Joel 2:12-18 “Blow the trumpet in Zion; sanctify a fast; call a solemn assembly; gather the people. Sanctify the congregation; assemble the aged, gather the children… Between the vestibule and the altar let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep. Let them say, ‘Spare your people, O Lord.'” (Joel 2:15, 17) What is the ...read more

In his message for Lent 2023, Pope Francis reflected on the Transfiguration of Our Lord and the “’retreat’ on Mount Tabor” as an image of the Church’s journey to Easter as well as of the synodal path. The Holy Father said that “Lent leads to Easter: the ‘retreat’ is not an end in itself, but ...read more

Many people associate Lent with sacrifice and giving up something they enjoy. However, Lent isn’t just about suffering and repentance: it’s also about spiritual growth. It’s a time for introspection, reflection, and self-examination. As Catholics, we are called to look inward, turn away from our vices, and seek God’s healing, strength, and guidance to make ...read more

  In today’s General Audience, Pope Francis reflected on a portion of Matthew chapter 10 as a guide to proclaiming the Gospel. He said that this “missionary discourse” from Matthew’s Gospel teaches us “why [we] proclaim, what to proclaim and how to proclaim.” Read the full text below: Dear brothers and sisters, good morning! We continue our ...read more

I find that Lent is a certain “dying to ourselves.” Often, we imagine this happens through giving something up, and it certainly does. There are many things that we can remove from our lives to amplify God more: social media, coffee, online shopping.  But what if amplifying God can come about through a different means, ...read more

On February 11, 2023, Bishop Francis Leo, Auxiliary Bishop of Montreal, was appointed the 14th Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Toronto succeeding Cardinal Thomas Collins who has served as the Archbishop of Toronto since 2007. At Salt + Light Media, we offer the Archbishop-designate our congratulations and prayers as he begins his service to the ...read more

In today’s General Audience, Pope Francis reflected on his recent Apostolic Visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan. Read the full text below: Dear brothers and sisters, good morning! Last week I visited two African countries: the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan. I thank God for permitting me to ...read more

Pope Francis concluded his Apostolic Visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan on February 5. He gave the homily at Holy Mass at the John Garang Mausoleum in Juba. Read the full text of his homily below:   Homily of His Holiness John Garang Mausoleum, Juba Sunday, 5 February 2023   ...read more

On February 4, 2023, Pope Francis participated in a prayer meeting with the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Moderator of the Church of Scotland and others, as part of their Ecumenical Pilgrimage of Peace to South Sudan. In his address, the Holy Father called his hearers to “work together, to foster this fraternal unity among ourselves ...read more

On Saturday, February 4, Pope Francis, with the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Moderator of the Church of Scotland, heard from and responded to internally displaced persons and representatives of humanitarian organizations. In his address, the Holy Father said that “We hope and believe that now, even in the camps for displaced persons, where sadly ...read more