PAPAL CATECHESIS ON JUSTICE, “THE BASIS OF PEACE” – POPE FRANCIS RENEWS APPEAL FOR CEASEFIRE IN GAZA, DECRIES KILLING OF WORLD KITCHEN STAFF VOLUNTEERS – POPE PRAYS FOR PEOPLE SLAIN IN WAR, RECALLS UKRAINIAN SOLDIER OLEKSANDR, HOLDS HIS ROSARY

PAPAL CATECHESIS ON JUSTICE, “THE BASIS OF PEACE”

Pope Francis, presiding at the weekly general audience in St Peter’s Square focused the catechesis on the virtue of justice, noting at the start that ,“Without justice, there is no peace!”

He said the Catechism describes justice as “the constant and firm will to give their due to God and neighbour” (No. 1807). Justice is not only a virtue to be practiced by individuals; it is above all a social virtue, for it is directed to the creation of communities in which each person is treated in accordance with his or her innate dignity. Justice is thus the basis of peace.”

The Holy Father explained that ,“the practice of justice demands the practice of other virtues, such as honesty, integrity, respect for law and commitment to the common good. Jesus calls blessed those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (cf. Mt 5:6). How greatly our world, riven by war and manifest inequality, needs men and women firmly committed to the pursuit of justice, so that the human family can live and flourish in unity, solidarity and peace.”

To see the video: Pope at Audience: The righteous and upright will find happiness – Vatican News

POPE FRANCIS RENEWS APPEAL FOR CEASEFIRE IN GAZA, DECRIES KILLING OF WORLD KITCHEN STAFF VOLUNTEERS

At the end of the general audience catechesis and summaries in different languages, Pope Francis made this appeal:

“Unfortunately, sad news continues to come from the Middle East. I reiterate my firm call for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. I express my deep regret for the volunteers killed while engaged in the distribution of humanitarian aid in Gaza. I pray for them and their families. I renew my appeal for the exhausted and suffering civilian population to be given access to humanitarian aid and for the hostages to be released immediately. Let us avoid all irresponsible attempts to broaden the conflict in the region, and let us work so that this and other wars that continue to bring death and suffering to so many parts of the world may end as soon as possible. Let us pray and work tirelessly for weapons to be silenced and for peace to reign once again.”

The 7 slain volunteers worked with the World Central Kitchen.

POPE PRAYS FOR PEOPLE SLAIN IN WAR, RECALLS UKRAINIAN SOLDIER OLEKSANDR, HOLDS HIS ROSARY

Continuing his appeals for peace, the Holy Father spoke of Ukraine and a young soldier, killed in action, whose rosary he held at the audience:

“And let us not forget tormented Ukraine; so many dead! I hold in my hands a rosary and a book of the New Testament left by a soldier who died in the war. This boy was called Oleksandr, Alexander, and he was 23 years old. Alexander read the New Testament and the Psalms, and in the Book of Psalms he had underlined Psalm 130: “Out of the depths I cry to thee, O Lord! Lord, hear my voice!”. This 23-year-old boy died in Avdiïvka, in the war. He had his life ahead of him. And this is his rosary and his New Testament, which he read and prayed. I would like us to take a moment of silence, all of us, thinking about this boy and many others like him who died in this folly of war. War always destroys! Let us think of them, and let us pray.” (video at 53:08: Pope at Audience: The righteous and upright will find happiness – Vatican News)

 

 

 

Pope Francis recalls a slain Ukrainian soldier, 23-year-old Oleksandr, who was kille

PAROLIN: FOR THE POPE, NEGOTIATION IS NOT SURRENDER, BUT A CONDITION FOR JUST AND LASTING PEACE

To fully understand what Cardinal Parolin is saying about the papal interview with Swiss media during which Pope Francis, relative to Ukraine, used the words “white flag,” here is a link to the Vatican news story on that interview:: ‘Pope asks for the courage to negotiate for Ukraine’ – Vatican News. The story starts: Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, responds to journalists regarding Pope Francis’ statements in an interview with a Swiss TV station, saying “the Pope picked up the image of the white flag, proposed by the interviewer, to indicate a cessation of hostilities, a truce reached with the courage of negotiation. His hope is for a diplomatic solution for a just and lasting peace.”

