BLOG: Fr. Raphael Ma, CR
George Stephanopoulos discusses Pope Francis in the mainstream Press during his historic visit to the USA. How are you going to spend the next five minutes of your time?  You could browse social media or check your email, but how about meeting a fascinating person and learning something relevant that will broaden your perspective?  Sit ...read more
On Wednesday, September 23, 2015 Pope Francis was welcomed to the White House by President Barack Obama. Below you will find the full text of his prepared remarks. Welcome Ceremony The White House, Washington Wednesday, 23 September 2015 Mr. President, I am deeply grateful for your welcome in the name of all Americans. As the son ...read more
After three days in Cuba, Pope Francis touched down at Andrews Air Force Base in Washington, DC, in the United States of America, greeted by the president, dignitaries, bishops and children. This is the 10th papal visit to the country since 50 years ago. Each of John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and now Francis, has paid a visit to the American capital once. ...read more
On Tuesday, September 22, 2015, Pope Francis met with families in the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption in Cuba. Below, find the full text to his prepared remarks. We are here as a family! And whenever we come together as a family, we feel at home. Thank you, Cuban families. Thank you, Cubans, for ...read more
Following Pope Francis’ celebration of Mass  in the Minor Basilica of the Shrine of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre, Mons. Dionisio García lbáñez, Archbishop of Santiago, gave the following remarks in Spanish: Querido Santo Padre, Quiero expresarle nuestro agradecimiento por haber llegado como peregrino hasta este bello lomerío en el oriente cubano, a ...read more
On Tuesday, September 22, 2015, Pope Francis celebrated Mass in the Minor Basilica of the Shrine of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre. Below, find the full text of his prepared homily. The Gospel we have just heard tells us about something the Lord does every time he visits us: he calls us out ...read more
“Jesus’ love goes before us, his look anticipates our needs.” Here is the official translation of Pope Francis’ homily at the Plaza de la Revolución “Calixto García Iñíguez” in Holguín, Cuba. * * * We are celebrating the feast of the apostle and evangelist Saint Matthew. We are celebrating the story of a conversion. Matthew ...read more
Below you will find the final address of Pope Francis during the celebration of Vespers at the Cathedral of Havana on Sunday, September 20, 2015. Celebration of Vespers with Priests, Men and Women Religious and Seminarians at the Cathedral of Havana Homily of Pope Francis – FINAL VERSION Cardinal Jaime [Ortega] spoke to us about ...read more
Below you will find the final unscripted address of Pope Francis during his meeting with the youth in Havana on Sunday, September 20, 2015. “Hope endures suffering, it’s hardworking, it’s fruitful, it gives us work and it saves us from the throwaway culture” You are standing up and I am sitting. How unmannerly. But you ...read more