Pope's Prayer Intention for December
December Reflection
by Fr. Henry Shea – The Future of the Very Young Shortly after my ordination I was missioned by the Jesuits to England for doctoral studies. There are few British winter traditions more famous than the service of Lessons and Carols held on Christmas Eve at Kings College Cambridge and broadcast throughout the country on the BBC. Since 1919 the choir at Kings College has opened this service with the same hymn, “Once in Royal David’s City,” the simple lyrics of which speak to the profound paradox of the mystery of Christmas. “He came down to earth from heaven, who is God and Lord of all. / And his shelter was a stable, and His cradle was a stall. / With the poor, and mean, and lowly, lived on earth our Savior holy.” .......READ MORE Efforts to protect life include promoting disarmament, Pope Francis saysNovember 18, 2019 - Catholic Register - by Cindy Wooden
VATICAN CITY -- A commitment to defending and protecting human life requires a commitment to ending wars and to promoting nuclear disarmament, Pope Francis said.
"Using nuclear weapons is immoral," the pope said in a video message released Nov. 18. The video was a greeting to the people of Japan in advance of the pope's arrival there Nov. 23. "The theme chosen for my visit is 'Protect All Life,'" the pope said in the video. The bishops of Japan chose the theme from the prayer Pope Francis wrote to conclude his encyclical "Laudato Si', on Care for Our Common Home." .....READ MORE Pope's Prayer Intention for NovemberNovember 2, 2019
Dialogue and Reconciliation in the Near East
That a spirit of dialogue, encounter, and reconciliation emerge in the Near East, where diverse religious communities share their lives together. Reflection: Far too many wars, political divisions, conflicts and hostilities between the diverse religious communities within the Near East have left… Read More....
Pope's Prayer Intention for OctoberOctober 1, 2019
A Missionary “Spring” in the Church
That the breath of the Holy Spirit engender a new missionary “spring” in the church Extended Video Edition of the September Prayer - protecting our oceansSeptember 29, 2019
It highlights the beauty of the oceans and Pope Francis expands his thoughts and communicates the need for their protection. (Video: 3:53 min.)
Pope's Video Message to UN Climate Action Summit, 2019
September 26, 2019
Pope Francis’ Message for World Day of Prayer for Care of Creation
September 2, 2019 - Zenit
The pope said that the Season of Creation is “a period of more intense prayer and action for the benefit of the common home,” and he encouraged us to “feel in deep harmony with the men and women of goodwill” who are protecting creation.
“And God saw that it was good” (Gen 1:25). God’s gaze, at the beginning of the Bible, rests lovingly on his creation. From habitable land to life-giving waters, from fruit-bearing trees to animals that share our common home, everything is dear in the eyes of God, who offers creation to men and women as a precious gift to be preserved ....MORE
One way to explain the importance of taking care of the oceans is to use a couple of simple but effective examples: one out of every two people lives off of the ocean, and of every two breaths we take, one is thanks to the oceans. Let us take care of them. Their death is the death of all life on earth, including us.
Reflection by Fr. Peter Schineller – Photos from the space station show planet earth as a beautiful blue marble with two-thirds of it covered by water. But here on earth, it is not so beautiful. We hear stories and see pictures of destruction. Ocean plastics kill millions of marine animals each year. Whales die with stomachs filled with plastic refuse.... READ MORE.....
August Reflection by Fr. Edmund Lo – Families, Schools of Human Growth
Guest Author–July 29, 2019 Let us first look at the Holy Family for inspirations. While the Holy Family may seem like an unreachable ideal .... READ MORE
July Reflection by Fr. Joseph Koterski – The Integrity of Justice Guest Author
No society can live peacefully without the rule of law. In the attempt to restrain the abuses that have often prevailed in human history, we have developed forms of governance in which there is a division of powers. Read the Reflection Pope's prayer intention for June
Pope’s Message for 2019 World Day of Migrants and Refugees
May 27, 2019 - Zenit © Vatican Media
"The most economically advanced societies are witnessing a growing trend towards extreme individualism which, combined with a utilitarian mentality and reinforced by the media, is producing a “globalization of indifference”. In this scenario, migrants, refugees, displaced persons and victims of trafficking have become emblems of exclusion. In addition to the hardships that their condition entails, they are often looked down upon and considered the source of all society’s ills. That attitude is an alarm bell warning of the moral decline we will face if we continue to give ground to the throw-away culture. In fact, if it continues, anyone who does not fall within the accepted norms of physical, mental and social well-being is at risk of marginalization and exclusion." - Pope Francis
Read his full message Pope: Mining for the Common GoodMay 5, 2019 - Vatican News, Robin Gomes
Pope alongside Cardinal Turkson at the Congress on mining, May 3, 2019 at the Vatican.
