As I was taping a TV segment this afternoon on the rooftop terrace of the building where EWTN offices are located, a huge, extraordinarily colorful, long-lasting rainbow appeared over Rome! One of my colleagues took this photo but it truly does not capture the magical beauty of the rainbow or the way that many of Rome’s buildings became brightly lit in a golden hue against a sky filled with dark gray clouds in the fading sun.
Pope Francis this afternoon in the Santa Marta residence, received former U.N. chief Kofi Annan and members of the NGO, The Elders.
POPE FRANCIS: WAR AND THE DAMAGE TO THE ENVIRONMENT
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Monday drew attention to the serious damage that war causes to the environment, and urged all take care of it for future generations. In a post on his Twitter account @Pontifex, Pope Francis wrote: “War always causes serious damage to the environment. We must not mistreat our common home, but take care of it for future generations.”
The Pope’s tweet came on Nov. 6 to mark the United Nations’ International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict. The environment is a favourite theme with Pope Francis, who has dedicated an entire encyclical to it entitled: “’Laudato Sii’, On Care For Our Common Home”.
In a separate message, the UN chief also urged for the protection of the environment especially in times of armed conflict, saying it is “an essential pillar of peace, security and sustainable development.” “War is a dirty business. Smoke plumes from burning oil wells, looted industrial facilities, abandoned munitions and collapsed buildings are among the hallmarks of conflict,” UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres wrote in a message for Monday’s observance.
For that Message, click here: http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-un-urge-protection-of-environment-in-armed-co
VATICAN DENIES ‘UTTERLY FALSE’ REPORTS OF ECUMENICAL MASS
A news report has said that Archbishop Roche was involved in a commission looking at the possibility of an “ecumenical Mass”.
The Vatican has strongly denied reports that a commission has been established examining the possibility of a setting up an “ecumenical Mass” that would allow Catholics and Protestants to celebrate a shared Eucharist.
Archbishop Arthur Roche, the number two official at the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, told The Tablet that reports of a joint Mass were “utterly false,” while Greg Burke, director of the Holy See Press Office, described them as “simply untrue.” (Source: The Tablet)
#RED WEDNESDAY IN THE UK TO HIGHLIGHT PERSECUTION OF CHRISTIANS
(Vatican Radio) Catholic schools and churches across the United Kingdom will be floodlit red to highlight the plight of persecuted Christians across the world.
At least ten cathedrals will take part in the #RedWednesday initiative organised by the Aid to the Church in Need charity on November 22 which aims to promote faith and tolerance in society, stand in solidarity with victims of persecution, and oppose violence and oppression carried out in the name of religion.
Organisers – who chose red to symbolise martyrdom and suffering – are appealing for public buildings to be floodlit on the day. Among the schools and churches that have already pledged to take part are England’s National Shrine of Our Lady, Walsingham, Cardinal Newman High School, Bellshill, St Columba’s Church, Inverness, and St Joseph’s, Pontefract.
Patricia Hatton from ACN said: “#RedWednesday is a unique opportunity to stand up for faith and freedom in this country and around the world and to shine a light on the persecution of Christians and other faith groups today.
“Together let’s make a stand for faith and freedom and help Christians and others – especially in the Middle East – who urgently need our support this Christmas.”
The charity is inviting people to a prayer service in Westminster Cathedral Piazza on November 22 at 6pm, which will be preceded by music, film and personal testimonies. They ask for those attending to wear something red.
For more information, visit acnuk.org/campaign/redwednesday
Joan's Rome 