Read the comments underneath article...spirit of the anti-christ is everywhere Sad, sad, sad Brother al
I had the same thought...Souls are leaving the Ark already...When I return will I find ANY Faith! I pray Our Lord gives us ALL the Spirit and Zeal of St Patrick, pray for us
Pope Francis explains what adults can learn from children 2015-03-18 Every Wednesday, hundreds of parents take their children to St. Peter's Square to receive a blessing from the Pope. Many of them have fun, but others not so much. And it seems that the Pope knows this well. POPE FRANCIS "Some, when I try to give them a kiss, smile. Others, they see me in white, and they think I'm a doctor and I'll give them a vaccine. They cry spontaneously. Children are like this." Pope Francis dedicated his catechesis precisely to children. He focused on what adults can learn from little ones. POPE FRANCIS "Children are themselves a treasure for humanity and for the Church, because they constantly remind us of the condition needed to enter the Kingdom of God: not consider ourselves but to instead those in need of help, love, and forgiveness. And we all need support, love and forgiveness." Beyond the simplicity of asking for help and allowing themselves to be helped, the Pope said that children also teach us to laugh and mourn, because sometimes we are unable to as we get older. He also said that despite being "a great gift to humanity," they are also "a majorly excluded group, because sometimes they are not even allowed to be born." POPE FRANCIS "Children bring joy, hope and also problems. But that's life. Certainly, they also bring worry, and sometimes problems. But a society is better with these concerns and problems and is sad and grey without children." The Pope will continue discussing children next week. He will talk about the wounds that can hurt children in their youth. http://www.romereports.com/pg160741-pope-francis-explains-what-adults-can-learn-from-children-en
I love Pope Francis but his off the cuff comments are creating confusion. From Life-Site News: "...Fitzmaurice also condemned the dismissal of homosexuals from Church and parochial school jobs and the denial of sacraments to homosexuals. These “reinforce the false message that being born LGBTQ is shameful” and “communicates the sentiment that we are beyond God’s abilities and unreachable by God’s love and grace.” The spectacle of a conference of Catholic religion teachers being subjected to a condemnation of Church moral teaching was directly linked by one former catechist to the “sloppy talk” and “confusion” emanating from the Vatican on morality. Barbara Nicolosi, an author, teacher, Hollywood screenwriter, and blogger at church of the masses, said the invitation to Fitzmaurice to address catechists “speaks to the confusion within the Church” because of the Vatican’s increasingly informal communications practices and its transmission of messages that undermine doctrine. “Ever since the Pope said ‘Who am I to judge?’ (when asked about homosexual priests) everyone has been wondering what is that supposed to mean for us in the Church now, with many people trying to get out ahead of it.” I don't think we should have to read the fine print somewhere to clean this mess up.
The Pope recognizes the miracle needed to canonize the parents of St. Therese of Lisieux 2015-03-18 Pope Francis has recognized the second miracle attributed to the parents of St. Therese of Lisieux, Louis and Marie-Azélie. They will be proclaimed saints at a ceremony during the Synod of Families in October. The miracle is the healing of Carmen, a girl from Valencia, Spain. She is now six years old. Carmen was born prematurely with severe complications, and she suffered a brain hemorrhage that affected her lungs and heart. The doctors said they could not help her. Her parents prayed to St. Therese's parents to intercede. Carmen survived and remains healthy today. The couple was beatified after they also helped cure another newborn, Peter. Louis Martin and Marie-Azélie Guérin married in 1858 and had 9 children. Four died in infancy. The five who survived became religious. The beatification took place in Lisieux in October 2008. They will be the first married couple to be canonized together. http://www.romereports.com/pg160744...onize-the-parents-of-st-therese-of-lisieux-en
Pope Francis on the death penalty: It does not render justice, but instead fosters vengeance 2015-03-20 In a letter to the International Commission against the Death Penalty, the Pope says that today the death penalty is "inadmissible, no matter how serious the crime committed. It is an offence against the inviolability of life and the dignity of the human person.” He adds that it "does not render justice to the victims, but rather fosters vengeance.” In the forceful text, Pope Francis explains that "for the rule of law, the death penalty represents a failure, as it obliges the state to kill in the name of justice.” He continues that with "the application of the death penalty, the convict is denied the possibility to repent or make amends for the harm caused.” He recalls that distress prior to execution is a form of torture that leads many people to madness. He also describes life imprisonment as a "covert death penalty.” In the letter, the Pope calls for a worldwide moratorium on executions so that capital punishment can finally come to an end. http://www.romereports.com/pg160792...nder-justice-but-instead-fosters-vengeance-en
