Pope Francis to pray before the Holy Shroud in Turin 2014-11-05 The Pope is planning on traveling to the Italian city of Turin, in June 2015. He made the announcement during his weekly general audience. POPE FRANCIS "I'm happy to announce that, God willing, on June 21st of next year, I will go on a pilgrimage to Turin, to venerate the Holy Shroud and to honor St. John Bosco, in the 200th anniversary since his birth.” From April 19th to June 24th of next year, the Holy Shroud will be on display as part of an exhibit. According to tradition, the cloth was wrapped around the body of Jesus, after He was crucified. The last time it was shown in public was back in 2010, when Benedict XVI prayed before the Shroud. For years now, it has triggered world wide intrigue. ARCH. CESARE NOSIGLIA Archbishop of Turin "Everyone who goes before the Shroud, to pray or to see that facial profile and that tortured body, are moved by it.” For months now, the Diocese of Turin has been getting ready for the big day, since hundreds of thousands of pilgrims are expected to visit the exhibit and also to pay their respects to the founder of the Salesians, St. John Bosco. The exhibit will focus on the youth and the sick. ARCH. CESARE NOSIGLIA Archbishop of Turin "We want the attention to be on young people, because the event marks 200 years since the birth of Don Bosco. We also want to shed light on the poor, the sick, and the disabled who directly suffer in their own bodies. They carry the wounds in their flesh, as signs of the Lord's Passion.” In Turin, Pope Francis will meet with Italian youths, which will be similar to the meetings he held during World Youth Day. Information about the visit and the Holy Shroud, can be found on two websites: www.sindone.org and www.turinforyoung.it http://www.romereports.com/pg158980-pope-francis-to-pray-before-the-holy-shroud-in-turin-en
Pope Francis: A new stage in relations between Catholics and Evangelicals 2014-11-06 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) In a meeting on Thursday with a delegation from the World Evangelical Alliance, Pope Francis expressed his confidence that the Holy Spirit “can inaugurate a new stage in the relations between Catholics and Evangelicals—a stage that allows us to realize more fully the will of the Lord to bring the Gospel even to the furthest ends of the earth.” Pope Francis spoke about the Sacrament of Baptism as “an inestimable divine gift” that all Christians have in common. “The Sacrament of Baptism reminds us of a fundamental and very consoling truth: that the Lord always goes before us with His love and His grace… The reign of God always precedes us, as does the mystery of the unity of the Church.” The Holy Father frankly acknowledged the presence of divisions among Christians “from the beginning,” and noted that “rivalries and conflicts” continue between Christian communities. “Such situations,” he said, “weaken our capacity to fulfil the command of the Lord to preach the Gospel to all nations.” Christians would be able to better proclaim the Gospel if they could overcome their differences so that, together, they might spread the Word of God and witness to Christian charity. Pope Francis said he was pleased to learn of efforts in various countries to build better relations between Catholic and Evangelicals. He pointed especially to the work of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity and the Theological Commission of the World Evangelical Alliance. The Holy Father also expressed his hope that a joint document, “Christian Witness in a Multi-Religious World: Recommendations for Conduct” might “become a motive of inspiration for the proclamation of the Gospel in multi-religious contexts. Below, please find the full text of the Holy Father's address to the delegation: Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins that He might rescue us from the present evil age in accord with the will of our God and Father” (Gal 1:3-4). With these words, the Apostle Paul expresses our common faith, our common hope. I would like for this my greeting, which proclaims that Jesus Christ is Lord and Saviour, to also reach the members of your communities of origin. In offering our whole will, with renewed love, to the service of the Gospel, we help the Church to become ever more, in Christ and with Christ, the fruitful life of the Lord “until we all attain to the unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the extent of the full stature of Christ” (Eph 4:13). This reality has its foundation in Baptism, through which we participate in the fruits of the death and resurrection of Christ. Baptism is an inestimable divine gift that we have in common (cf. Gal 3:27). Thanks to it, we no longer live solely in the earthly dimension, but in the power of the Spirit. The Sacrament of Baptism reminds us of a fundamental and very consoling truth: that the Lord always goes before us with His love and His grace. It precedes our communities; it precedes, anticipates, and prepares the hearts of those who proclaim the Gospel and of those who welcome the Gospel of Salvation. “Reading the Scriptures also makes it clear that the Gospel is not merely about our personal relationship with God. Nor should our loving response to God be seen simply as an accumulation of small personal gestures to individuals in need… or a series of acts aimed solely at easing our conscience. The Gospel is about the kingdom of God (cf. Lk 4:43); it is about loving God who reigns in our world” (Ap. Exhort. Evangelii gaudium, 180). The reign of God always precedes us, as does the mystery of the unity of the Church. From the beginning there were divisions among Christians, and even now unfortunately rivalries and conflicts remain between our communities. Such situations weaken our capacity to fulfil the command of the Lord to preach the Gospel to all