Pope Francis on Friday denounced a voracious economic model that is profit-oriented, shortsighted, and based on the misconception of unlimited economic growth, saying its impacts are disastrous on the natural world and in the lives of people.
“We need to see that what is at stake is our own dignity,” he told some 60 participants in a Vatican meeting on the theme, “Mining for the Common Good”, promoted by the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. Mining and indigenous communities Pope Francis urged that mining, like all economic activities, should be at the service of the entire human community, and should involve local communities in every phase of mining projects. In this regard, he urged special care for indigenous communities and their cultural traditions, saying they are a vulnerable minority who should be the principal dialogue partners, especially in large projects affecting their land. READ MORE Pope's Prayer Intention for May
Pope's Prayer Intention for April
Pope's Prayer Intention for March
Prayer of the month
O Lord Jesus Christ, we confess you as the Way, the Truth, and the Life! We rejoice in this profession of our saving faith and ask you to keep us always aware of what a great gift it is. We know, O Lord, that in imitation of you, many of our brothers and sisters, ancestors in the faith, died for their profession of this faith in you. Teach us, like them, to value our union with you, our trust in you, our love for you more than any earthly treasure.....more Reflection for the month by Fr. Andrij M. Hlabse – Recognition of the Right of Christian Communities.
Pope's Prayer Intention for JanuaryYoung People and the Example of Mary
That young people, especially in Latin America, follow the example of Mary and respond to the call of the Lord to communicate the joy of the Gospel to the world.
POPE FRANCIS’ NEW YEAR MESSAGE FOR THE WORLD DAY OF PEACE 2019Portions of his January 1, 2019 message read:
Good politics is at the service of peace “Politics is an essential means of building human community and institutions, but when political life is not seen as a form of service to society as a whole, it can become a means of oppression, marginalization and even destruction.” (2) “Peace, in effect, is the fruit of a great political project grounded in the mutual responsibility and interdependence of human beings. But it is also a challenge that demands to be taken up ever anew. It entails a conversion of heart and soul; it is both interior and communal; and it has three inseparable aspects:
Pope's Prayer Intention for DecemberEvangelization: In the Service of the Transmission of Faith
That people, who are involved in the service and transmission of faith, may find, in their dialogue with culture, a language suited to the conditions of the present time. In 2018's last Pope Video, pontiff asks us to pray for all those involved in communicating and serving the faith.
Read additional commentary here Where do we Hear the Cry of the Poor?November 27, 2018 - Zenit Photo: Vatican Media
“The cry of the poor: it is the stifled cry of the unborn, of starving children, of young people more used to the explosion of bombs than happy shouts of the playground. It is the cry of the elderly, cast off and abandoned to themselves. It is the cry of all those who face the storms of life without the presence of a friend. It is the cry of all those forced to flee their homes and native land for an uncertain future. It is the cry of entire peoples, deprived even of the great natural resources at their disposal. It is the cry of every Lazarus who weeps while the wealthy few feast on what, in justice, belongs to all. Injustice is the perverse root of poverty. The cry of the poor daily grows louder but is heard less and less. Every day that cry gets louder, but every day heard less, drowned out by the din of the rich few, who grow ever fewer and more rich.” READ MORE
Pope Francis: "Using the name of God to justify the path of violence and hatred is blasphemy"November 21, 2018 - Aleteia
I want to reaffirm strongly that the path of violence and hatred does not solve the problems of humanity, and using the name of God to justify this path is blasphemy. See Aleteia
Pope's Prayer Intention for NovemberUniversal: In the Service of Peace
That the language of love and dialogue may always prevail over the language of conflict. Pope Francis adds: "Let us commit ourselves with prayer and action to distance our hearts, our words and our deeds from all violence in order to take care of our common home."