Pope Francis calls Naples to 'redemption' 1 19 Print 2015-03-21 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) Pope Francis celebrated the Eucharist in Naples on Saturday morning. Tens of thousands of people packed into Piazza del Plebiscito, a main square of the southern Italian city, for the open-air Mass. Large tapestries of local saints decorated the square. During his homily, the Pope called on the city’s residents to embrace the Words of Jesus and to work together for “redemption for Naples.” He also called to conversion all those who lead criminal and corrupt lives. “Dear Neapolitans, do not allow hope to be stolen from you,” he said. “Do not give in to the lure of easy money or dishonest income. React firmly to organizations that exploit and corrupt the young, the poor and the weak, with the cynical drug trade and other crimes. May corruption and delinquency do not disfigure the face of this beautiful city.” “To criminals and all their accomplices, the Church repeats: convert to love and justice! Allow yourselves to find the mercy of God! With the grace of God, who forgives all, it is possible to return to an honest life,” he said. Below is the Vatican Radio translation of the Pope’s complete homily: The Gospel we have heard presents us with a scene set in the Temple of Jerusalem, at the height of the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles, after which Jesus proclaimed a great prophecy revealing himself as the source of “living water,” that is, the Holy Spirit (cf. Jn 7:37-39). Then the people, very impressed by him, began to speak about Him – even today, people speak about him. Some were excited and said, "He is really the prophet" (v. 40). Someone even affirmed, "This man is the Christ!" (v. 41). But others were opposed because, they said, the Messiah does not come from Galilee, but from the seed of David, Bethlehem; and so, without knowing it, they confirmed the identity of Jesus. The chief priests had sent officers to arrest him, as occurs in dictatorships, but they return empty-handed and say, "No man ever spoke like that!" (v. 45). Here is the voice of truth that resonates in those simple men. The Word of the Lord, yesterday like today, always causes a division–the word of God always divides–between those who welcome it and those who reject it. Sometimes, it sparks an interior conflict in our hearts; this happens when we perceive the attractiveness, beauty and truth of Jesus' words, but at the same time we reject them because they are challenging, they put us in difficulty, and cost us too much to observe. Today I came to Naples to proclaim together with you: Jesus is Lord! I do not want to say it alone. I want to hear you say it. (Jesus is Lord!) Once again. (Jesus is Lord!) Nobody speaks like him! He alone has the words of mercy that can heal the wounds of our heart. He alone has the words of eternal life (cf. Jn 6:68). The Word of Christ is powerful: it does not have the power of the world, but that of God, which is strong in humility, even in weakness. Its power is that of love—that is the power of the Word of God—a love that knows no bounds, a love that makes us love others before ourselves. The Word of Jesus, the Holy Gospel, teaches that true blesseds are the poor in spirit, the non-violent, the meek, those who work for peace and justice. This is the force that changes the world! This is the Word that gives strength and that can change the world. There is no other way to change the world. The Word of Christ wants to reach everyone, especially those who live in the peripheries of existence, that they may find in him the centre of their lives and the source of hope. And we, who have had the grace to receive this Word of Life—it is a grace to receive the Word of God—we are called to go, to step out of our fences and, with missionary zeal, to bring to everyone the mercy, tenderness and friendship of God. This work belongs to everyone but in a special way to you, priests: bring mercy, forgiveness, peace, joy, in the sacraments, in listening, so that the people of God can find in you merciful men, like Jesus. At the same time, each parish and each ecclesial reality must become a sanctuary for those seeking God and a welcoming home for the poor, the elderly and those in need. To go and to welcome: this is how the heart of Mother Church, and the heart of all her children, beats. Go, welcome. Go, seek. Go, bring love, mercy and tenderness. When hearts open to the Gospel, the world begins to change and humanity rises again! If we welcome, and live every day, the Word of Jesus, we rise with him. This Lent, as we walk towards Easter, this message echoes in the Church: that in all the people of God is rekindled the hope of rising with Christ, our Saviour. May the grace of this Easter not come in vain for the people of God in this city! May the grace of the Resurrection be welcomed by each of you, so that Naples is full of the hope of Christ, the Lord! Hope, open to hope. I say to everyone, especially to you young people: open yourselves to the power of the Risen Jesus and you will bear the fruits of new life in this city—the fruits of sharing, reconciliation, service, brotherhood. Allow yourselves to be enveloped, embraced by his mercy, by the mercy of Jesus that only Jesus can bring. Dear Neapolitans, be open to hope and do not allow hope to be stolen from you! Do not give in to the lure of easy money or dishonest income. This may be bread for today but hunger for tomorrow. It cannot bring you anything. React firmly to organizations that exploit and corrupt the young, the poor