Pope: “May Holy Week help us accept God’s ways” 5 12 Print 2015-03-24 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Tuesday invited all Christians to accept God’s love without being critical and making objections. He was speaking during the homily at morning Mass in the Casa Santa Marta. Taking his cue from the Gospel reading of the day that speaks of how the children of Israel complained against God during their journey through the desert and of how they objected to the “wretched food” provided, the Pope pointed out that God offers us salvation in a thousand different ways but too often we are incapable of accepting his “divine ways”. He said that in that Gospel passage the Lord sent in punishment saraph serpents which bit the people and many of them died. So Moses prayed for the people and obeying the Lord’s command, mounted a bronze serpent on a pole giving salvation to anyone who looked at it after being bitten. Only Moses’s intercession, and the symbol of the cross on which Christ will die – the Pope said – provides salvation from the poison of the snakes. And describing the attitude of many Christians today as “spiritually whimsical”, Francis said that we often commit the same kind of error, “becoming sullen and grumbly”. “How many of us Christians find ourselves ‘poisoned’ by the dissatisfactions of life. Yes: God is good but… we are Christians but… This kind of Christian ends up not opening his heart to God’s Salvation, but always posing conditions. ‘Yes, I want to be saved but in this way…’ This attitude poisons the heart”. Pope Francis said that to not accept God’s gift in the way it is offered is a sin. It poisons our soul, deprives it of joy. And Jesus – he said – solved this problem by climbing Mount Calvary. “Jesus himself takes that poison upon himself. This ‘tepidness’ of ‘half-way’ Christians who show enthusiasm at the start of Jesus’ journey only to become dissatisfied on the way. The only way to heal is to look at the Cross, to look at God who takes upon himself our sins: my sin is there”. How many Christians – the Pope concluded – today “die in the desert of their sorrow, grumbling and not accepting God’s way”. “Let’s look at the serpent, at the poison, there, in the body of Christ. The poison of all the sins in the world and let us ask for the grace to accept difficult moments. To accept the divine way of salvation, to accept this ‘wretched food’ that the children of Israel lamented... Let’s accept the paths that the Lord leads us on. May this Holy Week – that begins on Sunday – help us to turn away from the temptation to become “Christians yes, but…”. (from Vatican Radio) http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-may-holy-week-help-us-accept-gods-ways
Pope calls for renewed prayers for Synod on the Family 2 2 Print 2015-03-25 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) At a rain-soaked General Audience on Wednesday, Pope Francis called for renewed prayers for the upcoming Synod of Bishops in the Family. After meeting briefly with a group of sick people gathered in the Paul VI Hall, Pope Francis greeted pilgrims in Saint Peter’s Square. The Pope began his reflection by noting that March 25th, the Solemnity of the Annunciation, marks a special stage in the journey of catechesis on the family, a moment to pause for prayer. The Annunciation, the “beginning of the mystery of the Incarnation” shows that God willed for His Only-begotten Son to not only be conceived in the womb of a mother, but to be welcomed into a true family. Pope Francis led his audience in the recitation of the Hail Mary as a means of contemplating the beauty of this relationship between God and mankind. The Holy Father then noted that March 25th is celebrated in many countries as the Day of Life; it is also the twentieth anniversary of the encyclical Evangelium vitae by St John Paul II. Pope Francis noted that the family occupies a central place in the encyclical. “The words of my venerable Predecessor remind us that the human couple was blessed by God from the beginning to form a community of love and life, to which He entrusted the mission of procreation,” the Pope said, and Christian spouses open themselves to the blessing of children. The Church too, he said, “is solemnly committed to the care of the family that results from it, as a gift of God for her own life, in good fortune and in bad: the bond between the Church and the family is sacred and inviolable.” The Church never abandons families, even when they are weak and wounded, but always seeks to heal them. To complete this mission, the Pope continued, there is great need for prayer, prayer which is full of love for the family and for life. For that reason, Pope Francis asked for a great renewal of our prayers for the upcoming Synod of Bishops on the Family, set for next October. “I would like for this prayer, and the whole Synod journey, to be animated by the compassion of the Good Shepherd for His flock, especially for persons and families that, for different reasons, are ‘troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd’.” Everyone, from the Pope to the lay faithful, are called to pray for the Synod. There is great need for prayer, he repeated, and not for gossip or chatter. To renew this prayer, Pope Francis offered a special prayer for the upcoming Synod, in which he led the crowd. The full text of the prayer, in an unofficial translation, can be found at the end of the full text of Pope Francis’ remarks for the General Audience: Dear brothers and sisters, good day! But good day… but it’s not a pretty day, eh? Today the Audience is in two different places, as we do when it rains: you here in the Square, and many sick people in the Paul VI Hall, who are following the audience on the big screens. Now, as a gesture of brotherly courtesy, let us greet them with a round of applause. [Those in the Square applaud.] It’s not easy to applaud with an umbrella in hand, eh? In our journey of catechesis on the family, today is a somewhat special stage: It will be a break for prayer. In the Church on March 25th, we solemnly celebrate the Annunciation, the beginning of the mystery of the Incarnation. The Archangel Gabriel visits the humble girl of Nazareth, and announces that she will conceive and bear the Son of God. With this Announcement, the Lord illumines and strengthens the faith of Mary, as He will later do for her husband, Joseph, so that Jesus could be born in a human family. This is very beautiful: it shows us how profoundly the mystery of the Incarnation, just as God wanted, comprises not