Pope's Prayer Intention for OctoberEvangelization: The Mission of Religious
That consecrated religious men and women may bestir themselves, and be present among the poor, the marginalized, and those who have no voice. Oeconomicae et pecuniariae quaestionesOctober 2, 2018 - Vatican
(Economic and financial questions) by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development “‘Oeconomicae et pecuniariae quaestiones’. Considerations for an ethical discernment regarding some aspects of the present economic-financial system” of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, 17.05.2018. Download Pope Francis calls for care of creation
September 3, 2018
Message for the 4th Annual World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation Pope Francis called for humanity to take better care of “our common home” in his message for the 4th Annual World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, September 2, 2018. “On this Day of Prayer, I wish first to thank the Lord for the gift of our common home and for all those men and women of good will committed to protecting it,” the Holy Father said. “I am likewise grateful for the many projects aimed at promoting the study and the safeguarding of ecosystems, for the efforts being made to develop more sustainable agriculture and more responsible nutrition, and for the various educational, spiritual and liturgical initiatives that involve Christians throughout the world in the care of creation.”
The “SAVING OUR COMMON HOME AND THE FUTURE OF LIFE ON EARTH” conference at the Vatican on the occasion of the third anniversary of the
encyclical, Laudato Si’ on July 5-6 (the documents, presentations, and the live stream recordings are available at //http://laudato-si-conference.com/). In the letter to the participants of the conference, the Pope Francis said, “We can think back to the call that Francis of Assisi received from the Lord in the little church of San Damiano: ‘Go and repair my house, which, as you can see, lies in ruins.’ Today, the common home of our planet also needs urgently to be repaired and secured for a sustainable future.” The Pope’s words imply that the initiative of the encyclical came from the experience of St. Francis and that this Franciscan experience should be reinterpreted in the ecological perspective in the 21st century. I believe that Laudato Si’ is the Franciscan Source of the 21st century because it changed the hearts and minds of so many people just like the original Franciscan Sources did several centuries ago. For example, the encyclical gave a tremendous inspiration worldwide especially to the delegates at the COP21, Paris, and its historical outcome, the Paris Agreement. And that’s why the International Council of JPIC 2016 has decided to take it up as the main source for the JPIC animation in the Order. (emphasis added) READ MORE at CONTACT Bulletin Impressive statement for us as Secular Franciscans and to consider study of this important document in our fraternities. - FVC
Video Recaps Vatican Conference on our Common HomeJuly 18, 2018 - Zenit
(Pope Francis) expressed his hope “that concern for the state of our common home will translate into systematic and concerted efforts aimed at an integral ecology.”
“May Saint Francis of Assisi,” the Holy Father prayed, “continue to inspire and guide us on this journey, and may our struggles and our concern for this planet never take away the joy of our hope.” “After all,” the Pope underscored, “that hope is based on our faith in the power of our heavenly Father.” .....READ MORE Card Parolin: ‘Everything, for Pope Francis, is interconnected'
Pope's Prayer Intention for July
Pope Francis shares a meal with poor people at a soup kitchen (@L'Osservatore Romano)
Pope Francis says Christians are urgently called to manifest their faith by giving “a sign of neighbourliness and relief in the face of the many forms of poverty” that afflict our world, and at the same time honour them “who are the real presence of Jesus in our midst”.
The theme chosen for this year’s message is “This poor man cried and the Lord heard him”....the roots of poverty saying it is not brought on by itself, “but is caused by selfishness, pride, greed and injustice”.
Pope's prayer intention for June
2018 World Communications Day“The truth will set you free” (Jn 8:32).
Fake news and journalism for peace The Holy See has released the Holy Father's Message for the 2018 World Communications Day. The message is entitled "The truth will set you free (John 8:32): Fake news and journalism for peace". It was released on 24 January 2018, the liturgical memorial of Saint Francis de Sales, patron saint of writers and journalists.
In his Message, Pope Francis expresses his hope "to contribute to our shared commitment to stemming the spread of fake news and to rediscovering the dignity of journalism and the personal responsibility of journalists to communicate the truth." The Holy Father concludes his message with the Franciscan prayer, "Lord, make us instruments of your peace." In Canada, World Communications Day will be celebrated during 2018 on 13 May, the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord. READ POPE'S FULL MESSAGE The Pope writes: To this end, drawing inspiration from a Franciscan prayer, we might turn to the Truth in person: Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Help us to recognize the evil latent in a communication that does not build communion. Help us to remove the venom from our judgements. Help us to speak about others as our brothers and sisters. You are faithful and trustworthy; may our words be seeds of goodness for the world: where there is shouting, let us practise listening; where there is confusion, let us inspire harmony; where there is ambiguity, let us bring clarity; where there is exclusion, let us offer solidarity; where there is sensationalism, let us use sobriety; where there is superficiality, let us raise real questions; where there is prejudice, let us awaken trust; where there is hostility, let us bring respect; where there is falsehood, let us bring truth. Amen. Pope's prayer intention for MayThe Mission of the Laity: That the lay faithful may fulfill their specific mission, by responding with creativity to the challenge that face the world today.