nations (cf Mt 28:19-20). The reality of our divisions disfigures the beauty of the seamless garment of Christ but never completely destroys the profound unity generated by the grace in all the baptized (cf. Ec. Conc. Vat. II, Decr. Unitatis redintegratio, 13). The efficacy of the Christian announcement would certainly be greater if Christians would overcome their divisions and could celebrate together the Sacraments and together spread the Word of God and witness to charity. I am pleased to learn that, in different countries in the world, Catholics and Evangelicals have established relations of brotherhood and collaboration. Furthermore, the joint efforts of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity and the Theological Commission of the World Evangelical Alliance have opened new perspectives, clarifying misunderstandings, and showing ways to overcome prejudices. I hope that such consultations can ultimately inspire our common witness and our efforts as evangelizers: “If we really believe in the abundantly free working of the Holy Spirit, we can learn so much from one another! It is not just about being better informed about others, but rather about reaping what the Spirit has sown in them, which is also meant to be a gift for us” (Ev. gaud., 246). I hope, too, that the document “Christian Witness in a Multi-Religious World: Recommendations for Conduct” may become a motive of inspiration for the proclamation of the Gospel in multi-religious contexts. Dear brothers and sisters, I am confident that the Holy Spirit, who inspires in the Church, with his mighty breath, the courage to persevere and event to seek new means of evangelization, can inaugurate a new stage in the relations between Catholics and Evangelicals—a stage that allows us to realize more fully the will of the Lord to bring the Gospel even to the furthest ends of the earth (cf. Acts 1:8). I assure you of my prayers for this, and I ask you also to pray for me and for my ministry. Thank you! (from Vatican Radio) http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-francis-a-new-stage-in-relations-between-cath
Pope at Santa Marta: Christians should not be afraid to get their hands dirty 2014-11-06 In his homily at Casa Santa Marta, Pope Francis called on pastors and Christians to not be afraid of preaching the Gospel. POPE FRANCIS "It is sad to see a shepherd open the doors of the church and just stand there waiting. It’s sad that the Christian does not feel within, in his heart, the need, the need to go to tell others that the Lord is good.” The Pope emphasized the need to announce the Good News and that both Christians and pastors must not be afraid to get their hands dirty. POPE FRANCIS "The true shepherd, the true Christian has this zeal within: no one should be lost. And this is why they are not afraid to get their hands dirty. They are not afraid. They go where they need to go. They risk their life, they risk their reputation, they risk losing their comforts, their status, even lose their ecclesiastical career as well, but they are Good Shepherds.” Pope Francis concluded his homily by saying that "halfway Christians” do not know joy, much like the Pharisees. He encouraged Christians to not be afraid of being criticized for reaching out to those who are far from the God. EXCERPTS FROM THE POPE'S HOMILY (Source: Vatican Radio) "It is sad to see a shepherd open the doors of the church and just stand there waiting. It’s sad that the Christian does not feel within, in his heart, the need, the need to go to tell others that the Lord is good. How much perversion there is in the hearts of those who think they are righteous, like these scribes, these Pharisees. Well, they do not want to dirty their hands with sinners. Let us recall what they thought, 'Well, if he were a prophet, he would know that she is a sinner'. The contempt. They used people, then they despised them". "The true shepherd, the true Christian has this zeal within: no one should be lost. And this is why they are not afraid to get his hands dirty. He is not afraid. He goes where he needs to go. He risks his life, he risks his reputation, he risks losing his comforts, his status, even lose his ecclesiastical career as well, but he is the Good Shepherd. Even Christians have to be this way. It is so easy to condemn others, as they [the Pharisees] did - the tax collectors and sinners - it's so easy, but it is not Christian! It is not [the attitude of] the children of God. The Son of God goes to the very limit, the giver of life, as Jesus gave his for others. He cannot be content, keeping to himself: his comfort, his reputation, his peace of mind. Remember this: no half-way shepherds, never! No half-way Christians, never! That’s what Jesus did". "These scribes, the Pharisees did not know, did not know what it means to set the sheep on his shoulders, with tenderness, and bring it back to its place. These people do not know what joy is. The half-way Christian and shepherd knows perhaps know some fun, calm, a certain peace, but joy, the joy there is in heaven, the joy that comes from God, the joy that comes from the heart of a father who saves! 'I have heard the cries of the Israelites and I took to the field’! This is so beautiful; do not be afraid that they badmouth us because we go to visit our brothers and sisters who are distant from the Lord. Let us ask this grace for each of us and for our Mother, the Holy Church. " http://www.romereports.com/pg158991...uld-not-be-afraid-to-get-their-hands-dirty-en
