Read Pope Francis' Full Lenten Message 2015-01-27 (-ONLY VIDEO-) In this year's Lenten message, Pope Francis highlighted the importance of embracing a conversion of the heart. He also warned about the dangers of indifference. As a way to counteract this social ill, he stresses the importance of educating the heart in mercy. FULL TEXT: Dear Brothers and Sisters, Lent is a time of renewal for the whole Church, for each communities and every believer. Above all it is a "time of grace” (2 Cor 6:2). God does not ask of us anything that he himself has not first given us. "We love because he first has loved us” (1 Jn 4:19). He is not aloof from us. Each one of us has a place in his heart. He knows us by name, he cares for us and he seeks us out whenever we turn away from him. He is interested in each of us; his love does not allow him to be indifferent to what happens to us. Usually, when we are healthy and comfortable, we forget about others (something God the Father never does): we are unconcerned with their problems, their sufferings and the injustices they endure … Our heart grows cold. As long as I am relatively healthy and comfortable, I don’t think about those less well off. Today, this selfish attitude of indifference has taken on global proportions, to the extent that we can speak of a globalization of indifference. It is a problem which we, as Christians, need to confront. When the people of God are converted to his love, they find answers to the questions that history continually raises. One of the most urgent challenges which I would like to address in this Message is precisely the globalization of indifference. Indifference to our neighbour and to God also represents a real temptation for us Christians. Each year during Lent we need to hear once more the voice of the prophets who cry out and trouble our conscience. God is not indifferent to our world; he so loves it that he gave his Son for our salvation. In the Incarnation, in the earthly life, death, and resurrection of the Son of God, the gate between God and man, between heaven and earth, opens once for all. The Church is like the hand holding open this gate, thanks to her proclamation of God’s word, her celebration of the sacraments and her witness of the faith which works through love (cf. Gal5:6). But the world tends to withdraw into itself and shut that door through which God comes into the world and the world comes to him. Hence the hand, which is the Church, must never be surprised if it is rejected, crushed and wounded. God’s people, then, need this interior renewal, lest we become indifferent and withdraw into ourselves. To further this renewal, I would like to propose for our reflection three biblical texts. 1. "If one member suffers, all suffer together” (1 Cor 12:26)– The Church The love of God breaks through that fatal withdrawal into ourselves which is indifference. The Church offers us this love of God by her teaching and especially by her witness. But we can only bear witness to what we ourselves have experienced. Christians are those who let God clothe them with goodness and mercy, with Christ, so as to become, like Christ, servants of God and others. This is clearly seen in the liturgy of Holy Thursday, with its rite of the washing of feet. Peter did not want Jesus to wash his feet, but he came to realize that Jesus does not wish to be just an example of how we should wash one another’s feet. Only those who have first allowed Jesus to wash their own feet can then offer this service to others. Only they have "a part” with him (Jn 13:8) and thus can serve others. Lent is a favourable time for letting Christ serve us so that we in turn may become more like him. This happens whenever we hear the word of God and receive the sacraments, especially the Eucharist. There we become what we receive: the Body of Christ. In this body there is no room for the indifference which so often seems to possess our hearts. For whoever is of Christ, belongs to one body, and in him we cannot be indifferent to one another. "If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it; if one part is honoured, all the parts share its joy” (1Cor 12:26). The Church is the communio sanctorum not only because of her saints, but also because she is a communion in holy things: the love of God revealed to us in Christ and all his gifts. Among these gifts there is also the response of those who let themselves be touched by this love. In this communion of saints, in this sharing in holy things, no one possesses anything alone, but shares everything with others. And since we are united in God, we can do something for those who are far distant, those whom we could never reach on our own, because with them and for them, we ask God that all of us may be open to his plan of salvation. 