and the weak, with the cynical drug trade and other crimes. Do not allow hope to be stolen from you. Do not allow your youth to be exploited by these people. May corruption and delinquency not disfigure the face of this beautiful city! Moreover, may it not disfigure the joy of your Neapolitan hearts. To criminals and all their accomplices, today as a brother, I repeat: convert to love and justice! Allow yourselves to find the mercy of God! Know that Jesus is looking for you to embrace you, to love you more. With the grace of God, who forgives all, it is possible to return to an honest life. Even the tears of the mothers of Naples, mixed with those of Mary, the heavenly Mother invoked in Piedigrotta and in many churches of Naples, ask this of you. These tears melt the hardness of hearts and lead all back on the path of goodness. Today, spring begins, and spring brings hope. It is a time of hope. And it is time for redemption for Naples: this is my wish and my prayer for a city that has so much spiritual, cultural and human potential, and above all a great capacity to love. The authorities, institutions, various social realities and citizens, united and in accord, can build a better future. The future of Naples is not to be resigned and to fold in on itself—this is not your future—but the future of Naples is to open itself up with trust to the world. In the mercy of Christ, who makes all things new, this city can find the strength to go forward with hope, strength for so many lives, so many families and communities. To hope is already to resist evil. To hope is to see the world through the eyes and heart of God. To hope is to bet on the mercy of God, who is Father and always forgives and forgives everything. God, the source of our joy and the reason for our hope, lives in our cities. God lives in Naples. God lives in Naples. May his grace and his blessing sustain you on your journey in faith, in charity and in hope, your good intentions and your plans for moral and social redemption. We have altogether proclaimed Jesus as Lord. I would like everyone to repeat it again, three times. (Jesus is Lord! Jesus is Lord! Jesus is Lord!) And may Mary accompany you! (from Vatican Radio)
St. Gennaro’s Blood Relic Miraculously Liquifies In The Presence Of Pope Francis In Naples http://www.aleteia.org/en/religion/...ce-of-pope-francis-in-naples-5869691155251200
Could this be a symbol of Pope Francis martyrdom??? today 3/22/15 starts passiontide last 2 weeks of Easter
I read that the last time St. Gennaro's Blood liquefied for a Pope was in 1848. I feel this miracle is a sign from God that Holy Father Francis is indeed chosen by Heaven. And on account of all the heretics who try to confuse us as to his sacred mission, Our precious God wants to reassure us. This to me is a beautiful miracle, and from what I have read St Gennaro's Relic Liquifies when there is good news from Heaven. Maybe the plague of apostasy is past it's infectious stage and will soon be over. With the help of God. Or maybe the plague of impurity is about to be over; for the sake of the little children, please God. Watch and pray.
The Pope of Divine Mercy to inmates in Naples: (Vatican Radio) Following the celebration of Mass with thousands of faithful at Plebiscito Square, Pope Francis made his way to the Giuseppe Salvia Detention Center of Poggioreale in Naples. The Pope was welcomed to the center by Antonio Fullone, director of the Detention Center and it’s chaplain, Fr. Franco Esposito. The highlight of the visit came as he shared lunch with 120 inmates of the prison. His 12 table guests included an Argentinean and the overseer of the prison, some of whom were given the opportunity to ask the Holy Father a few questions. For his part, the Holy Father addressed the detainees, expressing his happiness at being able to visit them. He spoke at length with them and engaged in a spontaneous "off-the.cuff" conversation. In his prepared remarks that were handed to those present, the Pope said he came to bring them “the love of Jesus” who came to the world save everyone. “At times you may feel disappointed, discouraged, abandoned by all, but God does not forget his children, He never abandons them!” he said. “He is always at our side, especially in times of trial; He is a Father who is "rich in mercy", who always turns towards us his serene and benevolent gaze, always waiting for us with open arms.” The Holy Father went on to encourage the prisoners, saying that no matter what mistakes they committed in life, the Lord never tires of showing them the path that leads to Him and that “not even jail bars” can separate them from God’s love. “The only thing that can separate us from Him is our sin, but if we recognize Him and confess with sincere repentance, that very sin becomes the place of encounter with Him, because He is mercy” he said. Acknowledging the many letters he receives from prisoners around the world, the Pope sympathized with them and the undignified conditions many find themselves in. However, he also praised the work of the directors, chaplains, educators and pastoral workers who remain close to them. He also called for the development of a positive experience in prison life so that, once freed, detainees can contribute to both society and the Church. Concluding his remarks, Pope Francis called on the prisoners to live every day in God’s presence. “Even in the midst of so many problems, even serious ones, let us not lose our hope in the infinite mercy of God and in His providence,” he said.