Pope to World Evangelical Alliance: Let's overcome divisions and rivalries 2014-11-06 The Pope met with the World Evangelical Alliance, which represents over 420 million evangelical Christians around the world. He reminded them, that the best way to preach the Gospel efficiently, is by overcoming their divisions. Furthermore, he said that through the Sacrament of Baptism, they are all united. POPE FRANCIS "Whenever we put ourselves entirely and lovingly at the service of the Gospel, we become ever more fruitful branches of that vine which is Christ, 'until we all reach to the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God. Until we mature to the stature of the fullness of Christ.'” He then recognized the collaboration that exists between Evangelicals and Catholics in different countries. He also called for a need to end prejudices. The group gave the Pope an award to honor his role in promoting religious freedom. "When minister Shahbaz Bhatti was assassinated, we wanted to do something in honor of his memory as Roman Catholic Christian who was helping people from all religions and who became a great spokesperson for all minorities in Pakistan and around the world. Therefore the Shabhaz Bhatti freedom award was created and so today, your Holiness, we honor you with this award.” As usual before concluding their gathering, the Pope asked the group, to pray for him. http://www.romereports.com/pg158998...ce-let-s-overcome-divisions-and-rivalries--en
Pope at Santa Marta: Enemies of the Cross of Christ 2014-11-07 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) Even today there are "pagan Christians" who "behave like enemies of the Cross of Christ", said Pope Francis at morning Mass Friday at Casa Santa Marta, warning that we must guard against the temptations of a worldly society that lead us to ruin. Pope Francis was inspired by the words of St. Paul to the Philippians to dwell on two groups of Christians, still present today as they were in the time of the Apostle of the Gentiles. Christians who go forward in faith and Christians who "live like enemies of the Cross of Christ”. "Both groups – he said - were in the Church together, they went to Mass on Sunday, they praised the Lord, they called themselves Christians". So what was the difference? The second group "act like enemies of the Cross of Christ! Christians enemies of the Cross of Christ”. The Pope said these were "worldly Christians, Christians in name, with two or three Christian things, but nothing more. Pagan Christian". "A Christian name, but a pagan life." Or to put it another way: "Pagans with two strokes of Christian paint, so as to appear like Christians, but pagans nonetheless". "Even today there are many! We must be careful not to slip toward the path of being pagan Christians, Christians in appearance. The temptation to get used to mediocrity, the mediocrity of Christians, these Christians, it is their undoing because their hearts cool, they become lukewarm. And the Lord had strong words for these lukewarm [Christians]: 'because you are lukewarm, I will spit you out of my mouth'. These are very strong words! They are enemies of the Cross of Christ. They take the name, but do not follow the requirements of Christian life". Paul, he said, speaks of the "citizenship" of Christians. "Our citizenship," he noted, "is in heaven. Theirs is on earth. They are citizens of the world, not of heaven". "Citizens of the world. And their surname is worldly! Beware of these" warned Pope Francis adding that everyone, himself including, must ask: "Do I have something of these? Do I have some worldliness within me? Some paganism?". "Do I like to brag? Do I like the money? Do I like pride, arrogance? Where are my roots, that is, where am I a citizen of? Heaven or earth? In the world or the worldly spirit? Our citizenship is in heaven, and we await heaven and Our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. And theirs? Their ultimate fate will be destruction! These painted Christians will end badly ... But look at the end: where will that citizenship that you have in your heart lead you? The worldly one to ruin, that of the Cross of Christ to an encounter with Him". The Pope then outlined a few signs “of the heart” that show us whether we "are sliding towards worldliness”. "If you love and if you are attached to money, vanity and pride - he warned – you are heading towards the bad road". If, instead, "you try to love God, serve others, if you are gentle, if you are humble, if you are the servant of the other, you are on the right road. Your citizen’s card is good: it belongs to heaven". The other, by contrast, "is a citizenship that will bring you only bad". The Pope pointed out that Jesus asked the Father to save his disciples "from the spirit of the world, this worldliness, which leads to destruction". The Pope then turned his attention to the parable of the steward who cheated his master, told in the Gospel of the day: "How did this steward in the Gospel arrive at this point of cheating, of stealing from his master? How did he get there, from one day to the next? No! Little by little. One day a tip here, the next day a bribe there, and this is how little by little you arrive at corruption. The path of worldliness of these enemies of the Cross of Christ is like this, it leads you to corruption! And then you end up like this man, right? Openly stealing ... " Pope Francis returned to the words of Paul, who asks us to remain "firm in the Lord" without allowing our heart to weaken and end up in "nothing, in corruption". "This is a good grace to seek - he said – remaining firm in the Lord. It is all of salvation, there lies transfiguration in glory". "Firm in the Lord and following the example of the Cross of Christ: humility, poverty, meekness, service to others, worship, prayer." (from Vatican Radio) http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-at-santa-marta-enemies-of-the-cross-of-christ