2. "Where is your brother?” (Gen 4:9)– Parishes and Communities All that we have been saying about the universal Church must now be applied to the life of our parishes and communities. Do these ecclesial structures enable us to experience being part of one body. A body which receives and shares what God wishes to give? A body which acknowledges and cares for its weakest, poorest and most insignificant members? Or do we take refuge in a universal love that would embrace the whole world, while failing to see the Lazarus sitting before our closed doors (Lk 16:19-31). In order to receive what God gives us and to make it bear abundant fruit, we need to press beyond the boundaries of the visible Church in two ways. In the first place, by uniting ourselves in prayer with the Church in heaven. The prayers of the Church on earth establish a communion of mutual service and goodness which reaches up into the sight of God. Together with the saints who have found their fulfilment in God, we form part of that communion in which indifference is conquered by love. The Church in heaven is not triumphant because she has turned her back on the sufferings of the world and rejoices in splendid isolation. Rather, the saints already joyfully contemplate the fact that, through Jesus death and resurrection, they have triumphed once and for all over indifference, hardness of heart and hatred. Until this victory of love penetrates the whole world, the saints continue to accompany us on our pilgrim way. Saint Therese of Lisieux, a Doctor of the Church, expressed her conviction that the joy in heaven for the victory of crucified love remains incomplete as long as there is still a single man or woman on earth who suffers and cries out in pain: "I trust fully that I shall not remain idle in heaven; my desire is to continue to work for the Church and for souls” (Letter 254, July 14, 1897). We share in the merits and joy of the saints, even as they share in our struggles and our longing for peace and reconciliation. Their joy in the victory of the Risen Christ gives us strength as we strive to overcome our indifference and hardness of heart. In the second place, every Christian community is called to go out of itself and to be engaged in the life of the greater society of which it is a part, especially with the poor and those who are far away. The Church is missionary by her very nature; she is not self-enclosed but sent out to every nation and people. Her mission is to bear patient witness to the One who desires to draw all creation and every man and woman to the Father. Her mission is to bring to all a love which cannot remain silent. The Church follows Jesus Christ along the paths that lead to every man and woman, to the very ends of the earth (cf. Acts 1:8). In each of our neighbours, then, we must see a brother or sister for whom Christ died and rose again. What we ourselves have received, we have received for them as well. Similarly, all that our brothers and sisters possess is a gift for the Church and for all humanity. Dear brothers and sisters, how greatly I desire that all those places where the Church is present, especially our parishes and our communities, may become islands of mercy in the midst of the sea of indifference!
LENTEN MESSAGE CONT. 3. "Make your hearts firm!” (James 5:8) – Individual Christians As individuals too, we are tempted by indifference. Flooded with news reports and troubling images of human suffering, we often feel our complete inability to help. What can we do to avoid being caught up in this spiral of distress and powerlessness? First, we can pray in communion with the Church on earth and in heaven. Let us not underestimate the power of so many voices united in prayer! The 24 Hours for the Lord initiative, which I hope will be observed on 13-14 March throughout the Church, also at the diocesan level, is meant to be a sign of this need for prayer. Second, we can help by acts of charity, reaching out to both those near and far through the Church’s many charitable organizations. Lent is a favourable time for showing this concern for others by small yet concrete signs of our belonging to the one human family. Third, the suffering of others is a call to conversion, since their need reminds me of the uncertainty of my own life and my dependence on God and my brothers and sisters. If we humbly implore God’s grace and accept our own limitations, we will trust in the infinite possibilities which God’s love holds out to us. We will also be able to resist the diabolical temptation of thinking that by our own efforts we can save the world and ourselves. As a way of overcoming indifference and our pretensions to self-sufficiency, I would invite everyone to live this Lent as an opportunity for engaging in what Benedict XVI called a formation of the heart (cf. Deus Caritas Est, 31). A merciful heart does not mean a weak heart. Anyone who wishes to be merciful must have a strong and steadfast heart, closed to the tempter but open to God. A heart which lets itself be pierced by the Spirit so as to bring love along the roads that lead to our brothers and sisters. And, ultimately, a