Got plans for Holy Week? Pope Francis does By Elise Harris Vatican City, Mar 22, 2015 / 05:48 pm (EWTN News/CNA Pope Francis' full slate of events for Holy Week includes plans for a traditional Stations of the Cross, Easter Masses and a universal blessing given on Easter Day. The Vatican’s office for liturgical celebrations, headed by Archbishop Guido Marini, issued on March 20 the complete schedule of papal events for this year’s Holy Week. The week preceding Easter begins with Palm Sunday, which recalls how the inhabitants of Jerusalem laid palms along the road where Jesus entered on a donkey, hailing him as king. Pope Francis will preside over the liturgy, which falls on March 29, by celebrating Mass at 9:30 a.m. in St. Peter's Square, after blessing palm and olive branches handed out to attendees. Palm Sunday also marks the 30th World Youth Day, which was established by St. John Paul II in 1984. This year's theme – the second in a series on the beatitudes – is “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” Last year’s theme was “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven,” while the next year’s theme for the international gathering in Krakow, Poland, will be “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.” While World Youth Day is celebrated every year, it is only marked by massive international gatherings every two to three years. This year’s celebration will be at the diocesan level, with next year’s event in Poland will be a major global gathering, with the Pope anticipated to attend. http://www.ewtnnews.com/catholic-news/Vatican.php?id=11855
Pope Francis to the youth of Naples: Do you love your parents? Do you hug them? 2015-03-21 Thousands of young people gathered on the Naples waterfront to meet with Pope Francis. The Pope arrived in the Popemobile but stepped off to greet and bless the pilgrims. He also had some funny moments like this. Some 100,000 pilgrims received the Pope with this greeting. It wasn't just young people who met with Pope Francis at the gathering. Seniors and married couples were there too. A young person, a senior, and a couple asked the Pope questions. Bianca asked how to keep hope in a difficult environment filled of corruption. POPE FRANCIS "I cannot deceive you and say, 'No, believe. Everything will be fine. You will be happy. You will have good luck. You will have money.' No, no, no. Our God works in silence. Remember. Our God is a God of words, gestures and silences. You should join these three things in your life. Sorry, but I don't have another recipe.” Erminia, 95, thanked the Pope for his interest in the elderly. Pope Francis congratulated her age. Then he answered her question with a question aimed at young people. POPE FRANCIS "Congratulations! You reap what you sow. To you, children, the fourth commandment. Do you love your parents? Do you hug them? Do you tell them you love them?” Angelo and Katerina asked the Pope to give married couples advice. He responded that the family is threatened and reflected on marriage preparation of young people. POPE FRANCIS "How do couples prepare for marriage? 'Ah, yes! They go to three conferences.' Is this enough? How is their faith? It is not easy. Marriage preparation is not like a class, like a language course: 'How to Become Married in Eight Lessons.' No, no, no. It's something else.” Before leaving, the Pope sent one last message to pilgrims in the Neapolitan dialect. "May the Virgin be with you!” As it grew dark, Pope Francis blessed all those who attended the meeting. Ten thousand copies of the Gospel were then distributed.