only the conception in the womb of the mother, but also being welcomed into a true family. Today I want to contemplate with you the beauty of this bond, the beauty of this condescension of God; and we can do so by reciting together the Hail Mary, which in the first part resumes the very words that the Angel addressed to the Virgin. I invite you to pray together : [In Italian] Hail Mary, full of grace… And now a second aspect: On March 25, the Solemnity of the Annunciation, the Day of Life is celebrated in many countries. For this reason, twenty years ago, Saint John Paul II on this date signed the Encyclical Evangelium vitae. To celebrate this anniversary, many members of the Movement for Life are in the Square today. In Evangelium vitae the family occupies a central place, insofar as it is the womb of human life. The words of my venerable Predecessor remind us that the human couple was blessed by God from the beginning to form a community of love and life, to which He entrusted the mission of procreation. Christian spouses, celebrating the Sacrament of Matrimony, open themselves to honour this benediction, with the grace of God, for all of life. The Church, for her part, is solemnly committed to the care of the family that results from it, as a gift of God for her own life, in good fortune and in bad: the bond between the Church and the family is sacred and inviolable. The Church, as a mother, never abandons the family, even when it is disheartened, wounded, and mortified in so many ways; it will always do everything to seek to cure and heal it, to invite it to conversion and to reconcile it with the Lord. So then, if this is the task, it appears clear how much prayer the Church needs in order to be up to fulfilling this mission at all times! A prayer full of love for the family and for life. A prayer that knows how to rejoice with those who rejoice, and to suffer with those who suffer. So here is what I, with my collaborators, have thought to propose today: to renew the prayer for the Synod of the Bishops on the family. We are taking up this commitment again next October, when the ordinary Assembly of the Synod, dedicated to the family, will take place. I would like for this prayer, and the whole Synod journey, to be animated by the compassion of the Good Shepherd for His flock, especially for persons and families that, for different reasons, are “troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd” (Mt 9:36). So, sustained and animated by the grace of God, the Church can be ever more committed, and ever more united, in the witness of the truth of the love of God and of His mercy for the families of the world, excluding none, whether within or outside the flock. I ask you, please, to not neglect your prayer. All of us – the Pope, Cardinals, Bishops, priests, religious, lay faithful – we are all called to pray for the Synod. There is need of this, not of chatter! I also invite those who feel far away, or who are not accustomed to do so, to pray. This prayer for the Synod on the Family is for the good of everyone. I know that this morning you were given a little prayer card, which you have in your hands. It might be a little wet. I invite you to hold on to it and keep it with you, so that in the coming months you can recite it often, with holy insistence, as Jesus has asked us. Now, let us say it together: Jesus, Mary and Joseph, In you we contemplate The splendour of true love, We turn to you with confidence. Holy Family of Nazareth, Make our families, also, Places of communion and cenacles of prayer, Authentic schools of the Gospel, And little domestic Churches. Holy Family of Nazareth May our families never more experience Violence, isolation, and division: May anyone who was wounded or scandalized Rapidly experience consolation and healing. Holy Family of Nazareth, May the upcoming Synod of Bishops Re-awaken in all an awareness Of the sacred character and inviolability of the family, Its beauty in the project of God. Jesus, Mary and Joseph, Hear and answer our prayer. Amen. (Unofficial translation) (from Vatican Radio) http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-calls-for-renewed-prayers-for-synod-on-the-fa
Pope Francis plans to see the Holy Shroud on June 21st and 22nd 2015-03-25 Pope Francis is scheduled to visit Turin on June 21st and 22nd. In addition to seeing the Holy Shroud, his packed schedule will also focus on young people and the sick. The Archbishop of Turin offered some details during a Vatican press conference. He also made an important clarification. MSGR. CESARE NOSIGLIA Archbishop of Turin "The exhibit is free. There is no admission charge. Traditionally, pilgrims who wanted to leave a donation discreetly deposited it near the cathedral exit or in the confessionals. On this occasion, these donations will be delivered to the Pope when he goes to Turin on June 21st.” Pope Francis will meet with workers, sick people and the disabled. He will have lunch with young prisoners, immigrants, and a family of gypsies. ELIDE TISI Deputy Mayor of Turin "The Pope will pay particular attention to the most vulnerable groups and those who are most in need. This is an important sign.” The Pope will meet with young people and address his message to the youth.That's because the showing is taking place to mark the 200th anniversary of the birth of Saint John Bosco, who is widely known as the "Saint of Young People.” Turin will hold into a miniature World Youth Day. Salesians will also have a meeting with the Pope. He will become the first pope to visit a Waldensian Evangelical church. That Protestant denomination has a presence in northern Italy and Switzerland. Interestingly, Pope Francis will meet with some of his distant relatives, as his parents came from Piedmont region of Italy. And, of course, the Pope will pray in front of the Shroud. According to tradition, the body of Christ was wrapped in it after the crucifixion. Some 850,000 pilgrims have already requested to visit the Shroud. The exhibit begins on April 19 and will end on June 24. http://www.romereports.com/pg160829...-see-the-holy-shroud-on-june-21st-and-22nd-en