poor heart, one which realizes its own poverty and gives itself freely for others. During this Lent, then, brothers and sisters, let us all ask the Lord: "Fac cor nostrum secundum cor tuum”: Make our hearts like yours (Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus). In this way we will receive a heart which is firm and merciful, attentive and generous, a heart which is not closed, indifferent or prey to the globalization of indifference. It is my prayerful hope that this Lent will prove spiritually fruitful for each believer and every ecclesial community. I ask all of you to pray for me. May the Lord bless you and Our Lady keep you. From the Vatican, 4 October 2014 Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi FRANCISCUS PP. http://www.romereports.com/pg160113-read-pope-francis-full-lenten-message-en
Pope: No to ecclesial elites who privatize the faith 18 2 Print 2015-01-29 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) Pope Francis says ecclesial elites who form cliques and scorn others are privatizing the faith and not following the way of Jesus. His words came during his homily at morning Mass on Thursday (29th January) celebrated in the Santa Marta residence. The Pope’s homily was a reflection on the need for Christians to follow Jesus in the way that He wants and not to follow incorrect models such as privatizing our faith. “It’s true, Jesus has saved us all, but not in a general fashion. All of us, each one with their name and surname. And this is our personal salvation. I am truly saved, the Lord looked at me, gave his life for me, opened this door, this new life for me and each of us can say ‘For me.’ But there’s a danger of forgetting that He saved us individually but at the same time as part of his people or community. His people. The Lord always saves his people. From the moment he calls Abraham and promises to make them his people. And the Lord saves us as part of this community. That’s why the writer of this Letter (to the Hebrews) tells us: ‘Let us be concerned for each other.’ There is no salvation solely for me. If that’s the way I understand salvation, I’m mistaken and going along the wrong path. The privatization of salvation is the wrong path.” Pope Francis explained that there are three criteria for not privatizing salvation: ‘faith in Jesus who purifies us,’ hope that ‘stirs us to look at his promises and go forward’ and charity: namely taking care of each other, to encourage us all to practice charity and good works.’ “And when I’m in a parish, in a community -- or whatever it is – I am there, I can privatize salvation and be there only on a small social level. But in order not to privatize salvation, I need to ask myself if I speak and communicate the faith, speak and communicate hope, speak, practice and communicate charity. If within a particular community there is no communication between people and no encouragement is given to everybody to practice these three virtues, the members of that community have privatized their faith. Each of them is looking for his or her personal salvation, not the salvation of everybody, the salvation of their people. And Jesus saved all of us but as part of his people, within a Church.” The Pope pointed out that the author of the Letter to the Hebrews gave some very important practical advice: ‘Do not absent yourself from your own assemblies, as some do.’ He said this happens when we’re at such assemblies, in the parish or community and we judge the others, when there’s this kind of scorn towards the others. This, Pope Francis stressed, is not the new and living way of Jesus. “They scorn the others, they stay away from the community as a whole, they stay away from the people of God, they have privatized salvation: salvation is for me and my small group, but not for all the people of God. And this is a very serious mistake. It’s what we see and call: ‘the ecclesial elites.’ When these small groups are created within the community of God’s people, these people believe they are being good Christians and also are acting in good faith maybe, but they are small groups who have privatized salvation.” Reiterating that God saves us as part of a people, not as part of an elite group, Pope Francis concluded his homily by urging us to consider whether we have a tendency to privatize our faith in this way instead of being close to the people of God and practicing the three virtues of faith, hope and charity. http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-no-to-ecclesial-elites-who-privatize-the-fait
I guess this will put the 47% of USA Catholics who voted for the Political Party of Unlimited Abortion, Perversion and BigBro Socialism into "Ecstasy" as Climate Change (GlobalWarming that ain't) is all part of The Citizen Control Agenda of said Party ;-( "US to Enlist Pope Francis' Help on Climate Change" http://www.voanews.com/content/reu-us-enlist-pope-francis-help-climate-change/2617824.html GOD SAVE US!!
