BLOG: Apostolic Journeys,Saints and Blesseds
In today’s catechesis, Pope Francis begins a new series on evangelization. He reflects on the call of St. Matthew the Apostle and quotes Pope Benedict XVI: “The Church does not engage in proselytism. Instead, she grows by ‘attraction.’” Read the full text below: Dear brothers and sisters, good morning! Today we begin a new cycle ...read more
Read the full text of Pope Francis' homily for the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, and the 55th World Day of Peace on January 1, 2022. ...read more
? Do you ever get the feeling that you’re not in control of your life? So often we can try to take the driver’s seat, to be in charge of where we’re heading. We can be unsettled when something unexpected happens or disappointed when things don’t go our way. It’s a normal part of being ...read more
Come, Flower of Jesse’s stem, sign of God’s love for all his people: save us without delay! When I think of this antiphon I can’t help but think of Mary. In fact, I would consider that this O Antiphon, O Radix Jesse, is inseparable from Mary. But O Radix Jesse, Root of Jesse, is a ...read more
  Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? Someone who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up their soul to what is false. Isaiah 7:10-14 Psalm 24 Romans 1.1-7 Matthew 1:18-24 We often say that the road to hell is paved ...read more
On December 8, we celebrate Mary and how she was free from original sin from the moment of her conception. The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception is an important feast day around the world. Many countries like the Philippines, Italy, Malta, Portugal, and Colombia made this day a public holiday. In the United States, it ...read more
  “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.’” Isaiah 11:1-10 Romans 15:4-9 Matthew 3:1-12 “That’s just how we’ve always done things. It’s a good idea, but we’re so set in our ways!” “That’s just the way the world is. I wish it were ...read more
St. Cecilia is known for being the patron saint of music, musicians, and composers. According to tradition, St. Cecilia came from a wealthy family and was promised in marriage to a Roman pagan named Valerian. She had already made a vow of virginity to God, and she prayed and fasted that her promise be preserved.  ...read more
Pope Francis continues his catechesis on discernment by returning to the theme of “desolation.” He says that “desolation is the clearest response to the objection that the experience of God is a form of wishful thinking, a simple projection of our desires,” because “the spiritual life is the relationship with God, the Living One who ...read more
In today’s General Audience, Pope Francis reflects on his Apostolic Visit to Bahrain as a time of “dialogue,” “encounter” and “journey.” He says that “dialogue is ‘the oxygen of peace,'” that “encounters can form stronger relationships,” and that this “first visit of a Pope in Bahrain represents a new step on the journey between Christian ...read more