BLOG: Fr. Raphael Ma, CR
Since the early days of his papacy, Pope Francis has carved out a distinct style of communication. The pastoral narrative that Pope Francis has been developing is something that I have been able to continually find a great sense of meaning in. ...read more
At 10:00 am this morning Pope Francis presided in St Peter's Square at the solemn liturgical celebration of Palm Sunday and the Passion of the Lord. Below is the homily that Pope Francis pronounced after the proclamation of the Lord's Passion according to Mark ...read more
Here is the final document from the Pre-synod of Bishop 2018. These reflections were borne out of the meeting of more than 300 young representatives from around the world, convened in Rome March 19-24 ...read more
A reflection on The Francis Impact's experience visiting El Salvador, and their successful ban on metal mining that helped to put a stop to an environmental disaster. ...read more
(S+L Photo: TFI Director Sebastian Gomes and Cinematographer Peter Turek film in Aguilares, El Salvador on Feb 27, 2018) The crew of “The Francis Impact” traveled to El Salvador from February 20 to March 2 to film a story about the country’s 2017 metal mining ban. It was a major environmental victory which the Church ...read more
A short reflection on Ocar Romero’s influence, legacy, and what he represents for millions of Latin Americans to commemorate his Feast Day on March 24. ...read more
Emilie Callan, one of your Canadian delegates at the pre-synodal meeting, talks about her first day in Rome with 300 other youths from around the world. “Young people never won the Nobel prize for being cautious!” It’s not unusual to hear memorable nuggets such as this one come from the mouth of Pope Francis. He ...read more
The Catholic Church celebrates St. Josephs’ feast day on March 19. St. Joseph is the patron saint of husbands, fathers, families, homes and workers. Joseph is also believed to protect pregnant women, travelers, immigrants and people buying or selling homes. In 1870, St. Joseph was declared patron of the universal Church and he is also ...read more
A brief reflection on the eight martyrs of the UCA, the struggles many of them faced, and the history of El Salvador. “Dying for the truth and living with the truth”- Remembering The Jesuit Martyrs of El Salvador. ...read more
A reflection on the meaning and impact of Christian martyrdom; currently taking place in the Middle East and in many other parts of the world. ...read more