PAROLIN: FOR THE POPE, NEGOTIATION IS NOT SURRENDER, BUT A CONDITION FOR JUST AND LASTING PEACE

Following Pope Francis’ interview on the war in Ukraine with Radio Télévision Suisse, Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin discusses the issue with the Italian newspaper ‘Corriere della Sera’, saying there is a risk of nuclear escalation.

By Vatican News

We publish the full text of an interview given to Gian Guido Vecchi by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, published on Tuesday in the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera. (ANSA photo)

Q: Your Eminence, it is clear that the Pope is calling for negotiation rather than surrender. But why address only one of the two parties, Ukraine, and not Russia? And isn’t there a risk that invoking the “defeat” of the aggressed party as motivation for negotiation is counterproductive?

As the director of the Holy See Press Office said, citing the Holy Father’s words on February 25 of last year, the Pope’s appeal is that “conditions be created for a diplomatic solution in the pursuit of a just and lasting peace.”

It is obvious that responsibility for the creation of such conditions does not fall solely on one of the parties but on both, and the first condition seems to me to be precisely putting an end to the aggression.

One must never forget context, which in this case is a question that was addressed to the Pope. He, in response, spoke of negotiation and, in particular, the courage to negotiate, which is never a surrender.

The Holy See pursues this line and continues to call for a ceasefire—and it should be the aggressors who cease fire first—and then the opening of negotiations. The Holy Father explains that negotiating is not weakness but strength. It is not surrender, but courage.

And he tells us that we must have greater consideration for human life, for the hundreds of thousands of human lives that have been sacrificed in this war in the heart of Europe. These are words that apply to Ukraine as well as to the Holy Land and to the other conflicts that afflict the world.

Q: Is a diplomatic solution still a possibility?
Since these are decisions that depend on human will, there always remains the possibility of reaching a diplomatic solution.

The war unleashed against Ukraine is not the result of an uncontrollable natural disaster but solely of human freedom. The same human free will that caused this tragedy also has the possibility and the responsibility to take steps to end it, and pave the way for a diplomatic solution.

Q: Is the Holy See concerned about escalation? This is something you yourself have mentioned, saying that “the hypothesis of involvement of Western countries” is a frightening one.

The Holy See is concerned about the risk of a widening of the war. The escalation of the conflict, the outbreak of new armed clashes, and the arms race are dramatic and disturbing signs in this regard.

The widening of the war would mean new suffering, new mourning, new victims, and new destruction, adding to what the Ukrainian people, especially children, women, the elderly, and civilians, are now experiencing firsthand, paying the all-too-high price of this unjust war.

Q: Pope Francis has also spoken about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, evoking the “responsibility” of both parties. What do these two situations have in common?

The two situations certainly have in common the fact that they have dangerously widened beyond any acceptable limit, that they cannot be resolved, that they have repercussions in different countries, and that no solution can be found without serious negotiation.

I am concerned about the hatred they are generating. When will wounds this deep ever be healed?

Q: On the subject of escalation, the Pope has spoken several times about the danger of a nuclear conflict, saying, “All it takes is one incident.” Is this the Holy See’s underlying fear? An “incident” like in Sarajevo in 1914?

The risk of a fatal ‘drift’ towards nuclear war is a real one. Just look at how regularly certain government representatives resort to this sort of threat. I can only hope that this is strategic propaganda rather than a ‘warning’ of something truly possible.

As for the “underlying fear” of the Holy See, I believe it is more that the various actors in this tragic situation may become even more entrenched in their own interests, not doing what they can to achieve a just and stable peace.