POPE-PAGANS Nov-7-2014 (270 words) xxxi 'Pagan Christians' go to church, but don't put God first, pope says By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- People who go to church on Sundays, but spend the rest of the week cultivating their attachment to money, power and pride are "pagan Christians," Pope Francis said. When St. Paul wrote his Letter to the Philippians, the Christian community was composed of two groups, real Christians and those who were "enemies of the cross of Christ," the pope said Nov. 7 during his homily at Mass in the Domus Sanctae Marthae where he lives. "Both groups were in the church together, they went to Sunday Mass, praised the Lord and called themselves Christians," he said, according to Vatican Radio. But some of them were "worldly Christians, Christians in name only, with two or three Christian characteristics, but nothing more. Pagan Christians!" Today, the pope said, "there are many of these. And we, too, must be careful not to slip" into being Christians in name only. Being half-hearted Christians, "accustomed to mediocrity" is a danger for all, he said. In the day's first reading, Philippians 3:17-4:1, St. Paul speaks of true Christians having their "citizenship" in heaven, the pope said, while "pagan Christians" are full citizens of the world. The way for someone to check their spiritual nationality, he said, is to ask some questions: "Do I like to brag? Do I like money? Do I like pride?" Or, he said, "Do you try to love God and serve others? If you are meek, if you are humble, if you are a servant of others, then you are on the right path. Your citizenship papers are in order and they are from heaven!" http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1404607.htm
Pope: Let's work together to stop religious persecution 2014-11-07 With singing in the background, Pope Francis welcomed Catholic and non-Catholic leaders in the Vatican. It's part of an ecumenical meeting of the Focolare Movement titled 'The Eucharist: Mystery of Communion.' The Pope asked them to work together to overcome a culture of indifference and religious intolerance. Many of those taking part, are from different Middle Eastern Churches. POPE FRANCIS "In many countries one doesn't have the right to express one's faith publicly, or even to live out their religious beliefs according to Christian teachings. There's also the persecution of Christians and other minorities.” More than 40 bishops from 24 countries took part in the meeting, which included representatives from the Syrian Orthodox Church and the Armenian Orthodox Church. One of the speakers asked the Pope to condemn the kidnapping of their fellow Bishops in the Middle East, in his coming trip to Turkey. The Pope also talked about the need to work together amid so much global instability. POPE FRANCIS "We sadly see presence of terrorism, the plight of refugees caused by war and other reasons; the challenges of fundamentalism and on the other extreme, exaggerated secularism; all these really challenge our conscience of Christians and pastors.” The four day meeting started on November 3rd and it marked the 33rd Ecumenical Meeting of Bishops and Friends of the Focolare Movement. http://www.romereports.com/pg159029-pope-let-s-work-together-to-stop-religious-persecution-en
Pope Francis to religious superiors: It's better to come to blows than to gossip 2014-11-07 Pope Francis sent a clear message to the superiors of Italian religious congregations when they met at the Vatican. He told them that it was important that they live in brotherhood in their communities and that there should be no gossip. POPE FRANCIS "A clear sign that religious life is called to give today is fraternal life. Please, don't let there be among you the terrorism of gossip! Throw it away! May there be brotherhood. And if you have anything against the brother, you say it to his face...” Pope Francis told the religious that in order to live this brotherhood in their community, it was important there be total trust among them. POPE FRANCIS "Sometimes you will come to blows but that is not a problem. That is better than the terrorism of gossip. It is not always found, you know well. Many times it fails because we are all sinners but if we recognize our faults, forgiveness is asked and forgiveness is offered.” Pope Francis said that the religious can teach the Church and society what brotherhood is. Because in communities, just like in a family, they can't pick and choose their brothers. POPE FRANCIS "Consecrated life can help the Church and the whole society by giving witness to brotherhood, that it is possible to live together as brothers in diversity. This is important! Because in community you do not choose first, one finds himself with people of different character, age, formation, sensitivity...And even so, you try to live as brothers.” Pope Francis' meeting with the superiors of religious congregations was held as the year dedicated to religious life approaches. It will begin November 30, 2014 and end on February 2, 2016. http://www.romereports.com/pg159025...t-s-better-to-come-to-blows-than-to-gossip-en
Pope at Santa Marta: Enemies of the Cross of Christ 2014-11-08 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) Even today there are "pagan Christians" who "behave like enemies of the Cross of Christ", said Pope Francis at morning Mass Friday at Casa Santa Marta, warning that we must guard against the temptations of a worldly society that lead us to ruin. Emer McCarthy reports Listen: Pope Francis was inspired by the words of St. Paul to the Philippians to dwell on two groups of Christians, still present today as they were in the time of the Apostle of the Gentiles. Christians who go forward in faith and Christians who "live like enemies of the Cross of Christ”. "Both groups – he said - were in the Church together, they went to Mass on Sunday, they praised the Lord, they called themselves Christians". So what was the difference? The second group "act like enemies of the Cross of Christ! Christians enemies of the Cross of Christ”. The Pope said these were "worldly Christians, Christians in name, with