Pope at Santa Marta: Faith, not cold doctrine, brings joy 1 0Print 2015-03-26 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) It is not “cold doctrine” that brings joy, but faith, and the hope of meeting Jesus. He who cannot rejoice is an unhappy believer: that’s what the Pope said in his homily at Thursday morning’s Mass in Santa Marta in the Vatican. Abraham’s joy upon hearing that as God promised, he may become a father inspired Pope Francis’ reflection Thursday. Commenting on the day’s readings, Pope Francis remarked that Abraham is old, as well as his wife Sara, but he believes and opens "his heart to hope" and is "full of consolation." Jesus reminds the doctors of the law that Abraham "rejoiced" to see his day "and was full of joy": "And that's what these doctors of the law did not understand. They did not understand the joy of promise; they did not understand the joy of hope; they did not understand the joy of the alliance. They did not understand! They did not know how to rejoice, because they had lost the sense of joy that only comes from faith. Our father Abraham was able to rejoice because he had faith; he was justified in the faith. These others had lost faith. They were doctors of the law, but without faith! But what’s more: they had lost the law! Because the center of the law is love, love for God and neighbor. " The Pope then continued: "It’s only that they had a system of precise doctrines and that they clarified each and every day that no one touch them. Men without faith, without law, attached to doctrines that also become an attitude of casuistry: you can pay the tax to Caesar, can you not? This woman, who has been married seven times: when she goes to Heaven will she be the bride of those seven men? This casuistry… This was their world, an abstract world, a world without love, a world without faith, a world without hope, a world without trust, a world without God. And for this, they could not rejoice! " Perhaps, the doctors of the law - the Pope observes ironically - could also have fun, "but without joy," indeed "with fear." "This is life without faith in God, without trust in God, without hope in God." And "their heart was petrified." It 's sad, the Pope stressed, to be a believer without joy - and joy is not there when there is no faith, when there is no hope, when there is no law - but only the regulations, cold doctrine": "The joy of faith, the joy of the Gospel is the touchstone of the faith of a person. Without joy that person is not a true believer. Let's go home, but before that, we celebrate here with these words of Jesus: “Abraham your father rejoiced to see my day; he saw it and was glad.” And ask the Lord for the grace to be rejoicing in hope, for the grace to see the day of Jesus when we will be with Him and for the grace of joy. " (from Vatican Radio)
Pope Francis to visit White House on September 23, 2015 2015-03-27 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) The White House issued a statement on Thursday announcing United States President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle will host Pope Francis on September 23, 2015. The meeting will take place in the White House, and the statement said President Obama and Pope Francis would discuss several issues of mutual interest, including “caring for the marginalized and the poor; advancing economic opportunity for all; serving as good stewards of the environment; protecting religious minorities and promoting religious freedom around the world; and welcoming and integrating immigrants and refugees into our communities.” The statement said President Obama “looks forward to continuing this conversation with the Holy Father during his first visit to the United States as pope.” Pope Francis and President Obama met for the first time at the Vatican on March 27, 2014. It has already been announced Pope Francis will address a joint session of the United States Congress on September 24. After visiting Washington, Pope Francis’ trip to the United States will take him to New York City, where he will address the United Nations General Assembly on September 25, before he heads to Philadelphia for the World Meeting of Families from September 26-27. (from Vatican Radio)
Pope greets homeless in Sistine Chapel: this is your home 2015-03-27 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) Pope Francis made a surprise visit to greet 150 homeless people who were given a special tour of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican Museums Thursday by the papal charitable office. It was a brief, affectionate and emotional encounter. The Pope crossed the threshold of the Sistine Chapel to the disbelief of his guests, saying this visit and meeting are “a small caress - because this is the home of all; it is your home. The doors are always open for everyone. " The Pope thanked Mgr. Konrad Krajewski, head of the Elemosineria, the Apostolic charity office, for arranging the visit and told his guests, "I need the prayers of people like you." He left them with the blessing: "May the Lord keep you, help you on the journey of life - and make you feel His tender, fatherly love." “E’ scoppiata una bombola…” Carla, one of the homeless women present, described how a propane gas tank exploded, killing all of her family three years ago. Since the accident, she has been living on and off the street. She said she was taken in by religious at a Franciscan convent outside Rome and with their help has been able to overcome much of her pain and suffering. The homeless guests were later offered dinner in the Vatican Museums’ cafeteria. (from Vatican Radio)
Pope: life of St Teresa of Avila can help renew consecrated life 2015-03-28 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) Pope Francis said the life of St Teresa of Avila, characterized by “total self-giving to God,” is a “great treasure” that can help to renew consecrated life today. The pope spoke of the witness of St Teresa in a letter, issued Saturday, to the Superior General of the Order of Discalced Carmelites, Fr Xavier Cannistrà, to mark the occasion of the 500th anniversary of the saint’s birth. Listen to the report by Laura Ieraci: St Teresa of Avila, a Spanish nun and mystic and a reformer of the Carmelite Order, was born 28 March 1515. Also known as St Teresa of Jesus, her writings are among the classics of Christian spirituality and mysticism. Her most known spiritual work is The Interior Castle. Pope Paul VI named her a Doctor of the Church in 1970. In his letter to the Carmelite Superior General, the Pope said St Teresa left “a great treasure to renew consecrated life today, full of concrete proposals, ways and methods to pray” that always lead one back to Jesus and “constitute a genuine school to grow in love for God and neighbour.” The Pope described St Teresa as “primarily a teacher of prayer.” “Teresa’s prayer was not reserved only to one space or to one time of day; it arose spontaneously in the most diverse occasions,” he said. “She was