 

 

POPE PRAISES COURAGE OF WOMEN WHO HAVE MOVED AWAY FROM THE MAFIA – CARDINAL PIZZABALLA CONSECRATES HOLY LAND TO IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY – CARDINAL PAROLIN REAFFIRMS VATICAN’S COMMITMENT TO PURSUE PEACE IN UKRAINE

POPE PRAISES COURAGE OF WOMEN WHO HAVE MOVED AWAY FROM THE MAFIA

Pope Francis greeted a group of Italian women who have turned their lives away from organized crime, and encouraged them to persevere without fear, knowing that Jesus is always by their side.

Pope Francis on Monday welcomed to the Vatican a group of Italian women who have decided to move away from their families involved in organized crime, and to join the “Libera” network against the mafia. They were accompanied by Fr. Luigi Ciotti, an Italian priest who founded the association in 1995.

The organisation promotes the use of land and assets seized from criminal outfits to set up local cooperatives, anti-drug projects and community centres, as well as seeking to provide employment for those side-lined by organised crime.

It includes associations, cooperatives, social organizations, schools, unions and churches which have joined in an effort to challenge the power of corruption and organized crime, while promoting social justice and human rights. READ MORE:
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-10/pope-praises-courage-of-women-who-have-moved-away-from-the-mafia.html

CARDINAL PIZZABALLA CONSECRATES HOLY LAND TO IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY

In the midst of the war between Israel and Hamas, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, consecrates the Holy Land to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, performed an Act of Consecration of the Holy Land to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, on Sunday, 29 October, the Solemnity of the Virgin Mary, Queen of Palestine and the Holy Land.

Celebrating Mass in the Marian Shrine of Deir Rafat, the Patriarch consecrated the Church, all humanity, the peoples of the Middle East, and especially the people of the Holy Land to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

In the Act of Consecration, he invoked Mary’s help amid the war gripping the Holy land.

He prayed that she might watch over those who suffer, flee from bombardments, or have lost family members in the war.

“We now knock on the door of your heart,” he prayed. “We are your beloved children. We are confident that, in the most troubled moments of our history, you will not be deaf to our supplication and will come to our aid.”

Fading fraternity
Patriarch Pizzaballa prayed that the Blessed Mother will guide world leaders and those who decide the destiny of nations, so that they might decide according to justice and truth, and work for the common good.

He recalled Mary’s words to her Son Jesus at the Wedding at Cana: “They have no wine” (Jn 2:3).

“Now, O Mother, repeat those words, for in our own day we have run out of the wine of hope, joy has fled, fraternity has faded,” he said. “We have forgotten our humanity and squandered the gift of peace. How greatly we need your maternal help!”

The Act of Consecration took place during Mass at the Marian Shrine of Deir Rafa, and included a procession with the icon of the Virgin Mary, Queen of Palestine.

Increasing death toll
According to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza, over 8,000 people have been killed, including 3,500 children, in Israeli strikes on Gaza since 7 October when Hamas attacked Israel, killing over 1,400 people. READ MORE: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2023-10/patriarch-pizzaballa-holy-land-consecration-immaculate-mary.html

CARDINAL PAROLIN REAFFIRMS VATICAN’S COMMITMENT TO PURSUE PEACE IN UKRAINE

The Holy See expresses support for the Ukrainian President’s “Plan for Peace” especially in regards to humanitarian issues. It also a reaffirms its commitment to continue its efforts aimed at alleviating the sufferings of the Ukrainian people and the return of prisoners and children to Ukraine.

Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin reaffirmed the Holy See’s commitment to contribute to the alleviation of the sufferings of the Ukrainian people who have been subjected to war with Russia for the past 18 months.

In particular, Cardinal Parolin said he upholds a Plan for Peace presented by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, especially in regard to humanitarian issues and he pledged to pursue efforts aiming to return prisoners and children to Ukraine.

