BLOG: Fr. Raphael Ma, CR
? Join us in prayer for the intentions entrusted to us by Pope Francis. For December 2017, we join the Holy Father in praying 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. Daily Offering Prayer God, ...read more
Last week we learned about Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist. Zechariah was a good and righteous man (Luke 1:6) and was a priest (Luke 1:5) at the Temple in Jerusalem (Luke 1:8). He was probably educated and respected as a leader in his community. When the Archangel Gabriel told him that his elderly wife, ...read more
Pope Francis addressed participants in an Interreligious and Ecumenical Meeting for Peace on Friday, which took place in the Archbishop of Dhaka’s residence on the second day of the Pope’s Apostolic Journey to Bangladesh. Please find below the official English translation of the Pope’s speech: Distinguished Guests, Dear Friends, Our meeting, which brings together representatives ...read more
Pope Francis spoke to several bishops of Bangladesh on Friday at the Archbishop of Dhaka’s residence during his Apostolic Journey to Bangladesh. Please find below the official English translation of the Pope’s speech: Dhaka, Home for Retired Priests Friday, 1 December 2017 Your Eminence, Dear Brother Bishops, How good it is for us to be ...read more
Pope Francis traveled to the Suhrawardy Udyan Park in Dhaka on Friday, December 1, 2017. Upon his arrival, and after greeting the faithful from the Popemobile, at 10.00 local time (5.00 am, Rome time) the Pope celebrated Mass during which he orders 16 priests. Here below is Pope Francis’ homily preached at the Ordination mass for ...read more
Upon arrival in Bangladesh, Pope Francis paid a courtesy visit to the President of the Republic of Bangladesh, Mr. Abdul Hamid at 5.30 pm local time. Upon arrival, the Pope was welcomed by the Military Secretary who accompanied him at the entrance of honor where the President awaited him. In the Credentials Hall there was ...read more
On Thursday morning, after having leaving the Archbishop’s Residence, Pope Francis travelled to St. Mary’s Cathedral in Yangon for Mass with young people. Before entering the Cathedral, the Pope greeted the faithful gathered outside from the Popemobile. At 10:45 am local time (4:45 pm Rome time), Pope Francis presided at the Eucharist on the liturgical ...read more
Pope Francis on Wednesday met with the 22 Catholic Bishops of Myanmar and reflected with them on the joys and challenges of their ministry in the nation. The meeting took place in Yangon’s Cathedral Complex. Please find below the Pope’s prepared speech to Myanmar Bishops: Your Eminence, My Brother Bishops, For all of us, this has ...read more
Pope Francis on Wednesday addressed the Supreme Sangha Council of Buddhist Monks at the Kaba Aye Center in Yangon during his Apostolic Journey to Myanmar. Please find the full text of the Pope’s speech: It is a great joy for me to be with you. I thank the Most Venerable Bhaddanta Dr Kumarabhivamsa, Chairman of ...read more
On Wednesday morning, Pope Francis left the Archbishop’s residence in Yangon and traveled to the Kyaikkasan Ground. Upon his arrival, and after riding among the faithful in the Pope mobile, the Pope celebrated Holy Mass on the XXXIV week of ordinary time. At the conclusion of the Eucharistic Celebration, the Archbishop of Yangon, Cardinal Charles ...read more