convinced of the value of continuous prayer, even if it was not always perfect.” “The saint asks us to be steadfast, faithful, even in times of dryness, personal difficulties or urgent needs that call us,” he continued. The Pope added that St Teresa knew the importance of authentic community life and that “neither prayer nor mission” can be sustained without it. Consequently, she built monasteries characterized by fraternity and warned her sisters of the danger of individualism, as well as gossip, jealousy and criticism “which severely damage relationships with others,” the Pope said. “With these noble roots, Teresian communities are called to become houses of communion,” said the pope, “capable of witnessing to fraternal love and to the motherhood of the Church, presenting to the Lord the needs of the world, torn by divisions and wars.” Below is the Vatican Radio translation of the Pope’s letter to Carmelite Father Xavier Cannistrà: Dear Brother, On the 500th anniversary of the birth of St Teresa of Jesus, I wish, together with the whole Church, to give thanks to the great family of Discalced Carmelites—religious men and women and secular members—for the charism of this remarkable woman. I consider it a providential grace that this anniversary coincides with the Year of Consecrated Life, in which the saint of Avila shines as a sure and attractive model of total self-giving to God. It is one more reason to look to the past with gratitude and to rediscover "the inspiring spark" that gave impetus to the founders and to the first communities (cf. Letter to all consecrated people, 21 November 2014). How much goodness does the testimony of her consecration—born directly from the encounter with Christ, her experience of prayer as continuous dialogue with God, and her community life, rooted in the motherhood of the Church—do for us! 1. St Teresa is primarily a teacher of prayer. The discovery of Christ's humanity was central to her experience. Moved by the desire to share this personal experience with others, she describes it in a vivid and simple way, accessible to everyone, because it consists simply in "a relationship of friendship ... with he who we know loves us" (Life, 8, 5 ). Many times this same narrative becomes prayer, as if she had wanted to introduce the reader into her interior dialogue with Christ. Teresa’s prayer was not reserved only to one space or to one time of day; it arose spontaneously in the most diverse occasions: "It would be extremely difficult if you could only pray in secluded places" (Foundations, 5, 16). She was convinced of the value of continuous prayer, even if it was not always perfect. The saint asks us to be steadfast, faithful, even in times of dryness, personal difficulties or urgent needs that call us. Teresa left us a great treasure to renew consecrated life today, full of concrete proposals, ways and methods to pray, that, far from closing us in on ourselves or leading us only to inner balance, always make us start again from Jesus and constitute a genuine school to grow in love for God and neighbour. 2. Since her encounter with Jesus, St Teresa lived "another life"; she become a tireless communicator of the Gospel (cf. Life, 23, 1). Eager to serve the Church, and in the face of serious problems of her time, she did not limit herself to being a spectator of the reality around her. In her position as a woman and with her health difficulties, she decided, she said, "to do what little depended on me ... that is to follow the evangelical counsels as perfectly as possible and to ensure that these few nuns who are here do the same" (The Way, 1, 2). Thus began the Teresian reform, in which she asked her sisters not to lose time negotiating with God "interests of little importance," while "the world is in flames" (ibid., 1, 5). This missionary and ecclesial dimension has always marked the Carmelites and Discalced Carmelites. As she did then, even today the saint opens new horizons for us, she calls us to a great undertaking, to see the world with the eyes of Christ, to seek what He seeks and to love what He loves. 3. St Teresa knew that neither prayer nor mission can be sustained without authentic community life. Therefore, the foundation that she laid in her monasteries was fraternity: "Here everyone must love one another, care for each other and help one another" (ibid., 4, 7). And she was very careful to warn her sisters about the danger of individualism in fraternal life, which consists "all or almost all in the denial of ourselves and of our own comforts" (ibid., 12, 2) and to place ourselves at the service of others. To avoid this risk, the saint of Avila recommended to her sisters, first of all, the virtue of humility, which is neither outward neglect nor inner shyness of the soul, but each knowing their own abilities and what God can do in us (cf. Relations, 28). The opposite is what she calls "false point of honour" (Life, 31, 23), a source of gossip, jealousy and criticism, which severely damage relationships with others. Teresian humility consists of self-acceptance, awareness of one’s own dignity, missionary courage, gratitude and trust in God. With these noble roots, Teresian communities are called to become houses of communion, capable of witnessing to fraternal love and to the motherhood of the Church, presenting to the Lord the needs of the world, torn by divisions and wars. Dear Brother, I do not want to end without thanking the Teresian Carmelite communities that entrust the Pope, with special tenderness, to the protection of the Virgin of Carmel, and accompany, with their prayers, the great trials and challenges of the Church. I ask the Lord that your witness of life, like that of St Teresa, allows the joy and beauty of living the Gospel to shine and attracts many young people to follow Christ closely. To the whole Teresian family, I warmly impart my Apostolic Blessing. (from Vatican Radio)
Dear Brother, I do not want to end without thanking the Teresian Carmelite communities that entrust the Pope, with special tenderness, to the protection of the Virgin of Carmel, and accompany, with their prayers, the great trials and challenges of the Church Signs and Wonders....500th Aniversary of St Teresas' birth.The Carmelites gave the faithful the Brown Scapular from Our Lady and next year is the 800th anniversary of the Dominicans founded by St Dominic who gave us the Rosary.2 tools Our Lady gave us to bring about the Triumpth of her Immaculate Heart.2017 the 100th anniversary of Our Lady of Fatima.The prophesy flowing from the Church/moon !!!