Holiness means being loving, not boring, pope says
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Universal: For Those who have Responsibility in Economic Matters
That economists may have the courage to reject any economy of exclusion and know how to open new paths. |
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Pope Francis' 2018 Lenten Message
February 26, 2018 - Salt and Light Media
“Because of the increase of iniquity, the love of many will grow cold”(Mt 24:12)
CNS/Paul Haring
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Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Once again, the Pasch of the Lord draws near! In our preparation for Easter, God in his providence offers us each year the season of Lent as a “sacramental sign of our conversion”.[1] |
Lent summons us, and enables us, to come back to the Lord wholeheartedly and in every aspect of our life.With this message, I would like again this year to help the entire Church experience this time of grace anew, with joy and in truth. I will take my cue from the words of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew: “Because of the increase of iniquity, the love of many will grow cold” (24:12). READ MORE
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Pope's Prayer Intention for March 2018Evangelization: Formation in Spiritual Discernment
That the Church may appreciate the urgency of formation in spiritual discernment, both on the personal and communitarian levels. (Credits) |
Pope's Prayer Intention for February 2018Universal: Say “No” to Corruption That those who have material, political or spiritual power may resist any lure of corruption. Watch the Pope's video >>>>> |
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Pope's message for the 104th World Day of Migrants and Refugees
January 14, 2018 - The Catholic in England and Wales
ear brothers and sisters!
“You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God” (Leviticus 19:34).
Throughout the first years of my pontificate, I have repeatedly expressed my particular concern for the lamentable situation of many migrants and refugees fleeing from war, persecution, natural disasters and poverty. This situation is undoubtedly a “sign of the times” which I have tried to interpret, with the help of the Holy Spirit, ever since my visit to Lampedusa on 8 July 2013. When I instituted the new Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, I wanted a particular section – under my personal direction for the time being – to express the Church’s concern for migrants, displaced people, refugees and victims of human trafficking.
Every stranger who knocks at our door is an opportunity for an encounter with Jesus Christ, who identifies with the welcomed and rejected strangers of every age (Matthew 25:35-43). The Lord entrusts to the Church’s motherly love every person forced to leave their homeland in search of a better future.[1] This solidarity must be concretely expressed at every stage of the migratory experience – from departure through journey to arrival and return. This is a great responsibility, which the Church intends to share with all believers and men and women of good will, who are called to respond to the many challenges of contemporary migration with generosity, promptness, wisdom and foresight, each according to their own abilities.
In this regard, I wish to reaffirm that “our shared response may be articulated by four verbs: to welcome, to protect, to promote and to integrate”.[2] READ MORE
“You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God” (Leviticus 19:34).
Throughout the first years of my pontificate, I have repeatedly expressed my particular concern for the lamentable situation of many migrants and refugees fleeing from war, persecution, natural disasters and poverty. This situation is undoubtedly a “sign of the times” which I have tried to interpret, with the help of the Holy Spirit, ever since my visit to Lampedusa on 8 July 2013. When I instituted the new Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, I wanted a particular section – under my personal direction for the time being – to express the Church’s concern for migrants, displaced people, refugees and victims of human trafficking.
Every stranger who knocks at our door is an opportunity for an encounter with Jesus Christ, who identifies with the welcomed and rejected strangers of every age (Matthew 25:35-43). The Lord entrusts to the Church’s motherly love every person forced to leave their homeland in search of a better future.[1] This solidarity must be concretely expressed at every stage of the migratory experience – from departure through journey to arrival and return. This is a great responsibility, which the Church intends to share with all believers and men and women of good will, who are called to respond to the many challenges of contemporary migration with generosity, promptness, wisdom and foresight, each according to their own abilities.
In this regard, I wish to reaffirm that “our shared response may be articulated by four verbs: to welcome, to protect, to promote and to integrate”.[2] READ MORE
Pope's Prayer Intention for January 2018
Evangelization: Religious Minorities in Asia
That Christians, and other religious minorities in Asian countries, may be able to practise their faith in full freedom.
That Christians, and other religious minorities in Asian countries, may be able to practise their faith in full freedom.