Pope calls on Christians to express their faith in action 32 12 Print (Vatican Radio) Pope Francis says the lives of Christians must be coherent and express faith in action. Speaking to the crowds gathered in a rainy St. Peter’s Square for the Sunday Angelus, the Pope invited all believers to always bear in mind the message of the Gospel, the image of the Crucified Lord, and the need to be witnesses of faith. Calling on Christians to express their faith in action, the Pope also turned to those who have yet to experience an encounter with Christ offering the gift of a pocket-sized Gospel in which “we can meet Jesus, listen to Him, and get to know Him”. And commenting on the fact that 50 thousand copies of the Gospel were being distributed in the Square by 300 homeless people, the Pope said “this is a beautiful gesture” that Jesus approves: “those who are most needy are the ones who are giving us the Word of God”. “Take it – he said – keep it in your pocket or in your handbag and read a passage a day. God’s word lights up our path. It will do you good!” Reflecting on the reading for the Fifth Sunday of Lent, the Pope said that John tells of a group of Greeks of Jewish faith who came to Jerusalem to celebrate a feast day and said to Philip “We would like to see Jesus”. Francis pointed out that there were many people in the Holy city including High Priests, political leaders as well as ordinary citizens and people like those “Greeks” who were curious to get to know Jesus and to learn of his life. And repeating the words “We would like to see Jesus”, Pope Francis said that there are many amongst us who would like to see Jesus, who are in search of his life-giving message. To them – he said – “there are three things we can offer: the Gospel, the crucifix and our witness”. In the Gospel – the Pope said – we can meet Jesus and listen to his words; through the crucifix we have the tangible sign of His love for us when he died on the cross to save us; in being witnesses to Christianity we can express our faith in simple gestures of fraternal charity. After the recitation of the Angelus prayer, Pope Francis thanked the people of Naples for the warm welcome he received during his pastoral visit to the city on Saturday. And noting that today we mark World Water Day, the Pope said water is the most essential element of life and that the future of humanity depends on our capacity to protect water and to adopt correct water utilization policies. Calling on the international community to monitor water policies so that the waters of the planet be adequately protected Francis also pointed out that water is a common good and that it must be accessible to all. http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-calls-on-christians-to-express-their-faith-2
A look back at the Pope's strong words against the mafia 2015-03-23 When it comes to the mafia, Pope Francis has been very direct and unapologetic. He denounced corruption during his recent visit to Naples, where he called on locals to resist the temptation of easy money. POPE FRANCIS "Corruption stinks and a corrupt society stinks.” This isn't the first time Pope Francis has lashed out against the mafia and its dire consequences. The Pope also made headlines back in June 2014, when during a visit to the southern Italian region of Calabria, he said this to mobsters. POPE FRANCIS June 23, 2014 "The mafia is not in communion with God. They are excommunicated.” It's the same message he highlighted from his studio window in January of last year, when the country was mourning the killing of a three-year old toddler named Cocó. He was reportedly killed by the mafia when his grandfather failed to pay a debt. POPE FRANCIS January 26, 2014 "Let’s pray for Cocò, who is surely in Heaven with Jesus. For those who have committed this crime: May they repent and convert to the Lord.” It was a year ago, in March 2014, when Pope Francis met with families of those killed by the mafia over the span of many years. The names of 800 victims were read aloud during a prayer Vigil in Rome. The Pope called on mobsters to repent. POPE FRANCIS March 21, 2014 "You still have time to not end up in hell. That is what awaits you, if you continue down this path.” As an underlying factor, in these speeches, the Pope has highlighted that idolizing money and power leads to evil and a corrupt heart. KLH http://www.romereports.com/pg160810-a-look-back-at-the-pope-s-strong-words-against-the-mafia-en
Pope Francis: Without mercy, there is no justice 2015-03-23 Pope Francis highlighted the nature of justice and mercy during his Monday homily at Casa Santa Marta. The day's readings were about two women, one innocent and one a sinner, who encounter the same problem: Unjust judges who seek personal interest over truth. POPE FRANCIS "Even today, the people of God, when they find these judges, they suffer judgment without mercy. It can be civil or ecclesiastical. And where there is no mercy, there is no justice.” People can be corrupted in different ways, he explained. Some are dominated by their vices, others by selfish ambition. Some pursue their own well-being over justice. In all cases, he added, the result is the same, injustice rises because corruption is incompatible with mercy. EXCERPTS FROM THE POPE'S HOMILY (Source: Vatican Radio) "They were not saints, they were corrupt. Because this kind of rigidity leads one live a double life: on the one hand they were condemning these women, and on the other they were seeking them out for a bit of fun. The description used by Jesus for them is hypocrites: they had double standards.” "Corruption did not allow them to understand what mercy is, that one must be merciful. The Bible tells us that justice is to be found in mercy. The three women: the saint, the sinner and the needy, allegorical figures that represent the Church, suffer for lack of mercy. And God’s people today can find themselves before ‘judges’ who lack mercy, both in a civilian environment and in an ecclesiastical one. Where there is no mercy there is no justice. When God’s people come close asking for forgiveness, it often finds itself condemned by one of these judges.” "I would just like to say one of the most beautiful passages contained in the Gospel. It never fails to move me: ‘Has no one condemned you?’ ‘No one, sir.’ ‘Neither do I condemn you’: one of the most beautiful passages because it is full of mercy.” http://www.romereports.com/pg160808-pope-francis-without-mercy-there-is-no-justice-en
I think (because of his recent statements of how long or short he may be with us ) I think he's coming out "guns blazing".