Pope Francis: Palm Sunday homily 17 107Print 2015-03-29 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) Pope Francis delivered the homily at Mass in St. Peter's Square on Sunday - Palm Sunday - the beginning of Holy Week, 2015. Please find, below, the official English translation of the Holy Father's prepared remarks. ***************************** At the heart of this celebration, which seems so festive, are the words we heard in the hymn of the Letter to the Philippians: “He humbled himself” (2:8). Jesus’ humiliation. These words show us God’s way and the way of Christians: it is humility. A way which constantly amazes and disturbs us: we will never get used to a humble God! Humility is above all God’s way: God humbles himself to walk with his people, to put up with their infidelity. This is clear when we read the Book of Exodus. How humiliating for the Lord to hear all that grumbling, all those complaints against Moses, but ultimately against him, their Father, who brought them out of slavery and was leading them on the journey through the desert to the land of freedom. This week, Holy Week, which leads us to Easter, we will take this path of Jesus’ own humiliation. Only in this way will this week be “holy” for us too! We will feel the contempt of the leaders of his people and their attempts to trip him up. We will be there at the betrayal of Judas, one of the Twelve, who will sell him for thirty pieces of silver. We will see the Lord arrested and carried off like a criminal; abandoned by his disciples, dragged before the Sanhedrin, condemned to death, beaten and insulted. We will hear Peter, the “rock” among the disciples, deny him three times. We will hear the shouts of the crowd, egged on by their leaders, who demand that Barabas be freed and Jesus crucified. We will see him mocked by the soldiers, robed in purple and crowned with thorns. And then, as he makes his sorrowful way beneath the cross, we will hear the jeering of the people and their leaders, who scoff at his being King and Son of God. This is God’s way, the way of humility. It is the way of Jesus; there is no other. And there can be no humility without humiliation. Following this path to the full, the Son of God took on the “form of a slave” (cf. Phil 2:7). In the end, humility means service. It means making room for God by stripping oneself, “emptying oneself”, as Scripture says (v. 7). This is the greatest humiliation of all. There is another way, however, opposed to the way of Christ. It is worldliness, the way of the world. The world proposes the way of vanity, pride, success… the other way. The Evil One proposed this way to Jesus too, during his forty days in the desert. But Jesus immediately rejected it. With him, we too can overcome this temptation, not only at significant moments, but in daily life as well. In this, we are helped and comforted by the example of so many men and women who, in silence and hiddenness, sacrifice themselves daily to serve others: a sick relative, an elderly person living alone, a disabled person… We think too of the humiliation endured by all those who, for their lives of fidelity to the Gospel, encounter discrimination and pay a personal price. We think too of our brothers and sisters who are persecuted because they are Christians, the martyrs of our own time. They refuse to deny Jesus and they endure insult and injury with dignity. They follow him on his way. We can speak of a “cloud of witnesses” (cf. Heb 12:1). Let us set about with determination along this same path, with immense love for him, our Lord and Saviour. Love will guide us and give us strength. For where he is, we too shall be (cf. Jn 12:26). Amen.(from Vatican Radio)
Pope gives tribute to Christian martyrs, during Palm Sunday Mass 2015-03-30 It's one of the most solemn Masses of the year. Wearing red and carrying a woven palm, Pope Francis started off Palm Sunday by leading a procession through St. Peter's Square. On the day that gives way to Holy Week, Pope Francis talked about persecuted Christians, who are targeted specifically because of their faith. He went on to describe them as martyrs of our own time. POPE FRANCIS "They refuse to deny Jesus and they endure insult and injury with dignity. They follow Him on His way. We can speak of a could of witnesses.'” Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, just days before His crucifixtion, death and Resurrection. With the Square decorated accordingly with roughly 2,000 palm and olive branches, pilgrims from all over the world attended the Mass. The Pope reminded Christians that Jesus was a humble God and with humility comes service, both in significant moments and in every day life. POPE FRANCIS "We are helped and comforted by the example of so many men and women who, in silence and hiddenness, sacrifice themselves daily to serve others: a sick relative, an elderly person living alone, a disabled person, the homeless.” The Pope then called on Christians to leave vanity and pride aside and instead to embrace humility and service. http://www.romereports.com/pg160875...-christian-martyrs-during-palm-sunday-mass-en
Fortune magazine names Pope Francis fourth greatest leader in the world 2015-03-30 Fortune magazine has just released its second annual list of the 50 greatest leaders in the world. They ranked Pope Francis fourth. When compiling the list, the prestigious business magazine looked for "extraordinary men and women [who] are transforming business, government, philanthropy, and so much more.” Apple CEO Tim Cook ranks first. He was chosen because of his strong leadership after the death of Steve Jobs. Number two is European Central Bank President Mario Draghi. And just ahead of Pope Francis is Chinese President Xi Jinping. The Pope was ranked number one on last year's list. However, the magazine's editors stated that "his vision, fortitude, and commitment to reform were so extraordinary in 2014 that we’re including him again this year.” Others included on the list are the Prime Minister of India; pop singer Taylor Swift; Bill and Melinda Gates; and the Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court. JRB Fortune / RR / Wikicommons http://www.romereports.com/pg160881...rancis-fourth-greatest-leader-in-the-world-en