Talks on Ukraine’s plan for peace took place in Malta on 28 and 29 October with the participation of more than 65 countries. Russia was not invited. READ MORE: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2023-10/parolin-holy-see-peace-plan-ukraine.html

NEWS BRIEFS: THE VATICAN, UKRAINE AND RUSSIA – ST. MARY MACKILLOP’S APOSTOLIC ZEAL WITH AUSTRALIA’S ABORGINES – ARE THE WORLD’S DIOCESES TO FOLLOW THE VATICAN CURIA RENEWAL?

NEWS BRIEFS: THE VATICAN, UKRAINE AND RUSSIA

Ukraine: According to the director of the Holy See Press Office, a delegation of wives of Ukrainian diplomats is in Rome and attended the Pope’s general audience this morning where they met the pontiff, together with the Ukrainian ambassador to the Holy See. They will be present tomorrow at the papal Mass for the feast of St. Peter and Paul, Apostles.

Russia: ANSA news agency and Italian journalists in Moscow to cover the visit of the papal envoy, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, report that the cardinal’s agenda is top secret. A report this morning from a RAI TV correspondent at 11 am Moscow time said Cardinal Zuppi had just returned to the nunciature where he is staying. He was out several hours but nothing has been said of where he was, whom he saw, etc. “Mouths are sewed shut,” wrote the journalist. The Kremlin spokesperson Peskov did confirm that a meeting was scheduled between the cardinal and Putin’s foreign policy advisor Ushakov. Cardinal Zuppi will say Mass in Moscow’s cathedral tomorrow night at 7, Moscow time, for the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul. No word at all on whether the cardinal will meet or not with Orthodox Patriarch Kirill

MARY MACKILLOP’S APOSTOLIC ZEAL WITH AUSTRALIA’S ABORGINES

At the Wednesday general audience, his first since June 7 and the last before the July summer break, Pope Francis reflected on the apostolic zeal of St. Mary MacKillop, praising her desire to bring Christ and good education to the aboriginal peoples of rural Australia. She founded the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart. Born near Melbourne to Scottish immigrants to Australia, Mary felt called from a young age to serve God in a special way.

Pope Francis said Mary MacKillop believed she was sent “to spread the Good News and invite others to encounter the living Christ.”

She read the signs of her times, he said, and felt drawn to found several schools to spread the Gospel through Catholic education.

“One essential characteristic of her zeal for the Gospel,” he said, “was her desire to care for the poor and marginalized. This pushed her to go where others refused or were unable to go.”

The Pope highlighted her belief that education should promote “the integral development of the person both as an individual and as a member of the community, which requires wisdom, patience, and charity on the part of every teacher.”

“Education consists not in filling heads with ideas,” he said, “but is about accompanying and encouraging students along their path of human and spiritual growth, showing them how friendship with the Risen Jesus opens their hearts and makes their lives more human.”

Pope Francis praised this insight as relevant to our own times, as shown in his own calls for a Global Compact on Education to unite families, schools, and societies. For a ton of great photos, click here: General Audience – Activities of the Holy Father Pope Francis | Vatican.va

ARE THE WORLD’S DIOCESES TO FOLLOW THE VATICAN CURIA RENEWAL?

The following communique was released last evening just before 7 pm by the Vatican press office. As I read it, I began to wonder if the second paragraph was alerting the world’s bishops that the renewal of the Roman Curia, as seen in Apostolic Constitution Praedicate evangelium, was now coming to a diocese near them! The key word seems to be “implement.” I could be reading too much into this but am going to see if, indeed, there is a deeper meaning to Cardinal Ghirlanda’s words.

“The Council of Cardinals met on 26 and 27 June. Together with the Holy Father, all the Cardinals who are part of it and the Secretary of the Council participated.

“During the session, with the collaboration of Cardinal Gianfranco Ghirlanda, the first steps were taken in reflecting on how to implement the spirit, principles and criteria of the Apostolic Constitution Praedicate evangelium in diocesan curias.

