DUBAI TRIP IS CANCELLED BUT POPE FRANCIS PRESIDES GENERAL AUDIENCE – THE BENEDICTINE APOTHECARY OF THE POPE’S COLLECTIONS – “REGULA BULLATA”: FRANCISCANS CELEBRATE 800 YEARS OF RULE OF ST. FRANCIS

DUBAI TRIP IS CANCELLED BUT POPE FRANCIS PRESIDES GENERAL AUDIENCE

Pope Francis presided at today’s general audience in the Paul VI Hall but, because he still has breathing issues and a weak voice, an aide, Msgr. Filippo Ciampanelli, read the Italian-language catechesis that continued Francis’ cycle  on The passion for evangelization: the apostolic zeal of the believer, focusing on the theme “Proclamation is for today.”

In fact, the Pope’s doctors, who have been treating him for an inflammation in the lungs since November 25, felt it would be unwise of him to travel to Dubai for the climate conference Cop28 that starts there tomorrow, and the Vatican announced last night that the Holy Father had cancelled the scheduled three-day trip.

Obviously, however, the doctors felt he could be present for today’s general audience. Before the audience the Pope met with Glasgow’s Celtic Football Club in a small room off the audience hall while, at the end of the audience, a very animated group of circus performers entertained the Pope and the faithful present. (vatican media)

Scroll down on Colm’s page for a few minutes of video of that entertainment: https://twitter.com/colmflynnire

Here’s a video link to the entire general audience.  https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-11/pope-francis-general-audience-apostolic-zeal-evangelii-gaudium.html

THE BENEDICTINE APOTHECARY OF THE POPE’S COLLECTIONS

The entire set of the ancient pharmacy, now displayed in the Vatican Museums, comes from the monastery of Santa Cecilia in Trastevere. In 1936, Pope Pius XI ordered its transfer to the Apostolic Library. Since then, spices, jars, and precious items have been preserved in their entirety. They bear witness to the ancient knowledge of the Benedictine nuns, who served in the care of the sick and the needy.

You really want to watch this video: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2023-11/segreti-musei-vaticani-antica-spezieria-santa-cecilia.html

“REGULA BULLATA”: FRANCISCANS CELEBRATE 800 YEARS OF RULE OF ST. FRANCIS

As the Franciscan family celebrates the 800th anniversary of the Rule of St. Francis on 29 November, Fr. Luke Gregory of the Custody of the Holy Land reflects on the evangelical creativity and freshness that the ‘Regula Bullata’ represents for the entire Church.

By Fr. Luke Gregory, OFM*

In their essentiality, the Chapters of the Regula Bullata of Saint Francis of Assisi contain an abundant wealth of indications and stimuli for the Christian life, which for 800 years has raised, oriented, and supported hosts of simple men and women, determined to follow Jesus and the Gospel: the Friars Minor — “The Franciscans”.

We are able to “read” the best commentary on this Holy Rule in the lives of our Franciscan brothers and sisters, who throughout history have distinguished themselves for virtue and holiness.

Allow me to limit myself to underlining some traits that always fascinate me for the wisdom and concreteness wherewith they are imbued, and which have the strength to restore impetus and meaning to my own vocation. FOR MORE: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2023-11/saint-francis-rule-regula-bullata-800th-anniversary.html