Pope Francis: Palm Sunday homily 139 1377 Print 2015-03-29 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) Pope Francis delivered the homily at Mass in St. Peter's Square on Sunday - Palm Sunday - the beginning of Holy Week, 2015. Please find, below, the official English translation of the Holy Father's prepared remarks. ***************************** At the heart of this celebration, which seems so festive, are the words we heard in the hymn of the Letter to the Philippians: “He humbled himself” (2:8). Jesus’ humiliation. These words show us God’s way and the way of Christians: it is humility. A way which constantly amazes and disturbs us: we will never get used to a humble God! Humility is above all God’s way: God humbles himself to walk with his people, to put up with their infidelity. This is clear when we read the Book of Exodus. How humiliating for the Lord to hear all that grumbling, all those complaints against Moses, but ultimately against him, their Father, who brought them out of slavery and was leading them on the journey through the desert to the land of freedom. This week, Holy Week, which leads us to Easter, we will take this path of Jesus’ own humiliation. Only in this way will this week be “holy” for us too! We will feel the contempt of the leaders of his people and their attempts to trip him up. We will be there at the betrayal of Judas, one of the Twelve, who will sell him for thirty pieces of silver. We will see the Lord arrested and carried off like a criminal; abandoned by his disciples, dragged before the Sanhedrin, condemned to death, beaten and insulted. We will hear Peter, the “rock” among the disciples, deny him three times. We will hear the shouts of the crowd, egged on by their leaders, who demand that Barabas be freed and Jesus crucified. We will see him mocked by the soldiers, robed in purple and crowned with thorns. And then, as he makes his sorrowful way beneath the cross, we will hear the jeering of the people and their leaders, who scoff at his being King and Son of God. This is God’s way, the way of humility. It is the way of Jesus; there is no other. And there can be no humility without humiliation. Following this path to the full, the Son of God took on the “form of a slave” (cf. Phil 2:7). In the end, humility means service. It means making room for God by stripping oneself, “emptying oneself”, as Scripture says (v. 7). This is the greatest humiliation of all. There is another way, however, opposed to the way of Christ. It is worldliness, the way of the world. The world proposes the way of vanity, pride, success… the other way. The Evil One proposed this way to Jesus too, during his forty days in the desert. But Jesus immediately rejected it. With him, we too can overcome this temptation, not only at significant moments, but in daily life as well. In this, we are helped and comforted by the example of so many men and women who, in silence and hiddenness, sacrifice themselves daily to serve others: a sick relative, an elderly person living alone, a disabled person… We think too of the humiliation endured by all those who, for their lives of fidelity to the Gospel, encounter discrimination and pay a personal price. We think too of our brothers and sisters who are persecuted because they are Christians, the martyrs of our own time. They refuse to deny Jesus and they endure insult and injury with dignity. They follow him on his way. We can speak of a “cloud of witnesses” (cf. Heb 12:1). Let us set about with determination along this same path, with immense love for him, our Lord and Saviour. Love will guide us and give us strength. For where he is, we too shall be (cf. Jn 12:26). Amen.(from Vatican Radio)
Pope Francis: Don't just remember the Passion, imitate Christ 2015-04-01 It was a beautiful day in Rome, and many parents took their children to meet Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square. As he made his way in the Popemobile, many pilgrims gave him shirts and even asked for the Pope to bless their rosaries. In his catechesis, Pope Francis encouraged people to prepare for the upcoming Holy Week ceremonies. He asked them to not just commemorate the Passion but delve into the mystery of the faith. He highlighted that before presenting the Eucharist, Jesus gave the example of service by washing the feet of the Apostles. POPE FRANCIS "If we approach Holy Communion without sincerely being willing to wash the feet of others, then we do not recognize the Body of the Lord." The Pope invited people to put their lives in the service of others. He also talked about the life of a priest and modern martyr, Andrea Santoro, who was murdered in Turkey nine years ago. POPE FRANCIS "A few days before he was murdered in Trabzon, he wrote: 'I am here to live among these people and allow Jesus to do so by lending Him my body. We become able to save only if we offer our own lives. We must take the evil in the world and share the pain, absorbing it into ourselves as Jesus did.'" The Pope also recalled that this week is the 10th anniversary of the death of Pope John Paul II. He also greeted the thousands of students participating in the Univ Congress. POPE FRANCIS "I am pleased to welcome the university students gathered in Rome for the international Univ meeting. FLASH I encourage you to grow in friendship with the Lord, because 'what is needed is not an easy life but one filled with love.'” Each year, the Univ Congress meets in Rome, and thousands of students from all continents come to experience Holy Week near the Pope. This year, about 2,500 signed up. They also raised money to help Christians in the Middle East. http://www.romereports.com/pg160897-pope-francis-don-t-just-remember-the-passion-imitate-christ-en
