At the Easter Vigil a few weeks ago, tens of thousands of men and women, mature adults, were baptized or entered into full communion with the Catholic Church. Each of them walked a unique itinerary of conversion; each of these “newborn babes” (1 Peter 2:2) is a singular work of the Holy Spirit.
The heart of the work of the Church, Cardinal Nichols said, is “to look to, to rescue, to nurture, to comfort, to give freedom and a fresh start to the victims of trafficking.”
In “Amoris Laetitia” (“The Joy of Love”), Pope Francis’ postsynodal apostolic exhortation on the family, there is passion and devotion, but also heartache and sweat. The “magic” he wrote about is not momentarily sparkly, but the result of prayer, grace, hard work and a willingness to apologize – time and time again.
The same mercy and patience that are essential for building a strong family must be shown to those whose families are in trouble or have broken up, Pope Francis said in his highly anticipated postsynodal apostolic exhortation.
Each month, Pope Francis entrusts two special intentions to his worldwide prayer network, known as the Apostleship of Prayer. For April, the intention is “that small farmers may receive a just reward for their precious labor,” and “that Christians in Africa may give witness to love and faith in Jesus Christ amid political-religious conflicts.”
With the support of the Order of Friars Minor in Umbria, the local Caritas will provide educational, cultural and language assistance to 13 men from Senegal, Ghana and Nigeria.
As discussions continue between Vatican officials and leaders of the traditionalist Society of St. Pius X, Pope Francis met at the Vatican with Bishop Bernard Fellay, head of the society.
Pope Francis asked Catholic dioceses around the world to set up a permanent memorial of the Year of Mercy by establishing a hospital, home for the aged or school in an under-served area.
VATICAN CITY (CNS) – With a simple tap, Pope Francis joined Instagram and quickly set a record for gaining one million followers. The launch of the “Franciscus” account March 19 was on the feast of St. Joseph and the third anniversary of the formal inauguration of his papacy.
The Vatican has set April 8 for the release of “Amoris Laetitia” (“The Joy of Love”), Pope Francis’ reflection on the family and family life. “Amoris Laetitia” is what is known as a “postsynodal apostolic exhortation,” a document addressed to the whole church reflecting on themes of church life and faith discussed at a gathering of the Synod of Bishops.
