Tag Archive for ‘Pope Francis’
The Annunciation and Us
In his General Audience of 23 October 2013, Pope Francis said, At the Annunciation, the Messenger of God calls Mary ‘full of grace’ and reveals his plan to her. Mary answers ‘yes’, and from that moment Mary’s faith receives new light: it is concentrated on Jesus, the Son of God, who took flesh from her […]
Saturday 28 December
The Holy Innocents (F) 1 John 1:5-2:2; Psalm 124:2-5, 7-8; Matthew 2:13-18 Heart rather than head Innocent children continue to be oppressed and abused and murdered. Why do children suffer? Pope Francis says an answer is not be found not in the head, but in the heart. “Only when the heart is able to ask […]
Saturday 9 November
Dedication of St. John Lateran [F] Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12; Psalm 46; 1 Corinthians 3:9-11, 16-17; John 2:13-22 Union with Pope Francis St John Lateran is one of the four great basilicas in Rome. The other three are St. Peter’s, St Paul’s outside the Walls and St Mary Major’s. St John Lateran is, in fact, […]
Message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees
(Abridged) Faith assures us that in a mysterious way the Kingdom of God is already present here on earth (cf. Gaudium et Spes, 39). Yet in our own time, we are saddened to see the obstacles and opposition it encounters. Violent conflicts and all-out wars continue to tear humanity apart; injustices and discrimination follow one […]
Monday 22 July
St Mary Magdalene Songs 3:1-4; Psalm 63; John 20:1-2 , 11-18 Called by name Pope Francis calls Mary Magdalene the ‘Apostle of the Apostles’, and the ‘Apostle of the new and greatest hope.’ “How beautiful” he says, “to think that the first appearance of the Risen One took place in such a personal way! That […]
Friday 19 July
Exodus 11:10-12:14; Psalm 116:12-18; Matthew 12:1-8 Mercy “Mercy is what I want and not sacrifice…” We cannot earn the mercy of God – it is pure gift. Often we think if we work hard and keep all the rules then Jesus will show us his mercy whereas Jesus gives mercy to everyone freely and lavishly. […]
A Surprising Knock at my Heart
When I was in Wellington for the weekend, there was no Sunday Mass at my local church, so I decided to walk to St Mary of the Angels’ for the choral Mass. Latin would not be my first love, and I am not much of a singer, but much to my surprise both those aspects […]
Christ is Risen
Being aware of our shortcomings “Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?” (Matthew 7:3). So many times, we all know it, it’s easier and more comfortable to see and condemn the defects and sins of others, without being […]
Out of Darkness … into Light
Out of darkness God has called us, Claimed by Christ as God’s own people. Holy nation, royal priesthood, Walking in God’s marvellous light. — Refrain from the hymn Out of Darkness by Christopher Walker The images on the cover and on page 2 of this issue of the Messenger are evocative of the account of […]
Art, Consumerism, The Poor
Art enriches human life Throughout history, art has been second only to life in bearing witness to the Lord. It was, and remains, a majestic road allowing us more than by words and ideas to approach the faith, because it follows the same path of faith, that of beauty. The beauty of art enriches life […]
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