And what about this from the pope? A fine line indeed! https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/p...ynods-controversial-mid-term-report-before-pu
Pope modifies and enriches Pallium Investiture Ceremony 80 1514 Print 2015-01-30 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has made changes to the public ceremony of investiture of the Pallium on Metropolitan Archbishops emphasizing that the investiture is an ecclesial event of the whole diocese, and not merely a juridical or ceremonial event. Speaking to Vatican Radio, Monsignor Guido Marini, Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations, says that from now on – starting from the 29th June this year - the ceremony of investiture of the Pallium will take place in the Metropolitan Archbishops home dioceses and not in the Vatican. Listen to the report by Linda Bordoni: Martini said the ceremony will thus be celebrated in two significant moments: the first during which the pallium will be blessed during the Mass on the feast of Saints Peter and Paul in the Vatican; the second when it will be placed on the Metropolitan Archbishop in his own diocese, by his representative, the Apostolic Nuncio. It will be the responsibility of the Nuncio to determine with the Metropolitan Archbishops the most opportune date, circumstances and manner to publicly and officially invest him with the pallium by mandate of the Holy Father, and with the participation of the Suffragan Bishops of the Province. Marini says that in this way the ceremony will continue to symbolize communion between the See of Peter and the Successor of the Apostle and those who are chosen to carry out the episcopal ministry as Metropolitan Archbishop of an Ecclesiastical Province, and it will favor the participation of the local Church in an important moment of its life and history. (from Vatican Radio) http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-modifies-and-enriches-pallium-investiture-cer
Pope Francis: Christians' two parameters: memory and hope 25 122 Print 2015-01-30 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) Pope Francis warned that lukewarm Christians who’ve lost the memory and enthusiasm of their first encounter with Christ are in grave danger of letting the devil into their homes. Christians, he explained, must always retain that memory of their first meeting with Christ and their hope in Him to help them go forward with the courage of their faith. The Pope’s words came at his morning Mass on Friday (January 30th) celebrated at the Santa Marta residence. Taking the inspiration for his reflections from the Letter to the Hebrews, Pope Francis said somebody who no longer remembers his or her first meeting with Jesus is an empty and spiritually inert person, as only lukewarm people can be. The day of that first encounter with Christ, he stressed, must never be forgotten. Lukewarm Christians in grave danger “Our memory is so important for recalling the grace received because if we chase away that enthusiasm which comes from the memory of that first love, this enthusiasm coming from that first love, then a huge danger arrives for Christians: a lukewarm (faith). Lukewarm Christians. They’re there, immobile and yes, they’re Christians, but they’ve lost the memory of that first love. And they’ve also lost their enthusiasm. In addition, they’ve lost their patience, to tolerate life’s problems with the spirit of Jesus’ love, to tolerate, and to bear on their shoulders the difficulties…. Lukewarm Christians, poor things, they’re in grave danger.” Pope Francis said when he thinks about lukewarm Christians he is struck by two distasteful images, the one described by Peter who talks of the dog that returns to its own vomit and the other described by Jesus of people who chase away the devil and decide to follow the gospel but when the devil later returns with reinforcements they open their doors of their house to him. The Pope said this is like returning to the vomit of that evil that was earlier rejected and vice-versa. “A Christian has these two parameters, memory and hope. We must evoke our memory so as not to lose the beautiful experience of that first love which feeds our hope. Many times that hope is in darkness but (a Christian) still goes ahead. He or she believes and goes forward because they know that hope never disappoints us, in finding Jesus. These two parameters are the very frames within which we can safeguard the salvation of the good people which comes from the Lord.” Memory and hope equal faith The Pope said this salvation must be protected in order that the tiny mustard seed will grow and bear fruit. “It’s painful and heart-breaking to see so many Christians - so many Christians! – half-way along the road, so many Christians who’ve failed along this road towards a meeting with Jesus, going away from this encounter with Jesus. This road where they’ve lost the memory of that first love and no longer have any hope.” (from Vatican Radio) http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-francis-christians-two-parameters-memory-and