Pope Francis to priests: Christ is our strength in ministry 0 31 Print 2015-04-02 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) Pope Francis celebrated the Chrism Mass on Thursday morning in St. Peter’s Basilica. The Chrism Mass is the liturgy in which the oils – of the infirm, of the catechumens, and the sacred chrism – are blessed for use in the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Orders, and Annointing of the Sick, throughout the year. It is also an occasion on which bishops traditionally reflect on the nature of priestly ministry, with the priests of their diocese. Click below to hear our report In his homily, Pope Francis focused on three particular forms of weariness that can affect priests, especially, in their lives: the weariness of the crowd, which the Holy Father described as, “[A] good and healthy tiredness,” which is “the exhaustion of the priest who wears the smell of the sheep… but also smiles the smile of a father rejoicing in his children or grandchildren.” ; the weariness of enemies – a particular danger, since, “The evil one is far more astute than we are, and he is able to demolish in a moment what it took us years of patience to build up, so that priests must take heart in the words of the Lord, “Have courage! I have overcome the world! (Jn. 16:33)”; and, weariness of oneself, which arises when the priest loses sight of the truth that his work is – first and last – a labour of love, for which Pope Francis counsels, “Only love gives true rest,” adding, “what is not loved becomes tiresome, and in time, brings about a harmful weariness.” The Holy Father concluded his reflection with a reminder that priests, too, are disciples of Christ with a special vocation within the Church, saying that, when priests remember that Christ loved all of us first, and loved us to the end, “Our discipleship itself is cleansed by Jesus, so that we can rightly feel ‘joyful’, ‘fulfilled’, ‘free of fear and guilt’, and impelled to go out ‘even to the ends of the earth, to every periphery.’ In this way we can bring the good news to the most abandoned, knowing that ‘he is with us always, even to the end of the world.’” (from Vatican Radio)
Pope Francis celebrates In Coena Domini Mass at Rebibbia prison 17 183 Print 2015-04-03 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Thursday evening celebrated the Mass of the Lord's Supper at Rome's Rebibbia prison. The Mass was also attended by inmates at a nearby women's detention centre. During the Mass Pope Francis washed the feet of 6 men and 6 women, including one mother holding her small child in her lap. Listen to this report by Charles Collins: During his off-the-cuff homily, Pope Francis focused on the passage of the Gospel reading which said "He loved His own in the world, and He loved them until the end." "He loves us without limits, until the end," Pope Francis said. "He never tires of loving....He loves all of us, so that he would even give his own life for us." Pope Francis pointed at individual inmates and said, Jesus gave his life "for you, for you, for you, for me...for everyone, first name and last name. His love is like this...so personal." The Holy Father told them God "never tires of loving, as he never tires of embracing us." Quoting Isaiah, Pope Francis said: "God's love has no limits – 'Even if a mom forgets her child, I won't forget you.' That's God's love for us." During the Rite of the Washing of the Feet, several of the inmates cried as the Pope washed their feet. One woman detainee from Africa was holding her young child, and the Pope washed his feet, too. Earlier in his homily, the Pope has said in the time of Jesus, washing feet was the work of a slave. "Jesus is so loving, that he became a slave to serve us, to heal us, to cleanse us," said Pope Francis. "I also need to be cleansed by the Lord," he said. "And for this, pray during this Mass, so that the Lord also washes my sins and stains, too, so that I become more slave-like in the service of people as Jesus did." (Charles Collins) (from Vatican Radio) http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-francis-celebrates-in-coena-domini-mass-at-re
Pope denounces complicit silence in the persecution of Christians, in the Colosseum 2015-04-04 Once again, Pope Francis presided over the Stations of the Cross at the Colosseum, which is a symbol for the martyrdom of early Christians. Thousands of pilgrims flocked to the center of Rome to commemorate the Passion of Jesus at 14 stations. At each station, different people who symbolized pain or difficulty in the world carried the cross. In a year specially dedicated to the family, they could not fail. A large family with adopted children carried the cross at the first station. Sick people were also present. At the fifth station, in which Simon of Cyrene helped Jesus carry the cross, this woman was in charge of holding the cross. Representatives from countries in crisis were also present. People from Iraq, Syria, Nigeria, Egypt and China, countries where Christians are persecuted, all carried the cross. The meditations that accompanied the Stations were written by the Italian Bishop Renato Corti. He compared Christ's suffering with the dramas of today: the persecution of Christians, child abuse, human trafficking, and the death penalty. At the end of the ceremony, Pope Francis offered a brief meditation. He placed a special emphasis on the plight of persecuted Christians. POPE FRANCIS "In You, Divine Love, we still see our persecuted brothers, beheaded and crucified because of their faith while we watch or while we remain silent accomplices.” Pope Francis also invited Christians to learn from Jesus Christ, who he said never tires of forgiving. He asked them to never get tired of apologizing to God and believing in His limitless mercy. http://www.romereports.com/pg160965...persecution-of-christians-in-the-colosseum-en ATO/AC CTV VM -BN Up:AC
Pope Francis: Urbi et Orbi Message 59 455 Print 2015-04-05 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) Tens of thousands of people gathered in Saint Peter's Square on Sunday morning, despite the cold and the rain, to take part in Solemn Mass with Pope Francis in celebration of Easter. Following the Liturgy, the Holy Father gave the traditional Blessing Urbi et Orbi - to the City [of Rome] and to the World. Below, please find the official English translation of the Holy Father's prepared remarks: Pope Francis EASTER URBI ET ORBI MESSAGE to the City and to the World 5 April 2015 Dear Brothers and Sisters, Jesus Christ is risen! Love has triumphed over hatred, life has conquered death, light has dispelled the darkness! Out of love for us, Jesus Christ stripped himself of his divine glory, emptied himself, took on the form of a slave and humbled himself even to death, death on a cross. For this reason God exalted him and made him Lord of the universe. Jesus is Lord! By his death and resurrection, Jesus shows everyone the way to life and happiness: this way is humility, which involves humiliation. This is the path which leads to glory. Only those who humble themselves can go towards the “things that are above”, towards God (cf. Col 3:1-4). The proud look “down from above”; the humble look “up from below”. On Easter morning, alerted by the women, Peter and John ran to the tomb. They found it open and empty. Then they drew near and “bent down” in order to enter it. To enter