two or three Christian things, but nothing more. Pagan Christian". "A Christian name, but a pagan life." Or to put it another way: "Pagans with two strokes of Christian paint, so as to appear like Christians, but pagans nonetheless". "Even today there are many! We must be careful not to slip toward the path of being pagan Christians, Christians in appearance. The temptation to get used to mediocrity, the mediocrity of Christians, these Christians, it is their undoing because their hearts cool, they become lukewarm. And the Lord had strong words for these lukewarm [Christians]: 'because you are lukewarm, I will spit you out of my mouth'. These are very strong words! They are enemies of the Cross of Christ. They take the name, but do not follow the requirements of Christian life". Paul, he said, speaks of the "citizenship" of Christians. "Our citizenship," he noted, "is in heaven. Theirs is on earth. They are citizens of the world, not of heaven". "Citizens of the world. And their surname is worldly! Beware of these" warned Pope Francis adding that everyone, himself including, must ask: "Do I have something of these? Do I have some worldliness within me? Some paganism?". "Do I like to brag? Do I like the money? Do I like pride, arrogance? Where are my roots, that is, where am I a citizen of? Heaven or earth? In the world or the worldly spirit? Our citizenship is in heaven, and we await heaven and Our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. And theirs? Their ultimate fate will be destruction! These painted Christians will end badly ... But look at the end: where will that citizenship that you have in your heart lead you? The worldly one to ruin, that of the Cross of Christ to an encounter with Him". The Pope then outlined a few signs “of the heart” that show us whether we "are sliding towards worldliness”. "If you love and if you are attached to money, vanity and pride - he warned – you are heading towards the bad road". If, instead, "you try to love God, serve others, if you are gentle, if you are humble, if you are the servant of the other, you are on the right road. Your citizen’s card is good: it belongs to heaven". The other, by contrast, "is a citizenship that will bring you only bad". The Pope pointed out that Jesus asked the Father to save his disciples "from the spirit of the world, this worldliness, which leads to destruction". The Pope then turned his attention to the parable of the steward who cheated his master, told in the Gospel of the day: "How did this steward in the Gospel arrive at this point of cheating, of stealing from his master? How did he get there, from one day to the next? No! Little by little. One day a tip here, the next day a bribe there, and this is how little by little you arrive at corruption. The path of worldliness of these enemies of the Cross of Christ is like this, it leads you to corruption! And then you end up like this man, right? Openly stealing ... " Pope Francis returned to the words of Paul, who asks us to remain "firm in the Lord" without allowing our heart to weaken and end up in "nothing, in corruption". "This is a good grace to seek - he said – remaining firm in the Lord. It is all of salvation, there lies transfiguration in glory". "Firm in the Lord and following the example of the Cross of Christ: humility, poverty, meekness, service to others, worship, prayer." http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-at-santa-marta-enemies-of-the-cross-of-christ
Pope exhorts Salesian Sisters to be prophetic witnesses Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has encouraged the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians to be prophetic witnesses and to widen their gazes to recognize the most authentic and urgent needs of a generation that is changing. The sisters, whose mission is among the young and the poor, were founded by Saint John Bosco and Saint Maria Domenica Mazzarello and are more commonly known as the Salesian Sisters. Listen to the report by Laura Ieraci: On Saturday, Pope Francis met with those sisters who are in Rome for the institute’s General Chapter. In addition to electing their new General Council, the Chapter also served to reflect on the institute’s mission and to draw new lines for pastoral action. The Pope encouraged the sisters to move ahead with their new orientations, which include transforming their houses into environments for evangelization, implementing paths for change and pastoral conversion, and forming young people to become evangelizers of other youth. He also encouraged them to sustain their lives with prayer, adoration and the Word of God. With regard to their mission among the young, the Pope urged the sisters to “be everywhere a prophetic witness and educative presence through an unconditional welcome of the young…and individuating paths to render (their) apostolic interventions effective in a context…permeated by the virtual world and new technologies.” Speaking of the sisters’ call to witness to community, he also warned them of what he termed the “terrorism” affecting religious life—gossip. “Never should you permit envy and jealousy among you,” he said, adding: “Gossip is a bomb” that destroys community. He encouraged the sisters toward continuing formation and education in order to help in their mission. Finally, he exhorted the sisters to “be missionaries of joy, witness to the values that are proper to (their) Salesian identity, particularly the value of encounter,” describing the latter as “a spring” from which they “can draw that love that revitalizes that passion for God and for the young”. The Pope concluded, urging the sisters to turn to their founders for inspiration when faced with the inevitable difficulties of the mission. Report by Laura Ieraci (from Vatican Radio) http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-exhorts-salesian-sisters-to-be-prophetic-witn