Pope's Mass: What is a lukewarm Christian? 2015-01-30 During his Friday morning Mass, Pope Francis talked about the importance of memory in Christian life. He said that Christians without memory can become lukewarm. POPE FRANCIS "Memory is very important: it helps us remember all the grace we have received. If we loose the enthusiasm which comes from the memory of that first love, this enthusiasm coming from that first love, then a huge danger arrives for Christians: becoming lukewarm. Lukewarm Christians. They’re there, immobile and yes, they’re Christians, but they’ve lost the memory of that first love. And they’ve also lost their enthusiasm.” The Pope concluded that lukewarm Christians don't have the spirit of Christ and so they can't cope with the challenges of life. EXCEPRT OF THE POPE'S HOMILY (Source: Vatican Radio) "Our memory is so important for recalling the grace received because if we chase away that enthusiasm which comes from the memory of that first love, this enthusiasm coming from that first love, then a huge danger arrives for Christians: a lukewarm (faith). Lukewarm Christians. They’re there, immobile and yes, they’re Christians, but they’ve lost the memory of that first love. And they’ve also lost their enthusiasm. In addition, they’ve lost their patience, to tolerate life’s problems with the spirit of Jesus’ love, to tolerate, and to bear on their shoulders the difficulties…. Lukewarm Christians, poor things, they’re in grave danger.” "A Christian has these two parameters, memory and hope. We must evoke our memory so as not to lose the beautiful experience of that first love which feeds our hope. Many times that hope is in darkness but (a Christian) still goes ahead. He or she believes and goes forward because they know that hope never disappoints us, in finding Jesus. These two parameters are the very frames within which we can safeguard the salvation of the good people which comes from the Lord.” "It’s painful and heart-breaking to see so many Christians - so many Christians! – half-way along the road, so many Christians who’ve failed along this road towards a meeting with Jesus, going away from this encounter with Jesus. This road where they’ve lost the memory of that first love and no longer have any hope.” http://www.romereports.com/pg160161-pope-s-mass-what-is-a-lukewarm-christian-en
Pope Francis to video-chat with disabled children during Scholas' congress 2015-01-31 Last September, Pope Francis shocked the world when he video-chatted with five children from every continent. A similar encounter will take place this week. But in this case, Pope Francis will video-chat with disabled children. JOSE MARIA DEL CORRAL Global Manager, Scholas "They will be students who are living very special situations. The Pope believes that we must build a bridge where there's a wall. That's why he called Scholas, to try to make those bridges.” This virtual meeting will take place on February 5, the last day of the fourth congress of Scholas at the Vatican. This international network promotes peace and dialogue through education. Roughly 400,000 schools around the world participate in its programs. During the congress, Pope Francis will also connect with Africa. JOSE MARIA DEL CORRAL Global Manager, Scholas "If everything goes well, Pope Francis will open the first center of Scholas in Africa, that is in Mozambique.” The fourth international congress of Scholas will start on February 2 at the Vatican. For fours days, representatives of 40 countries will discuss how to involve all society, not just parents and teachers, in the education of young people. http://www.romereports.com/pg160155...-disabled-children-during-scholas-congress-en
Pope's prayer intention for February: separated couples and young prisoners 2015-01-31 The prayer intentions of Pope Francis for February focus on prisoners and separated spouses. The general prayer intentions will be dedicated to prisoners, so that they "may be able to rebuild lives of dignity.” The Pope's missionary intention is "that married people who are separated may find welcome and support in the Christian community.” http://www.romereports.com/pg160170...uary-separated-couples-and-young-prisoners-en
Pope Francis: cultivate and preserve Mother Earth 42 97Print 2015-01-31 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Saturday received members of Italy’s National Federation of Farmers, who are this year celebrating the 70th anniversary of their foundation. Listen to Lydia O'Kane's report. Pope Francis told the farmers present in the Clementine Hall that there is no humanity without the cultivation of the earth, as there is also no life without good food that is produced for men and women of every continent. This shows, underlined the Holy Father, that agriculture has a pivotal role. In his prepared remarks to the farmers, the Pope reflected on as he put it, two critical points. He said, “the Second Vatican Council recalled the universal destination of the goods of the earth,” but, Pope Francis added, “in fact the dominant economic system excludes many from their correct use.” The Holy Father went on to say that, “absolutizing market rules, a culture of waste and waste that in the case of food has unacceptable proportions, together with other factors, cause misery and suffering for many families.” Therefore, the Pope continued, the system of production and distribution of food must be radically rethought. In his second point, the Holy Father said it was important to remember that man is called not only to cultivate the land, but also to preserve it. In a time of climate change the Pope noted, this is difficult, that is why, he said, it is so vital that nations are able to work together to protect creation. Finally, Pope Francis invited the farmers, in the spirit of St Francis, to love the land as Mother earth, and proposed that they make an alliance with it, so that it can continue to be, the source of life for the entire human family. http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-francis-cultivate-and-preserve-mother-earth
