In today’s catechesis on discernment, Pope Francis reflects on the importance of vigilance and “keeping watch to safeguard our heart.” Read the full text below: Dear brothers and sisters, good morning! We are now entering the final phase of this journey of catechesis on discernment. We started out from the example of Saint Ignatius of Loyola; ...read more

Pope Francis continues his catechesis on discernment and decision-making by discussing “some important aspects that help us read the time after the decision as a possible confirmation of its goodness.” He says that a decision is good if it “is seen as a possible sign of response to the Lord’s love and generosity,” it gives ...read more

In today’s catechesis on the discernment of spirits, Pope Francis defines consolation, gives examples of saints who have experienced spiritual consolation, and distinguishes between “the consolation that comes from God and false consolations.” Dear brothers and sisters, good morning! We continue the catechesis on the discernment of spirits and how to discern them when they ...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

In today’s catechesis on discernment, Pope Francis examines desolation and sadness. He emphasizes not making changes when you are desolate and not being led astray by desolation.   Dear brothers and sisters, good morning! Discernment, as we have seen in the previous catecheses, is not primarily a logical procedure; it is based on actions, and actions ...read more

In today’s catechesis, Pope Francis continues to teach on the theme of discernment. He invites us, following St. Augustine’s example, to read our own life histories, learn to recognize the presence of “toxic” elements in our lives, and then broaden our narrative and notice the “discreet ways in which God acts in our life.” Read ...read more

In today’s catechesis, Pope Francis reflects on discernment and the desire of the paralytic at the pool of Bethesda to be healed. Read the full text below: Dear brothers and sisters, good morning! In these catecheses on discernment we are reviewing the elements of discernment. After prayer, one element, and self-knowledge, another element, that is, ...read more

In today’s catechesis, Pope Francis reflects on how good discernment requires self-knowledge and patient soul-searching. Read the full text below: Dear brothers and sisters, good morning! Let us continue to explore the theme of discernment. Last time we considered prayer, understood as familiarity and confidence with God, as its indispensable element. Prayer, not like parrots. ...read more

  Pope Francis’ General Audience – Sept 28, 2022 On Wednesday, September 28, Pope Francis spoke to the audience at Saint Peter’s Square. Continuing the series of his Catechesis on Discernment, he speaks on the topic of prayer and growing in familiarity with the Lord. Read the full text of his address to the general ...read more