Salt + Light Blog
Light for the World through Media
A defining speech by Pope Francis at Pentecost Vigil
On Saturday, May 18, 2013 Pope Francis celebrated the Pentecost Vigil in St. Peter's Square with 200,000 representatives from the different ecclesial movements. During the celebration, the Pope discussed 1) his faith journey, 2) the new challenges of evangelization, 3) becoming a church for the poor, and 4) Christian witness. Together they comprise what is arguably the most defining speech of … read more
Film review: To the Wonder
Sam Sorich is one of the Salt and Light family members who works behind the cameras and in the editing suites. Sam is a film buff with theological formation and he likes to combine the two whenever he can. Sam recently saw the film "To the Wonder" and offers this reflection. "To the Wonder" will make you wonder in both senses of the word: in awe at its gorgeous cinematography and vision, and in … read more
Vatican Connections: May 14, 2013
This week on Vatican Connections the Holy See says Pope Francis did not perform an exorcism after Pentecost Mass on May 19. The first of the new curial appointments are made, and our Roman Profile looks at the way past popes have left their mark on the Roman cityscape. … read more
Is Pope Francis is a heretic? No, but he does raise questions
- Drawing of Pope Francis courtesy Graphic News The following article appeared on the RNS (Religion News Service) on May 24, 2013. It might look that way from the eye-catching headlines this week that made it appear everyone was bound for heaven — “even atheists!” — thanks to Jesus’ death on the cross. The passage that prompted the reports came from Francis’ brief homily at … read more
Martyrs of Compiègne on an all-new Catholic Focus
No one should go out of their way to look for martyrdom, but Christ did say that following him does mean embracing the Cross. However, little did a group of 18th century French Carmelite nuns realize that their commitment to follow Christ would also be considered a crime. Deacon Pedro visits the Canadian Opera Company and then speaks with Fr. Jay Comerford, O.Carm and Sr. Agnes Roger, Carmel … read more
The Meaning of “Salvation” according to Pope Francis
I have received numerous calls and messages throughout the day yesterday and again today regarding Pope Francis’ daily homily in the Chapel of Domus Sanctae Marthae on Wednesday May 22, 2013. The homily was inspired by the passage in the Gospel of Mark (9:38-40) in which the disciples tell Jesus that they tried to stop someone from driving out demons because he was not one of their party. … read more
Pope Francis warns against becoming museum piece Christians – Daily Perspectives
Tonight on Perspectives: Pope Francis warns against becoming museum piece Christians, the Vatican Financial Information Authority presents its first annual report and a call to pray for the Church in China tomorrow. … read more
Photo of the Day: Prophetic Curiosity?
This photo was taken during Wednesday's General Audience at St. Peter's Square. The unidentified toddler has captured worldwide media attention. Some captions from various publications include:"He seems decided about his future""Popemobile driver in-training""A future Roman Pontiff?"---Photo Courtesy of CNS … read more
Perspectives Daily – Wednesday, May 22
Tonight on Perspectives: Pope Francis talks about the Holy Spirit at his General Audience, calls for prayers for China, and meets Angela Merkel. In other news, a major international inter-religious and intercultural dialogue center begins it's first conference. … read more
World Day of Prayer for China
Pope Francis has called on all Catholics to pray for the Church in China on Friday, May 24th. The day is officially known as the World Day of Prayer for China, and is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Help of Christians, who is venerated at the Shrine of Sheshan in Shanghai. In May of 2008, Pope-Emeritus Benedict XVI composed a special prayer for the feast day, and all Catholics are … read more
Hidden Devotions: Mother Thrice Admirable
In the previous installment of this series on obscure Marian devotions, we met Father Jakob Rem, a German Jesuit who had a hand in the devotion to Mary Untier of Knots. It turns out Fr. Rem had a deep devotion to Mary and wanted to promote devotion to Mary as a way of renewing the church of his day. As a result, Mary was not shy about revealing herself to Fr. Rem.Fr. Rem did his Jesuit Novitiate … read more
Perspectives Daily – Tuesday, May 21
Tonight on Perspectives: Newness, Harmony, and Mission at Pentecost; Catholic Charities turns 100; and Fr. Alex Osei is appointed Director of the Canadian English Sector of the Pontifical Mission Societies. … read more
We Give You Thanks for Your Great Glory
Solemnity of Most Holy Trinity, Year C- May 26, 2013 The readings for this Sunday are: Prv 8:22-31, Ps 8:4-5, 6-7, 8-9, Rom 5:1-5, Jn 16:12-15 On the Sunday that follows Pentecost, we celebrate the solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity. Thanks to the Holy Spirit, who helps us understand Jesus' words and guides us to the whole truth, believers can have a personal experience of the intimacy of God … read more
Bringing Jesus to a humanity in crisis
On Saturday, May 18, Pope Francis celebrated the vigil of the feast of Pentecost at St. Peter's Square with members of New Movements. Aside from leading a prayer service, the Holy Father also took part in a question and answer session with members of these movements. Below is a report from Vatican Radio about that session.Pope Francis puts his certainty of faith down to his grandmother, from whom … read more