“The theme of synodality was the subject of discussion, with reference to the ongoing Synod, with an update on the passages of recent months brought by Cardinal Mario Grech, in view of the October Assembly.

“Cardinal O’Malley briefed on the recent Plenary of the Commission for the Protection of Minors in May and the work of the Commission to update regulations and practices throughout the Church so that child protection mechanisms are effective in each diocese.

“The ongoing conflict in Ukraine was the subject of reflection.

“The next session will be in December of this year.”

POPE FRANCIS TO TAKE SUMMER BREAK AS OF JULY 1 – POPE FRANCIS IS SENDING CARDINAL MATTEO ZUPPI AS HIS ENVOY TO MOSCOW – CARDINAL KRAJEWSKI VISITS UKRAINE ON “EVANGELICAL EXPEDITION” – POPE ACCEPTS RESIGNATION OF BISHOP STIKA OF KNOXVILLE

POPE FRANCIS TO TAKE SUMMER BREAK AS OF JULY 1

In keeping with custom during the summer season, all of Pope Francis’ audiences – including the general audiences and those with particular groups – will be temporarily suspended throughout the month of July. This was announced today by the Prefecture of the Papal Household through a statement from the Holy See Press Office. Papal audiences will resume in August, with the first general audience scheduled for Wednesday, 9 August. Pope’s audiences temporarily suspended in July for summer break – Vatican News

POPE FRANCIS IS SENDING CARDINAL MATTEO ZUPPI AS HIS ENVOY TO MOSCOW

Cardinal Zuppi, archbishop of Bologna and president of the Italian Bishops’ Conference, will embark on a visit June 28-29, 2023, that aims to strengthen “gestures of humanity that can contribute to promoting a solution to the current tragic situation and find paths toward a just peace.”

Accompanied by an official from the Secretariat of State, he will likely uphold Pope Francis desire for a resolution to the war on the European continent. The Pope has been a vocal advocate for peace, consistently calling on world leaders and individuals alike to work towards resolving conflict through peaceful means. He has made countless appeals for prayers for people suffering due to the war in Ukraine. Cardinal Zuppi visited Kyiv June 5-6 June, during which he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other high-level government officials. Cardinal Zuppi to visit Moscow as Pope Francis’ peace envoy – Vatican News

CARDINAL KRAJEWSKI VISITS UKRAINE ON “EVANGELICAL EXPEDITION”

Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, the Papal Almoner, is currently visiting the Ukrainian city of Kherson for his sixth mission to provide aid and solace to the war-torn country and its affected population. In recent weeks, the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson experienced the destruction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric dam, resulting in the flooding of more than 80 villages and towns, the devastation of 20,000 hectares of farmland, and the spilling of over 150 tons of oil. Cardinal Krajewski arrived in Kherson, driving a truck laden with food supplies (mainly sourced from South Korea, including over 100,000 freeze-dried soups). He also brought with him vital medicines from the Vatican, Gemelli Hospital, and a solidarity fund based in Naples. (Vatican media)

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Departing from Rome on June 22, the Cardinal embarked on a journey of over 3,125 kilometers. “So many roads, so many kilometers,” he recounted. After spending Sunday night in the Ukrainian city of Odessa, Cardinal Krajewski visited Drohobyč on Monday, the area’s second-largest economic center located nearly 100 kilometers from Lviv. He toured a Greek Catholic humanitarian center that extends aid and refuge to those in need. The Cardinal then visited a local hospital, a center for alcoholics, and a children’s center, which now serves as a sanctuary for refugees during vacations. On Tuesday, Cardinal Krajewski traveled to Mikołajów, where he visited an active parish that remarkably remains open despite extensive Russian bombardment.  https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2023-06/cardinal-konrad-krajewski-ukraine-kherson-interview.html

POPE ACCEPTS RESIGNATION OF BISHOP STIKA OF KNOXVILLE

The Vatican announced today that Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Bishop Richard Stika of the diocese of Knoxville. Bishop Stika also announced on his Facebook page that the Pope had accepted his resignation letter,  sent a month ago to the Holy Father. Stika turns 66 on July 4. Bishops rarely retire before the mandatory age of 75 unless a health issue intervenes. On a bishop’s 75^th birthday he is required by law to submit his resignation to the Pope. The diocese announced that Archbishop Shelton Fabre of Louisville, will be the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Knoxville and serve until the appointment and installation of a new bishop.