Pope Francis recalls the decisive role of John Paul II in the fall of the Berlin Wall 2014-11-10 To commemorate the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, Pope Francis highlighted that it was possible thanks to the efforts of many people, especially of one of this predecessors. POPE FRANCIS "The fall happened unexpectedly, but it was possible thanks to the long and hard work of many people who fought for it, they prayed and suffered, some even sacrificing their lives. Among these, Pope Saint John Paul II had a leading role.” Pope Francis called upon Christians to promote a culture of unity that demolishes walls and builds bridges. POPE FRANCIS "Let's pray so that, with the help of God and the collaboration of all the men of good will, a culture of unity spreads and takes down all the walls that still divide the world, and so that innocent people are never again persecuted for their beliefs and their religion. Where there is a wall, there is a closed heart. We need bridges, not walls.” The day also coincided with the feast for the dedication of the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the cathedral of Rome. The Pope said that every Christian is part of "God's building” which brings with it the responsibility of living with coherence. POPE FRANCIS "This is a Christian. Not because of what he says, but rather because of what he does, for his actions. This coherence, which gives us life, is a gift of the Holy Spirit, and we must ask for it.” He also said that the "institutional elements, the structures and the pastoral organisms” must work in order to "give a testimony of faith,” a faith which is shown through charity. http://www.romereports.com/pg159036...ohn-paul-ii-in-the-fall-of-the-berlin-wall-en
Pope at Santa Marta: Scandal, forgiveness and faith 2014-11-10 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) Every Christian, whatever his or her vocation, must be able to always forgive and never cause scandal, because "scandal destroys the faith", said Pope Francis at Monday morning Mass in Casa Santa Marta. Emer McCarthy reports listen: The Pope was commenting on the Gospel of the Day in which Christ says to the Apostles “It would be better for him if a millstone were put around his neck and he be thrown into the sea than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin”. Pope Francis said that Jesus chose to be blunt rather than polite to get the message through to the Apostles. The Pope then divided his homily into three key words: scandal, forgiveness, faith. "Woe to those who scandalize," says Christ, while in the passage from his letter to Titus, St. Paul gives precise directions on how a priest should conduct his life – he should not be violent, but sober - in a word "irreprehensible", the antithesis of the scandal. Pope Francis continued that this is also the case for every Christian. Scandal, he adds, "is to proclaim and profess a way of life - 'I am a Christian' - and then live like a pagan, who does not believe in anything". This gives scandal "because there is no witness," while "the faith is professed - Pope Francis reiterated – by the way you live your life”. "When a Christian man or a Christian woman, who goes to church, is part of the parish, does not live in this way, they cause scandal. How often have we heard men and women say: ' I do not go to church because it is better to be honest at home and not go to church like that man or woman who then do this, this, this ...'. Scandal destroys, it destroys the faith! And that is why Jesus is so strong: 'Beware! Watch out! '. It would do us good to repeat this today: ‘Be on your guard!'. All of us are capable of causing scandal". Instead, said Pope Francis, we should all know how to forgive, and forgive “forever” as Jesus invites us to do "seven times in a day" if those who have wronged us ask for it and have repented. Jesus, says Pope Francis, "exaggerates to make us understand the importance of forgiveness" because "a Christian who is not able to forgive causes scandal: he is not a Christian". "We have to forgive, because we have been forgiven. This is in the Lord's Prayer, Jesus taught us about it there. Human logic is incapable of fathoming this. Human logic leads us not to forgive, to seek revenge; it leads to hate, division. How many families have broken up because unable to forgive, how many families! Children separated from their parents, husbands and wives who have grown distant form each other ... It is so important to think about this: If I do not forgive I don't, it appears, have the right to be forgiven and I do not understand what it means that God has forgiven me. This is the second word, forgiveness". So we understand, said Pope Francis, "why when the disciples heard this, they said to the Lord, 'Increase our faith'". "Without faith you cannot live without scandal and always forgiving. Only the light of faith, the faith that we have received: the faith of a merciful Father, a Son who gave His life for us, a Spirit that is within us and helps us grow, faith in the Church, faith in the people of God, baptized and holy. And this is a gift, faith is a gift. No one with books, going to conferences, can have faith. Faith is a gift of God that comes to you and this why the Apostles asked Jesus, 'Increase our faith!' ". http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-at-santa-marta-scandal-forgiveness-and-faith
Vatican City, Nov 8, 2014 / 01:18 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- Pope Francis advanced the sainthood causes for a 12-year-old Italian boy who died late 1970s as well as seven other men and women, recognizing all for their “heroic virtue.” http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/n...nizes-heroic-virtue-of-12-year-old-boy-30868/ See the " Garabandal News " page for a related story to this.