into the mystery, we need to “bend down”, to abase ourselves. Only those who abase themselves understand the glorification of Jesus and are able to follow him on his way. The world proposes that we put ourselves forward at all costs, that we compete, that we prevail… But Christians, by the grace of Christ, dead and risen, are the seeds of another humanity, in which we seek to live in service to one another, not to be arrogant, but rather respectful and ready to help. This is not weakness, but true strength! Those who bear within them God’s power, his love and his justice, do not need to employ violence; they speak and act with the power of truth, beauty and love. From the risen Lord we ask the grace not to succumb to the pride which fuels violence and war, but to have the humble courage of pardon and peace. We ask Jesus, the Victor over death, to lighten the sufferings of our many brothers and sisters who are persecuted for his name, and of all those who suffer injustice as a result of ongoing conflicts and violence. We ask for peace, above all, for Syria and Iraq, that the roar of arms may cease and that peaceful relations may be restored among the various groups which make up those beloved countries. May the international community not stand by before the immense humanitarian tragedy unfolding in these countries and the drama of the numerous refugees. We pray for peace for all the peoples of the Holy Land. May the culture of encounter grow between Israelis and Palestinians and the peace process be resumed, in order to end years of suffering and division. We implore peace for Libya, that the present absurd bloodshed and all barbarous acts of violence may cease, and that all concerned for the future of the country may work to favour reconciliation and to build a fraternal society respectful of the dignity of the person. For Yemen too we express our hope for the growth of a common desire for peace, for the good of the entire people. At the same time, in hope we entrust to the merciful Lord the framework recently agreed to in Lausanne, that it may be a definitive step toward a more secure and fraternal world. We ask the risen Lord for the gift of peace for Nigeria, South Sudan and for the various areas of Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. May constant prayer rise up from all people of goodwill for those who lost their lives – I think in particular of the young people who were killed last Thursday at Garissa University College in Kenya –, for all who have been kidnapped, and for those forced to abandon their homes and their dear ones. May the Lord’s resurrection bring light to beloved Ukraine, especially to those who have endured the violence of the conflict of recent months. May the country rediscover peace and hope thanks to the commitment of all interested parties. We ask for peace and freedom for the many men and women subject to old and new forms of enslavement on the part of criminal individuals and groups. Peace and liberty for the victims of drug dealers, who are often allied with the powers who ought to defend peace and harmony in the human family. And we ask peace for this world subjected to arms dealers. May the marginalized, the imprisoned, the poor and the migrants who are so often rejected, maltreated and discarded, the sick and the suffering, children, especially those who are victims of violence; all who today are in mourning, and all men and women of goodwill, hear the consoling voice of the Lord Jesus: “Peace to you!” (Lk 24:36). “Fear not, for I am risen and I shall always be with you” (cf. Roman Missal, Entrance Antiphon for Easter Day).
Pope Francis: Let our lives be conquered and transformed by the Resurrection 31 163 Print 2015-04-06 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) Pope Francis recited the Regina Coeli on Easter Monday, leading the pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square in a rousing chant of “Christ is risen!” “In Him, through our Baptism, we are risen, we have passed from death to life, from the slavery of sin to the freedom of love,” said the Pope. “This is the Good News that we are called to carry to others in every environment, animated by the Holy Spirit,” he said. “Faith in the resurrection of Jesus and the hope He has brought to us is the most beautiful gift that a Christian can and must offer his brothers and sisters,” continued Pope Francis. “To one and all, therefore, do not tire of repeating: Christ is risen,” he urged the crowd, inviting them to repeat the phrase with him three times in the Square. Pope Francis said the Good News of the Resurrection should “shine on our face, in our feelings and in our behaviour, in the way in which we treat others.” “We proclaim the resurrection of Christ when his light illuminates the dark moments of our existence, and we are able share it with others; when we know when to smile with those who smile, and weep with those who weep; when we accompany those who are sad and at risk of losing hope; when we recount our experience of Faith to those who are searching for meaning and happiness,” Pope Francis said. “And there - with our attitude, with our witness, with our life - we say ‘Jesus is Risen,’ with our soul.” The Pope made mention of the “curious” truth that the Liturgy treats the entire Octave – eight days – of Easter as one day, to “help us enter into the mystery” of the feast. “Let our lives be conquered and transformed by the Resurrection,” he said. (from Vatican Radio)
Pope Francis on persecution of Christians: International community cannot be inactive 2015-04-07 Pope Francis once again denounced the persecution of Christians in strong terms. This time, his words came during the Easter Monday Regina Coeli address. POPE FRANCIS "What must continue on the part of all is the spiritual journey of prayer, intense prayer; the concrete participation and tangible help in the defense and protection of our brothers and sisters, who are persecuted, exiled, killed, beheaded, for the only reason of being a Christian.” Speaking to the Shalom Catholic Community, the Pope said it was "unacceptable” for Christians to lose their lives simply because of their faith. POPE FRANCIS "They are our martyrs today and they are many; we are able to say that they are more numerous than in the first centuries.” The Pope called on the international community to "not look the other way” or be "silent and inactive” while Christians remain threatened throughout the world.