Pope Francis on Pentecost Sunday: Newness, Harmony and Mission
Dear Brothers and Sisters,Today we contemplate and re-live in the liturgy the outpouring of the Holy Spirit sent by the risen Christ upon his Church; an event of grace which filled the Upper Room in Jerusalem and then spread throughout the world.But what happened on that day, so distant from us and yet so close as to touch the very depths of our hearts? Luke gives us the answer in the passage of … read more
Trail of Light: Remembering Chiara Lubich
This Pentecost weekend, we invite you to learn more about one of the Church's great lay movements: Focolare also known as the "Work of Mary". Founded by a young lay woman during wartime Italy the story of Chiara Lubich is truly extraordinary. It can be difficult to describe how the Holy Spirit is present in the life of the Church; its simply best to witness its effects. Focolare is an excellent … read more
Pennsylvania priest leads mission to help minority Christians
Since its founding in 1926, the need for the Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA) has only grown. This papal agency, created by Pius XI to support the Eastern Catholic Churches, is helping sustain vulnerable Christian populations amidst poverty and violence. Leading this mission is Msgr. John Kozar, a priest from the diocese of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania who previously served as national … read more
Pope Francis joins lay movements for Pentecost celebrations
This weekend, 120,000 members of lay movements and ecclesial associations are gathering in Rome to celebrate Pentecost and the Year of Faith. Around 150 different groups from around the world are registered for the events. Under the slogan, “I Believe! Increase our Faith”, the pilgrimage begins at the tomb of St. Peter on Saturday morning. Then in the afternoon, a welcoming ceremony with … read more
Photo of the Day – Chiara Lubich and Pope John Paul II
Pictured above with Pope John Paul II is Chiara Lubich, founder of the Focolare movement (1982). Learn more about the fascinating lay woman who founded one of the Church's great ecclessial movements. Tune in this Saturday May 18 at 8:30 pm ET / 6:30 pm PT for the premiere of Centro S.Chiara Audiovisivi's documentary, Trail of Light: Remembering Chiara Lubich. Focolare which now operates in 182 … read more
Cardinal Christoph Schonborn, Unscripted
This past week Cardinal Christoph Schonborn of Vienna participated in the Leadership Conference at Holy Trinity Brompton, an Anglican parish in the heart of downtown London. Cardinal Schoenborn's presentation was more of a Question and Answer session with Holy Trinity pastor Nicky Gumbel. He spoke about Christian Unity, Pope Francis, the Conclave, and was also asked about his family. In his … read more
Pope Francis calls for global financial reform – Perspectives Daily
Tonight on Perspectives: Pope Francis welcomes new ambassadors to the Holy See and calls for global financial reform. … read more
A person is more than what they consume
On Thursday May 17, 2013, Pope Francis met with the ambassadors of Kyrgystan, Antigua and Barbuda, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, and Botswana. Below is the full text of his address to the ambassadors, which focused on the need for ethics, especially in relation to the financial crisis. Your Excellencies, I am pleased to receive you for the presentation of the Letters accrediting you as … read more
Birthing the Renaissance – Catholic Focus
The Early Renaissance is considered one of the most crucial and dynamic periods in Western art history. Wealthy 14th-century Florentine citizens commissioned extravagant works of art, spurring artists to explore new materials and innovate new artistic techniques. In a type of new evangelization of their era, these artists also turned to the New Testament stories of Christ's life and the lives of … read more
What did we get ourselves into?
An integral part of any successful pilgrimage is that moment of self-doubt when you ask yourself, “What have I gotten myself into?”This was a question often uttered along the route of the Camino de Santiago in Spain, which I walked last fall. On the rough days, as we shuffled along the seemingly interminable path, pummeled by cold rain and hobbled by blisters, we all faced the temptation to … read more
Fr. Thomas Rosica on CNN
Fr. Thomas Rosica appeared on Amanpour Live, Tuesday May 14, to talk about the papal transition and Pope Francis. Watch the full interview in the video above. … read more
More posts
- The Vibrant Parish: a place to encounter Christ
- Perspectives Daily – Tuesday, May 14
- The Humble, Yet Powerful Beginning of a New Age
- Perspectives Daily – Monday, May 13
- To all Mothers of priests
- Three new Saints
- New documentary asks: Who is Pope Francis?
- Approved under Benedict, Francis proclaims first saints
- Vatican Connections: May 10, 2013
- Hidden Devotions: Mary Untier of Knots
- New Salt and Light series nears completion
- General Audience: May 8, 2013
- Perspectives Daily – Francis meets leaders of women’s religious orders
- Lamentation, Crucifixion and Ascension: a work of art
- Perspectives Daily – Tuesday, May 7
- In Jesus, the Future Has Already Begun!
- S+L to stream ordination of new bishop for Hamilton
- Perspectives Daily – Monday, May 6
- How can we stop gendercide, if we can’t even discuss it?
- Our Chinese Programming: Sign of a New Pentecost