Pope Francis at Santa Marta: If you can't forgive, ask for more faith 2014-11-10 In his homily at Casa Santa Marta, Pope Francis once again spoke on those who identify themselves as Christians, yet live like "pagans”. He explained that they cause scandal, especially because they do not forgive. POPE FRANCIS "Without faith you cannot live without scandal and nor always forgive. No one with books, going to conferences, can have faith. Faith is a gift of God that comes to you and this why the Apostles asked Jesus, 'Increase our faith!'" Pope Francis concluded that a Christian that does not forgive is not a Christian, because in the Our Father, Jesus taught to ask forgiveness and to forgive. EXCERPTS FROM THE POPE'S HOMILY (Source: Vatican Radio) "When a Christian man or a Christian woman, who goes to church, is part of the parish, does not live in this way, they cause scandal. How often have we heard men and women say: ' I do not go to church because it is better to be honest at home and not go to church like that man or woman who then do this, this, this ...'. Scandal destroys, it destroys the faith! And that is why Jesus is so strong: 'Beware! Watch out! '. It would do us good to repeat this today: ‘Be on your guard!'. All of us are capable of causing scandal". "We have to forgive, because we have been forgiven. This is in the Lord's Prayer, Jesus taught us about it there. Human logic is incapable of fathoming this. Human logic leads us not to forgive, to seek revenge; it leads to hate, division. How many families have broken up because unable to forgive, how many families! Children separated from their parents, husbands and wives who have grown distant form each other ... It is so important to think about this: If I do not forgive I don't, it appears, have the right to be forgiven and I do not understand what it means that God has forgiven me. This is the second word, forgiveness". "Without faith you cannot live without scandal and always forgiving. Only the light of faith, the faith that we have received: the faith of a merciful Father, a Son who gave His life for us, a Spirit that is within us and helps us grow, faith in the Church, faith in the people of God, baptized and holy. And this is a gift, faith is a gift. No one with books, going to conferences, can have faith. Faith is a gift of God that comes to you and this why the Apostles asked Jesus, 'Increase our faith!'”. http://www.romereports.com/pg159044...ta-if-you-can-t-forgive-ask-for-more-faith-en
Pope at Santa Marta: Unprofitable servants 2014-11-11 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) We must resist temptations that distance us from our service to others. Instead, like Jesus, we must serve without asking for anything in return and avoid transforming our service "into a power structure". This was the focus of Pope Francis’s reflections at Mass Tuesday morning in Casa Santa Marta. Emer McCarthy reports Listen: The Pope based his homily on the Gospel of the Day from St Luke which recounts Jess parable of the "unprofitable servant". Pope Francis said it teaches us what service means for a Christian. Jesus speaks of a servant who, after working all day, comes home and instead of resting still has to serve his master: "Some of us would advise this servant to go to his trade union for some advice, on how to deal with a boss like that. But Jesus said, 'No, service is total', because His path was this attitude of service; He is a servant. He presents himself as a servant, the one who came to serve and not to be served: He says so clearly. And so, the Lord shows the Apostles the path of those who have received the faith, that faith which works miracles. Yes, this faith will do wonders on the path of service". The Pope added, a Christian who receives this gift of faith in Baptism, but who does not carry forward this gift on the path of service, becomes a Christian without strength, without fertility". In the end, he warned, he becomes "a Christian out for himself, to serve himself." His is a "sad life", "the many great things of the Lord" are "wasted". Pope Francis reaffirmed that the Lord tells us that "service is total", we cannot serve two masters” either we serve God or we serve riches. We may distance ourselves from this "attitude of service, first of all out of laziness, which cools our hearts “making them lukewarm, laziness makes us comfortable". "Laziness distances us from work and leads us to this ease, this selfishness. Many Christians are like this ... they are good, they go to Mass, but only serve to a certain point ... But when I say service, I mean everything: service to God in worship, in prayer, in praise; service to others, when I have to do it; service to the very end, because Jesus is strong in this: So should it be with you. When you have done all you have been commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. Gratuitous service – service that asks for nothing in return". Pope Francis continued that we also distance ourselves from this attitude of the service, when we try to “take over control of the situation”. The Pope said this is something that "happened to the disciples, the Apostles themselves": They would distance people so as not to disturb Jesus, so they could be at ease”. The disciples, he said, " took control of the Lord's time, took control of the power of the Lord: they wanted Him all for their little group". They "took over control of this attitude of service, turning it into a power structure". The Pope said we can understand this dynamic from observing the discussion between James and John about who was the greatest. Their mother "goes to ask the Lord for one of her sons to be Prime Minister and the other minister of the economy, with all the power in hand". This happens even today when "Christians become masters: masters of the faith, masters of the Kingdom, masters of Salvation". This happens; it is a temptation for all Christians. Instead, the Lord speaks to us about service: "Service in humility", "service in hope, and this is the joy of Christian service". "In life we have to struggle so much against the temptations that try to distance us from this attitude of service. Laziness leads to ease: half-hearted service; taking control of the situation, and to becoming master instead of servant, which leads to arrogance, pride, to treating people badly, to feeling important 'because I am a Christian, I have salvation', and so many things like this. The Lord gives us these two great graces: humility in service, in order to be able to say, 'We are unprofitable servants - but servants - until the very end'; and hope while waiting for the manifestation, when the Lord will come to us". http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-at-santa-marta-unprofitable-servants
