports.com/pg159836...ncis-trip-to-sri-lanka-and-the-philippines-en
Pope's Angelus: Sin only brings failure and misery to life 2015-01-12 During his Sunday Angelus, Pope Francis thanked Catholics their prayers for his next trip to Sri Lanka and the Philippines. POPE FRANCIS "Thank you for what you wrote on that banner, thank you very much! I ask you to stay with me through prayer. And I ask the people of Sri Lanka and the Philippines living in Rome to pray especially for me and for this trip.” Sunday marked the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. Pope Francis explained that when Jesus was baptized, the gates of Heaven opened and the Holy Spirit appeared in the shape of a dove. He concluded that sin only separates people from God. POPE FRANCIS "Sin separates us from God and breaks the link between earth and heaven. Therefore, its consequence is our misery and the failure of our lives.” The Pope also encouraged Christians to pray to the Holy Spirit, as well as to publicly talk about God without fear. POPE FRANCIS "We often pray to Jesus. We pray to God the Father, especially when we pray the Our Father. But we don't pray that often to the Holy Spirit, do we? He's forgotten. But we need to ask for His help, strength and inspiration.” Before saying goodbye, Pope Francis asked the thousands of pilgrims gathered at St. Peter's Square to find out when they were baptized and to celebrate it every year. http://www.romereports.com/pg159851-pope-s-angelus-sin-only-brings-failure-and-misery-to-life-en
Pope: “Int’l community must take concrete steps for peace 1 1 Print 2015-01-12 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has called on the international community to take concrete steps to bring about peace and to protect all those who are victims of war and persecution. In a wide-ranging discourse to members of the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See, the Pope touched on a series of urgent issues which – he said - derive from a culture of rejection “which severs the deepest and most authentic human bonds, leading to a breakdown of society and spawning violence and death”. Speaking in Italian to the representatives of the 180 States which have diplomatic relations with the Holy See, the Pope said we see painful evidence of the consequences of this culture of rejection “in the events reported daily in the news, not least the tragic slayings which took place in Paris a few days ago”. And moving across the globe, again and again the Pope mentioned the “tragic mentality of rejection” and “culture of enslavement” which are manifested in a “never ending spread of conflicts”. In this regard he spoke of Ukraine, of the Middle East - in particular of the Holy Land - and of the spread of fundamentalist terrorism in Syria and in Iraq, where – he said – “this phenomenon is a consequence of the throwaway culture being applied to God”. Religious fundamentalism – the Pope explained – “even before it eliminates human beings by perpetrating horrendous killings, eliminates God himself, turning him into a mere ideological pretext”. And violence and fundamentalism in Nigeria were next on Pope Francis’ list with a focus on the tragic phenomenon of kidnappings and human trafficking. He then expressed concern for Libya, the Central African Republic, South Sudan, the Horn of Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo where “acts of brutality reap victims from among the poor and the most vulnerable”. “Every conflict and war” – he said ““is emblematic of the throwaway culture since people’s lives are deliberately crushed by those in power”. Pope Francis’ long discourse did not neglect to mention the effects of this culture of rejection on the victims of Ebola in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea, or on the horrendous crime of rape “which offends the dignity of women” across the world, or on the lives of numerous refugees and displaced persons that risk being thrown away, including those of unaccompanied children. And in a series of calls to legislators and rulers to take responsibility and to make every effort to resolve these grave humanitarian problems protecting the rights of citizens and promoting a change of attitude, the Pope did not neglect to mention the many other “hidden exiles” living – he said – in our homes and in our families: the elderly, the handicapped and young people who are “thrown away when they are denied concrete prospects of employment to build their future”. Pope Francis concluded his discourse recalling the words of Pope Paul VI during his visit to the United Nations fifty years ago in which he pointed out that from the ashes of the immense tragedy of the Second World War, “there arose a new will for dialogue and encounter which inspired the UN” and sanctioned an agreement and an oath to change the future of the world: never again war, never again war!” “This is likewise my own hope filled prayer for this new year” Pope Francis said – which will also see “the continuation of two significant processes: the drawing up of the Post-2015 Development Agenda” and “the drafting of a new Climate Change Agreement”. “The indispensable presupposition of all these” – the Pope said – “is peace, which, even more than an end to all wars, is the fruit of heartfelt conversion”. Click here for the Pope's discourse to the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See. (from Vatican Radio) http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-intl-community-must-take-concrete-steps-for-p
Pope Francis arrives to Sri Lanka: Leave behind the drama of the civil war 2015-01-13 A great crowd welcomed Pope Francis at Colombo's International Airport. The country's recently elected President, Maithripala Sirisena, was one the first people to greet him. In a colorful ceremony Pope Francis was cheered with music, dances and military honors. Even some elephants were present. In his speech, the President of Sri Lanka thanked Pope Francis for his visit. He also referred to the country's civil war that finished in 2009. MAITHRIPALA SIRISENA President of Sri Lanka "Your Holiness, my government is promoting peace and friendship among our people.” The 25 year long conflict was one of the main themes of the Pope's address as well. He encouraged Sri Lankans to look to the future and leave the past behind POPE FRANCIS "It is no easy task to overcome the bitter legacy of injustices, hostility and mistrust left by the conflict. It can only be done by overcoming evil with good and by cultivating those virtues which foster reconciliation, solidarity and peace”. The Pope highlighted that religions can play a key role in the reconciliation process and added that all citizens must "have a voice” in the country's recovery. POPE FRANCIS "Whenever people listen to one another humbly and openly, their shared values and aspirations become all the more apparent. Diversity is no longer seen as a threat, but as a source of enrichment. The path to justice, reconciliation and social harmony becomes all the more clearly seen”. As a conclusion, Pope Francis asked the country to respect human rights and to embrace the country's diversity. http://www.romereports.com/pg159870...ka-leave-behind-the-drama-of-the-civil-war-en
