On Sunday, November 6, during the last day of his apostolic visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain, Pope Francis participated in a prayer meeting and Angelus with bishops, priests, consecrated persons, seminarians, and pastoral workers. Below is the full text of the words he addressed to them on this occasion:   Pope Francis’ address to ...read more

On Saturday, November 5, Pope Francis visited Sacred Heart School in Awali where he met with young people from the Kingdom of Bahrain. He watched performances by dancers and a choir. Below is the full text of the words he addressed to youth on this occasion:   Pope Francis’ address to youth Sacred Heart School ...read more

On Saturday, November 5, the third day of his visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain, Pope Francis participated in Mass at Bahrain National Stadium. Pope Francis speaks of Jesus’ invitation to love always and to put love into practice. Read the full text of his homily below:   HOMILY OF HIS HOLINESS “Bahrain National Stadium” ...read more

At Our Lady of Arabia Cathedral in Awali, Bahrain on November 4, Pope Francis addressed an Ecumenical meeting and prayer for peace. He reflected on the “unity in diversity and witness of life” given by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, and said that “the praise of God” is the “gathering place” and “spiritual cenacle of our communion.” ...read more

At the Mosque of Sakhir Royal Palace in Alawi, Bahrain on November 4, Pope Francis addressed a meeting with the members of the Muslim Council of Elders. He said that religious leaders have “a unique and inescapable duty: to help humanity to rediscover the forgotten sources of life, to lead men and women to drink from ...read more

At the Al-Fida’ Square of Sakhir Royal Palace on November 4, Pope Francis addressed the “Bahrain Forum for Dialogue: East and West for Human Coexistence.” He said that Forum participants “are here together because we all intend to set sail on the same waters, choosing the route of encounter rather than that of confrontation.” He ...read more

At the Sakhir Palace in Awali on November 3, Pope Francis addressed the civil authorities and diplomatic corps of Bahrain. He thought of the country’s “Tree of Life,” a national symbol and “emblem of vitality,” which inspired his reflections on “the themes of respect, tolerance and religious freedom,” on the global labour crisis, the environment ...read more

Today is the feast day of St. Martin de Porres, one of my favourite saints. St. Martin was born in Lima, Peru on December 9, 1579 to a Spanish nobleman and a freed slave from Panama. His parents were never married, and his father abandoned his family after St. Martin’s sister was born. St. Martin ...read more

A week into a lay ministry position in rural Alberta, I found myself in the lone coffee shop in a village of about 400 people. I was spending time getting to know the regulars, which meant that they needed to get to know me. In the course of our conversation, one of them curiously asked, ...read more

  When Churches Apologize by Sr. Donna Geernaert, SC   Pope Francis Apologizes on behalf of the Catholic Church On two occasions this past year, Pope Francis has expressed his deep sorrow for the pain and trauma suffered by former students of residential schools and their descendants. At the end of March, he met with ...read more