Actually, I may be in the right thread - I just forgot to post the rest of the story which was sent to me through a friend. For your discernment and anyone interested: I thought of this (regarding the Pope's dream) on Sunday as I do every time I go to St John Lateran as it signifies Jesus telling Francis to go rebuild His Church. It seems to me after meditating on the readings of yesterday that Pope Francis is the new St Francis. Many would say otherwise but he did say that to evangelize we must go to the peripheries - he told the Priests and Bishops to "get the smell of the sheep." I meditated way back to the Exodus from Egypt and could see that this has been such a journey - the Mercy of a Father who loves us so much. I seems to me that if we liken Egypt to our sins and Jesus sets us free in our Baptism then the gospel makes so much sense. The slaves of Egypt were building the Pyramids - huge blocks were made by hand - they were built to pagan gods and so to be living stones with Jesus as the corner stone is such a journey from Egypt to the promised land. To be temples for His dwelling is enormous. It makes me think that we should all be kneeling to receive Him in the Holy Eucharist but we should be looking at others with so much love and reverence. Even those who do not know Him or do not receive Him in the Holy Eucharist are little stones which have potential to grow into living stones. After the recent synod there has been much confusion but maybe our dear Pope Francis is the other Francis to be holding up the structure but in ways never seen before in our time and maybe some are not comfortable with the way Jesus works. The Israelites also felt unsure and thought that they may have been better off going back to Egypt because they were tired and the trials were difficult. St John Lateran is the Mother Church where the Bishop of Rome (Pope) even to this day speaks to his diocese from that place and to the Church as a whole from St Peter's. The "Mother Church" is where he took the flowers the day after his incarnation to his Heavenly Mother. Jesus is still talking to us in His parables? Now He is telling us to be not just living stones but living "Hosts" - "What kind of father would give his son a stone when he asks for bread?" I think He is asking us more in that parable than we knew about before we learned about Luisa. It is never just a simple line or verse to be glossed over but "masticated."
Pope to G20 Summit: Many lives are at stake behind your political discussions 2014-11-11 Pope Francis wrote this letter to the Primer Minister of Australia, Tony Abbott, who will preside over the G20 summit on November 15th and 16th. In the document, he asks world leaders taking part in the summit to keep in mind that "many lives are at stake behind these political and technical discussions.” He also lists some of the problems that affect humanity today. Among them, the Pope mentions severe malnutrition, the rise of unemployment in the world and the "constant assaults on the natural environment.” He also hopes that violence in the Middle East may finally come to an end, as he encourages to fight the real causes of terrorism, like poverty and the political and economical support to terrorist groups. The Pope also echoed the tragic situation of refugees as well as others "forms of aggression” against people. In particular, he mentions the "abuses in the financial system,” that led to the 2008 economic crisis. http://www.romereports.com/pg159057...at-stake-behind-your-political-discussions-en
The son of the Irish ambassador gets a special greeting from the Pope 2014-11-11 The new ambassador of Ireland to the Holy See presented her credentials to Pope Francis. "I would like to also take this occasion to convey greetings on behalf of the president and the Irish government, as well as the Irish people.” Emma Madigan graduated in Italian and History in 1995 and began her diplomatic career in New York, Chicago and Boston. The ambassador introduced the Pope to her husband and son. She also gave him a copy of the Book of Kells, an unfinished manuscript of the Gospel written by the Celts in the 9th century. Without a doubt, the highlight of the meeting was this: when Pope Francis wanted to say goodbye to the son of the ambassador. "Bye, bye.” http://www.romereports.com/pg159056...ador-gets-a-special-greeting-from-the-pope-en
Pope reflects on the spiritual qualities ordained ministers should have 2014-11-12 (-ONLY VIDEO-) In his weekly general audience, Pope Francis continued his catechesis on the Church. He explained that the best way for ordained ministers to transmit the Gospel is through kindness, gentleness, patience, prudence and attention towards others. He also added that they should steer away from vanity and from being self centered. SUMMARY OF CATECHESIS IN ENGLISH: Dear Brothers and Sisters: "In our catechesis on the Church, we have seen that the Lord continues to shepherd his flock with love through the ordained ministry of bishops, priests and deacons. Today we consider the qualities demanded of these ministers in their service to Christ and the Church. In addition to the essential gifts of firm faith and holiness, Saint Paul lists such human qualities as kindness, gentleness, patience, prudence and attentive concern for others. These gifts too are required for the exercise of spiritual leadership. In a special way, Paul urges the Church’s ordained ministers to rekindle constantly the gift of God which they have received. For it is only by acknowledging that their ministry is an unmerited gift of God’s mercy that bishops, priests and deacons can serve their brothers and sisters with humility, generosity, wisdom and compassion, and thus build up the Church’s communion in faith and love. Let us thank the Lord for the gift of this threefold ministry in the Church, and pray that our ordained ministers may always be sustained in their efforts to be living icons of the Father’s loving concern for all his children. Speaker: I greet the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors taking part in today’s Audience, including the various groups from England, Denmark, South Africa, Indonesia, Japan and the United States of America. I thanks the choirs for their praise of God in song. Upon all of you, and your families, I invoke joy and peace in the Lord Jesus. God bless you all! http://www.romereports.com/pg159061...l-qualities-ordained-ministers-should-have-en