The Pope's week: World Day for Consecrated Life and visit to Roman parish 2015-02-02 Pope Francis will start the week presiding over a Mass at St. Peter's Basilica. Thousands of consecrated people are expected to attend, since the ceremony will mark the Word Day for Consecrated Life. On Wednesday, two important meetings will start at the Vatican. The Pontifical Council for Culture will hold its Plenary Assembly on "Women's Cultures.” The Pontifical Council for the Laity will discuss Pastoral Ministry in Big Cities. As usual, Pope Francis will greet thousands of pilgrims at the weekly's General Audience. On Thursday, the Pope will conclude the fourth international conference of Scholas. He is expected to have a virtual encounter with disabled children. The Vatican's Commission for the Protection of Minors will meet for the first time on Friday. American Cardinal Sean O'Malley is its Prefect. On Sunday, Pope Francis will pray the Angelus along with thousands of pilgrims at St. Peter's Square. Later on, he will visit an parish in the outskirts of Rome. http://www.romereports.com/pg160158...consecrated-life-and-visit-to-roman-parish-en
Francis announces surprise trip to Sarajevo 2015-02-02 The Pope made a surprise announcement at the end of the Angelus in St. Peter's Square that he would be traveling to the peripheries of Europe during another trip. FRANCISCO "On Saturday June 6, God willing, I will go to Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia-Herzegovina." He said his goal is to promote reconciliation between Orthodox Serbs, Catholic Croats and Bosnian Muslims in a place where the wounds of war are still raw. FRANCISCO "I ask you to pray now that my visit to these dear people encourages Catholics and generates the goodwill necessary to promote brotherhood and peace." The trip will last only one day, just as John Paul II's 2003 visit did. It will be Francis' eighth international trip and fourth visit in Europe. The final dates of his trips to Latin America in July, the United States in September; and Africa in November (or December) have yet to be announced. http://www.romereports.com/pg160178-francis-announces-surprise-trip-to-sarajevo-en
Pope to Lithuanian bishops:defend Church from modern dangers 6 0 Print 2015-02-02 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) Lithuania’s clergy have been “heroic” in defending the Church in times of persecution – that’s what Pope Francis told Bishops from the Baltic nation who are in Rome for their ad Limina visit. If Lithuania was for many years “oppressed by regimes founded on ideologies contrary to human dignity and freedom,” the former Soviet state is now faced with “other dangers such as secularism and relativism,” the Pope said in a written statement. The last Soviet troops left Lithuania on 31 August 1993 and the country became a full member of the European Union in 2004. Lithuania adopted the euro as its official currency on 1 January 2015. In his remarks to Lithuanian bishops meeting in the Vatican Monday, Pope Francis noted some of them had lived through the “sad times” of persecution and observed the Church’s pastors have historically accompanied the faithful spiritually, through material difficulties, and in the construction of society. The Pope invited the prelates to “tirelessly announce the Gospel and Christian values” and to “constructive dialogue with all, even those who do not belong to the Church or are far from the religious experience.” The Holy Father called them to pray for “generous priests capable of sacrifice and dedication,” and for lay people capable of taking responsibility within the Church community and of giving valuable Christian witness in society, particularly in the civil, cultural, and socio-political spheres. With its full membership in the European Union, Lithuania, the Pope warned, is exposed to an “influx of ideologies that would introduce elements of destabilization for families, fruit of a poorly understood sense of personal freedom.” He encouraged them to provide pastoral guidance and support to help strengthen families. The Pope further urged the bishops to pay special attention to vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life, saying that they need “adequate training” throughout their ministry. The poor, unemployed, the sick and young people, the Pope concluded, are also in need of the Lithuanian Church’s pastoral solicitude. (from Vatican Radio) http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-to-lithuanian-bishopsdefend-church-from-moder