December 9, 2017
Message: 51st World Day of Peace
1 JANUARY 2018
MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS
FOR THE CELEBRATION OF
THE 51st WORLD DAY OF PEACE
Migrants and refugees: men and women in search of peace
FOR THE CELEBRATION OF
THE 51st WORLD DAY OF PEACE
Migrants and refugees: men and women in search of peace
December 9, 2017
Message: World Day of Migrants and Refugees
Pope Francis' prayer intention for December: for the elderly
That the elderly, sustained by families and Christian communities, may apply their wisdom and experience to spreading the faith and forming the new generations.
the first "World Day of the Poor" - Nov. 19, 2017
November 19, 2017
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Pope invites thousands of poor to lunch at Vatican
Pope Francis dined with 1,200 poor people at the Vatican to mark the Catholic Church's first "World Day for the Poor" |
(Vatican Radio) This Sunday, November 19th marks the first World Day of the Poor, which Pope Francis called for at the conclusion of the Jubilee Year of Mercy. The Pontifical Council for New Evangelisation on Tuesday announced a number of special events that are taking place throughout the week to highlight this annual initiative. READ MORE...
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Pope Francis' prayer intention for November:
for Christians in Asia
Prays They Promote Dialogue, Peace, & Mutual Understanding
Let us pray that Christians in Asia, bearing witness to the Gospel in word and deed, may promote dialogue, peace, and mutual understanding, especially with those of other religions.
Let us pray that Christians in Asia, bearing witness to the Gospel in word and deed, may promote dialogue, peace, and mutual understanding, especially with those of other religions.
October 16, 2017 - American Magazine
Pope Francis: War and climate change cause hunger; stop treating it as an incurable illness
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“It’s clear that wars and climate change cause hunger; let us stop presenting it as an incurable illness,” Pope Francis said in a powerful keynote address at the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization on Oct.16. He called on governments worldwide to take collaborative action to overcome the three interconnected plagues of conflict, climate change and hunger. Read more
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Pope Francis is pictured next to a statue of Alan Kurdi, the 3-year-old Syrian boy who drowned in September 2015 while crossing the Mediterranean Sea. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)
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October 3, 2017
Pope Francis' prayer intention for October: 'For workers'
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Workers and the Unemployed:
That all workers may receive respect and protection of their rights, and that the unemployed may receive the opportunity to contribute to the common good. Read the Reflection |
Pray for Parishes
During the month of September, Pope Francis asks everyone to pray for parishes. Ask your parish to take the Laudato Si’ Pledge or to start a creation committee using our eco-parish guide. The Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network has created a video that beautifully illustrates the connection between creation care and parish life.
Pope Francis' prayer intention for August: 'For artists'
This month’s intention is for artists: "That artists of our time, through their creativity, may help us discover the beauty of creation." The text of the video message reads:The arts give expression to the beauty of the faith and proclaim the Gospel message of the grandeur of God’s creation.
When we admire a work of art or a marvel of nature, we discover how everything speaks to us of Him and of His love.
When we admire a work of art or a marvel of nature, we discover how everything speaks to us of Him and of His love.
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“Like Saint Francis of Assisi, let us be transformed by the love of Christ in order to live in simplicity and joy,” Pope Francis Tweeted on October 4, 2017.
René Descartes’ statement:
“I think therefore I am" implies a cause-effect relationship. But my thinking is not what gives me life.
It does not explain why I exist. “I am truly a 'new creation' (Gal 6:15): I am loved, therefore I exist.”
Pope Francis, 2016, Misericordia et misera, 16
“I think therefore I am" implies a cause-effect relationship. But my thinking is not what gives me life.
It does not explain why I exist. “I am truly a 'new creation' (Gal 6:15): I am loved, therefore I exist.”
Pope Francis, 2016, Misericordia et misera, 16
Poverty
“We are not Princes, sons of Princes, of Counts or Barons; we are simple people of the people. Therefore,” Francis added, “we come close, with simplicity, to those who suffer most: the sick, the children, the abandoned elderly, the poor … all. And this poverty is at the center of the Gospel: it is the poverty of Jesus, which is not sociological poverty.”
Pope Francis, Zenit Feb 20, 2017.
“We are not Princes, sons of Princes, of Counts or Barons; we are simple people of the people. Therefore,” Francis added, “we come close, with simplicity, to those who suffer most: the sick, the children, the abandoned elderly, the poor … all. And this poverty is at the center of the Gospel: it is the poverty of Jesus, which is not sociological poverty.”
Pope Francis, Zenit Feb 20, 2017.