POPE FRANCIS “GRATEFUL” FOR COURAGE OF D-DAY SOLDIERS – JUNE PRAYER INTENTION: PRIESTS’ SOLIDARITY WITH THE POOR

I am back in Rome, well, safe and happy, after an astonishing week in my native Chicago and at my alma mater, St. Mary’s of Notre Dame, Indiana. Memories are as alive now as the events were when they occurred – not only the Alumna Achievement Award ceremony at SMC with friends and family but celebratory meals and visits with great friends in Chicago.

My June calendar has filled up rapidly in the past day or two so now a good night’s sleep is on my agenda in order to be ready to go for those events, receptions, parish meetings.

Heartfelt apologies, by the way, to those of you who look forward to getting “Joan’s Rome” in your daily email. I was silent on these pages during my travels but, as usual, I did post a few things on my Facebook page. It’s good to be back with you. Now I’m about to work on this week’s edition of “Vatican Insider.”

POPE FRANCIS “GRATEFUL” FOR COURAGE OF D-DAY SOLDIERS

As world leaders and veterans commemorated the 75th anniversary of the Allied D-Day landings in Europe, Pope Francis expressed his appreciation for the courage of soldiers who committed themselves to fighting for freedom and peace.

By Devin Watkins (vaticannews)

Pope Francis sent his gratitude to the soldiers who fought in World War II, in a message read out at Mass by Bishop Jean-Claude Boulanger of Bayeux-Lisieux, France. (Vatican photo)

The Holy Father said the Allied landings on June 6, 1944 in Normandy and elsewhere in Europe were “decisive in the fight against Nazi barbarism.”

He said the campaign “opened the path to end World War II, which has so deeply wounded Europe and the world.”

Gratitude
The Pope said he was grateful to the many soldiers who “had the courage to commit themselves and give their lives for freedom and peace.”

He also prayed for the souls of all the fallen soldiers and the millions who died in the war.

Pope Francis expressed his hope that the 75th commemoration of D-Day would allow all generations around the world to recognize that “peace is based on respect for each person, whatever his or her background, on respect for the law and the common good, on respect for the environment entrusted to our care and for the richness of the moral tradition inherited from past generations.”

JUNE PRAYER INTENTION: PRIESTS’ SOLIDARITY WITH THE POOR

Pope Francis released a video message accompanying his prayer intention for June, which is that priests may commit themselves to “solidarity with those who are most poor.” In that message, the Pope calls us to pray that priests, “through the modesty and humility of their lives, commit themselves actively, above all, to solidarity with those who are most poor.”

Following is the full text of that message:

“I would like to ask you to look at the priests who work in our communities.
They are not perfect, but many give it their all until the very end, offering themselves with humility and joy. They are priests who are close to the people, ready to work hard for everyone. Let us be thankful for their example and testimony. Let us pray that priests, through the modesty and humility of their lives, commit themselves actively, above all, to solidarity with those who are most poor.”

The Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network of the Apostleship of Prayer developed “The Pope Video” initiative to assist in the worldwide dissemination of monthly intentions of the Holy Father in relation to the challenges facing humanity. (vaticannews)

For video: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2019-06/pope-francis-prayer-intention-june-2019.html#play

PAPAL LETTER TO THE PILGRIM PEOPLE OF GOD IN CHILE – IN MEMORIAM: 74 YEARS AFTER NORMANDY

PAPAL LETTER TO THE PILGRIM PEOPLE OF GOD IN CHILE

On May 31, Holy See Press Office Director Greg Burke announced that the weekend of June 1-3, Pope Francis would host a group of Chilean priests at the Santa Marta residence. He added that, “With the aim of going forward with the process of reparation and healing of the victims of abuse, once again in coming days Archbishop Charles Scicluna and Bishop Jordi Bertomeu will go to Chile, this time on a mission in the diocese of Osorno, in agreement with Pope Francis.”

That press office statement also announced that, “In the meantime, as he had promised the bishops of Chile, the Holy Father will send the president of the Episcopal Conference of Chile a letter personally written by him and addressed to the People of Chile.”

Following is CNA’s translation of the full text of Pope Francis’ May 31 letter: To the Pilgrim People of God in Chile (you may have to cut and paste link if it is not working):

http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/full-text-of-pope-francis-letter-to-the-church-in-chile-35580?utm_source=CNA&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=daily_newsletter

IN MEMORIAM: 74 YEARS AFTER NORMANDY

I offer this column from Aleteia as a tribute to all those who died in Normandy 74 years ago, to those chaplains who prayed with men of all faiths who knew they might die yet hoped they would not die, but in particular I offer this as a tribute to those men who, when they knelt down, knew precisely why they were on their knees!

Aleteia: These incredible images remind us of the brave sacrifice of thousands and the important role of chaplains and priests during the aftermath.

Seventy-four years after the Allied invasion of Normandy, we remember and honor those who served during the largest seaborne invasion in history.

Chaplains and Catholic priests played an important role in providing essential spiritual and psychological guidance during the days and weeks that followed. Unarmed, they courageously put themselves on the front lines to say Mass, offer pastoral care for active and wounded soldiers, and provide last rites for the dying and prayers for those killed.

Click “Launch the slideshow” on the link below to see some incredible photos from D-Day and brave chaplains and priests who served during the aftermath:

D-Day, 74 years later: Remembering the heroic chaplains and priests of Normandy