Pope Francis to consecrated people: Don't take your vocation lightly 2015-02-02 Thousands of pilgrims and consecrated people waited at the gates of St. Peter's Basilica to celebrate the World Day of Consecrated Life. Everyone wanted to get a good spot in the Mass Pope Francis was about to preside over. "It's wonderful, because there's mother's day, father's day, elder's day … And also a day to celebrate Consecrated Life.” "I am very happy and I feel blessed. For the first time I see the Pope and was looking forward. It is a blessing to celebrate Mass with him." The ceremony began with a solemn procession with lit candles inside the Basilica. In his homily, the Pope talked about the importance of obedience in the life of consecrated people. POPE FRANCIS "A consecrated person, to progress is to humble oneself and serve.” The Pope also asked them not to live their vocation in a "light” way, adding that they should avoid the risk of turning it into a parody. POPE FRANCIS "A parody where there's succession without sacrifice, prayer without meeting, fraternal life without communion, obedience without trust, charity without transcendence.” In addition to the choir of the Sistine Chapel, a harp accompanied the ceremony. During the ceremony, if performed several solos and its music filled the basilica. This ceremony is one of the main events of the year dedicated to the Consecrated Life. The year will conclude in a year, on February 2, 2016. http://www.romereports.com/pg160188...ed-people-don-t-take-your-vocation-lightly-en
Pope Francis to religious: obedience key to joy, creativity 12 94 Print 2015-02-03 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) Pope Francis said Mass in St Peter’s Basilica on Monday afternoon, to mark the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord and the World Day for Consecrated Life – exactly one year ahead of the close of the Year for Consecrated Life, which opened on the First Sunday of Advent. The blessing of the candles preceded the Mass – the candles that are sign and symbol of that Light, which is Christ, Himself – and then the liturgy began with a candle-light procession into the basilica, as the choir intoned the antiphon: Christ, light unto the Nations, and glory God’s people, Israel. Click below to hear our report The focus of the Holy Father’s homily was the virtue of obedience, keystone of the religious life. “In persevering along the path of obedience,” said Pope Francis, “personal and communal wisdom matures, and thus it also becomes possible to adapt rules to the times – for true aggiornamento is the fruit of wisdom forged in docility and obedience.” Pope Francis concluded his homily with an exhortation, directed especially to all those in consecrated life: “Let us bring others to Jesus, but let us also allow ourselves to be led by him. This is what we should be: guides who themselves are guided.” (from Vatican Radio) http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-francis-to-religious-obedience-key-to-joy-cre
Pope at Santa Marta: A lesson in contemplative prayer 20 13 Print 2015-02-03 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) Daily contemplation of the Gospel helps us to have true hope, said Pope Francis Tuesday morning during Mass celebrated in the Casa Santa Marta chapel. In his homily, the Pope again urged people to take 10 minutes out of their day to pick up the Gospel and talk to the Lord, rather than waste it on TV soap operas or listening to other peoples’ gossip. Focusing on the passage from the Letter to the Hebrews on hope, Pope Francis said that “keeping our gaze fixed on Jesus” is the core of hope. He stressed that if we do not listen to the Lord, we may be “optimistic or positive” people but without the hope that we learn “from contemplating Christ”. This led the Holy Father to speak of "contemplative prayer”. The Pope said that "it is good to pray the Rosary every day", to talk "with the Lord, when we have a problem, or the Virgin Mary or the Saints ..". But, "contemplative prayer" is important and this can only be done "with the Gospel in hand": He said: "'How do I contemplate with today’s Gospel? I see that Jesus was in the middle of the people, he was surrounded by a large crowd. Five times this passage uses the word 'crowd'. Did Jesus ever rest? This would lead me to think: 'Always with the crowd ...'