Stika wrote on Facebook, “I recognize that questions about my leadership have played out publicly in recent months. I would be less than honest if I didn’t admit that some of this has weighed on me physically and emotionally. For these reasons, I asked the Holy Father for relief from my responsibilities as a diocesan bishop.

In recent years, in fact, Stika has led the diocese amid accusations of pastoral and governing mismanagement and, in particular, questions about protecting a former seminarian who had been accused of raping a diocesan employee. Lawsuits are pending in several cases.  The Vatican has been investigating the accusations against Stika and his management of the diocese.

He also spoke of many illnesses that had plagued him in recent years. He has been in Knoxville since 2009 but said on Facebook today that both he and Cardinal Justin Rigali, who has lived with him in Knoxville for 12 years, will be moving to St. Louis, the home diocese of both.

 

POPE SAYS BREATHING “STILL NOT GOOD” – POPE SENDS CARDINAL KRAJEWSKI TO UKRAINE FOR 6TH TIME – SR. LUCIA, FATIMA VISIONARY, DECLARED VENERABLE – VATICAN DELIVERS EVIDENCE IN ORLANDI CASE TO CIVIL AUTHORITIES

A fascinating read and good summary of the synod document: Synod working doc aims to unite Catholics, but may alienate conservatives | Crux (cruxnow.com)

Re: the story below on the pope having difficulty breathing: Vatican News mentioned this in several news stories it published today, including one on the Holy Father’s meeting with ROACO: “Receiving ROACO members in the Vatican on the morning of Thursday, 22 June, Pope Francis handed them his prepared remarks and explained he would not be reading his discourse because he is still having difficulty breathing after the general anaesthesia he underwent during surgery on 7 June.”

POPE SAYS BREATHING “STILL NOT GOOD”

Gives one speech today, but hands out the text for a 2nd one

(I. Media for Aleteia) – Pope Francis says he is still suffering from the effects of his recent anaesthesia. He reported this when receiving members of the meeting of the Works of Aid to the Oriental Churches (ROACO), on June 22, 2023 at the Vatican, I.MEDIA found. Two weeks after his operation for an abdominal hernia with risk of occlusion, the Pope explained that his breathing was “not good.”

Since his return on June 16 from the Gemelli hospital, where he underwent surgery on June 7, the 86-year-old Pontiff has resumed the Sunday Angelus, as well as his audiences. Yesterday, June 21, he received the Brazilian president, and on June 20, the Cuban president. However, the general audience on Wednesday June 21 was cancelled ahead of time, to allow him to continue his convalescence.

But this morning, the Pope showed signs of fatigue. After a first speech, which he read to Assumptionist religious, he declined a second address to ROACO, contenting himself with handing it over to the participants. “I’m still under the effects of anesthesia. My breathing is not good,” confided the Argentine Pontiff.

During this brief exchange, the 266th Pope then instructed Msgr. Claudio Gugerotti, prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches, to pass on his pre-prepared speech.

“I’m still alive,” he added, however, to a participant who asked how he was doing.

The Pope, who has been missing part of one lung since he had a serious infection as a youth, has already had respiratory problems this year. On March 29, he was rushed to Gemelli, where doctors diagnosed him with “infectious bronchitis.” He underwent antibiotic treatment and left hospital on April 1.

He later confided that it was acute pneumonia. “If we had waited a few more hours, it would have been more serious,” he told Mexican television.