. Most of Jesus’ life was on the streets, with the crowd. Did he ever rest? Yes, once, says the Gospel, he was sleeping on the boat but the storm came and the disciples woke him. Jesus was constantly in the midst of the people. And this is how we look at Jesus, contemplate Jesus, imagine Jesus. And so I tell Jesus what comes to my mind to tell him". Continuing his reflection on today's Gospel, Pope Francis spoke of how Jesus realizes that a sick woman in the crowd touched him. Jesus, the Pope said, "not only understands the crowd, he feels the crowd", "he feels the heartbeat of each of us, everyone. He cares for each and every one of us, always!". The case of the chief of the synagogue who goes "to speak to him of his daughter who was seriously ill” is similar: [Jesus] leaves everything to takes care of the matter. The Pope went on to depict the scene: Jesus arrives in the home, the women are crying because the little girl is dead, but the Lord tells them to be calm and they scorn him. Here, the Pope said, we see "the patience of Jesus." And then after the resurrection of the child, instead of saying "Praise be God!", Jesus tells them: "Please give her something to eat". Pope Francis noted "Jesus always thinks of the little things." The Pope then pointed out "What I have just done with this Gospel is a prayer of contemplation: take up the Gospel, read and imagine the scene, imagine what happens and talk to Jesus, from the heart": "And with this we allow hope to grow, because we have our gaze fixed, we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. We should all carry out this contemplative prayer. 'But I have so much to do!'. At home, 15 minutes, pick up the Gospel, a small passage, imagine what happened and talk with Jesus about it. So your gaze will be fixed on Jesus and not so much on a TV soap opera, for example. Your ears will be focused on the words of Jesus and not so much on your neighborhood gossip ... ". "This is how contemplative prayer helps us in hope. Living the substance of the Gospel. Always pray”. Pope Francis invited people to "pray your prayers, pray the rosary, talk with the Lord, but also carry out this contemplative prayer keeping your gaze fixed on Jesus". Hope comes from this prayer, he said, adding "our Christian life unfolds in that context, between memory and hope": "Memory of our past journey, memory of so many graces received from the Lord. And hope, looking at the Lord, who is the only one who can give me hope. And in order to gaze at the Lord, to know the Lord, we pick up the Gospel and carry out this contemplative prayer. Today, for example, try for 10 minutes - 15, no more – to read the Gospel, picture it and say something to Jesus. And nothing more. And so your knowledge of Jesus will be bigger and your hope will grow. Do not forget, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus. And in order to do this contemplative prayer". (from Vatican Radio) http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-at-santa-marta-a-lesson-in-contemplative-pray
Pope Francis: A good father shouldn't slap his child in the face 2015-02-04 (-ONLY VIDEO-) In his weekly general audience, Pope Francis continued his catechesis on the family and the indispensable role fathers play in raising children. It's about being present and offering guidance, he said, not about offending or humiliating the child. SUMMARY POPE'S CATECHESIS: Dear Brothers and Sisters, In our catechesis on the family, we have been reflecting on the dignity and role of fathers. The Book of Proverbs speaks of the joy and pride which fathers feel as they see their children mature in wisdom and rectitude (cf. Prov 23:15-16). These words sum up the demanding but indispensable role of fathers in the family and in society as a whole. A good father teaches his children by giving a daily example of love and integrity. He must first discipline his own heart in order to deal patiently with his children in their growth to maturity. In a society like our own, where father figures are often absent, it is essential for fathers to be present and fully engaged in the life of the family. Jesus points to God our Father as the model of all fatherhood. Like the father of the prodigal son, God waits patiently for his children to return home; with mercy and forgiveness he is always there to welcome them back whenever they stray. As Christian fathers strive, like Saint Joseph, to protect their children and to teach them wisdom, faith and integrity, may they always experience our gratitude, appreciation and support. Speaker: I greet the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors taking part in today’s Audience, including those from England, Wales, Finland, Sri Lanka and the United States of America. Upon you and your families I cordially invoke joy and peace in the Lord Jesus. God bless you all!http://www.romereports.com/pg160207...ather-shouldn-t-slap-his-child-in-the-face-en
Pope approves martyrdom of Msgr. Oscar Romero 2015-02-03 Pope Francis has approved a decree that officially declares Msgr. Oscar Romero as a martyr. In the document, the Congregation for the Causes of Saints states that the Salvadorian Archbishop was killed because of hate towards the Catholic faith. With this approval, Msgr. Romero can be beatified without the need of a miracle attributed to him. The late Archbishop was killed in El Salvador on March 24th, 1980 while celebrating Mass in a hospital. During the height of the country's ten year civil war he defended the poor and needy. On his flight back from South Korea, the Pope announced that Romero's beatification process had been unblocked. It was stalled for many years, as the Vatican investigated if he was killed for political reasons or for preaching the Catholic faith. The next step will be for Pope Francis to announce a beatification date for Msgr. Oscar Romero. http://www.romereports.com/pg160198-pope-approves-martyrdom-of-msgr-oscar-romero-en