POPE SENDS CARDINAL KRAJEWSKI TO UKRAINE FOR 6^TH TIME

A communique from the papal almoner’s office says Pope Francis is sending Cardinal Konrad Krajewski to Ukraine for the 6^th time, bearing urgent medical supplies and prayers from the Holy Father. This mission is evangelical and underlines the closeness of Pope Francis to the tormented Ukraine.

The cardinal “will head to the Kherson area where, following the destruction of the dam, the innocent population is in great difficulty and many people have lost their lives. His mission is to be with the people, pray with them and bring an embrace and concrete support from the Pope.

Vatican photo –

“The Almoner will travel to Ukraine with a car loaded with the most urgent medicines and thus have the opportunity to visit, along the way, various religious communities, the Catholic parishes of the Byzantine and Latin rites as well as the Orthodox.

“In these days, there will also be a second truck full of food (mostly received from Korea), medicines and health aids which will be delivered to the areas most affected by the dam explosion.”

SR. LUCIA, FATIMA VISIONARY, DECLARED VENERABLE

Carmelite Sister Lucia de Jesus Rosa dos Santos, who, along with her cousins Francisco and Jacinta Marto witnessed a series of apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Fatima, has been declared Venerable by the Church.

Sr. Lucia (R) –

The decree recognizing Sr Lucia’s heroic virtues was promulgated on Thursday with the approval of Pope Francis.

In 1916, Lucia and her two cousins reported being visited by an Angel in the area of Fatima, Portugal. The following year, beginning on May 13, the children claimed to receive a series of apparitions from the Blessed Virgin Mary, which culminated six months later with the famous “Miracle of the Sun” that was witnessed by tens of thousands of people.

After the untimely death of her cousins, who died a few years later due to Spanish flu, Sister Lucia remained the sole custodian of the message entrusted to her by Our Lady, which she transcribed, at the instigation of the Bishop of Leiria, José Alves Correia da Silvia, into four documents between 1935 and 1941.

A later document, dated 1944, contained the so-called “third secret,” was sent to Rome and opened for the first time in 1960. St John Paul II, who had a special devotion to Our Lady of Fatima, allowed the secret to be published in 2000.

Along with Sister Lucia, four other Servants of God saw their causes advanced on Thursday. Thursday’s decree also recognises the martyrdom of twenty people killed out of “hatred of the faith” in 1936 during the Spanish Civil War.

Sister Mary Lange, who left her native Cuba for the United States because of racial discrimination, founded the Congregation of the Oblate Sisters of Providence in Baltimore in 1829. The order is dedicated to school education.

For full story: Fatima visionary Sr Lucia declared Venerable – Vatican News

VATICAN DELIVERS EVIDENCE IN ORLANDI CASE TO CIVIL AUTHORITIES

In a statement to journalists, the Office of the Promoter of Justice says evidence found in Vatican institutions and gained from interviews with former officials has been turned over to the Public Prosecutor’s Office in Rome.

Vatican News

On the 40th anniversary of the disappearance of Emanuela Orlandi on June 22, 1983, the Promoter of Justice of Vatican City State, Alessandro Diddi, has stated that he has forwarded the acts of his office’s investigation to the Public Prosecutor’s Office in Rome.

In a statement made public by the Holy See Press Office in response to journalists’ questions, Diddi’s office reports that “in recent months this office has collected all the evidence available in the various institutions of the Vatican and the Holy See, while also seeking evidence through conversations with the persons in charge of certain offices at the time of the events.”

Lines of further investigation

Vatican investigators proceeded “to examine the material, confirming certain lines of investigation worthy of further investigation,” the statement continues, noting that “in recent weeks” all the relevant documentation has been transmitted “to the Public Prosecutor’s Office in Rome, so that the latter may examine it and proceed in the direction it deems most appropriate.”

Thursday’s statement concludes with the commitment that the Promoter “will continue his activities in this direction in the coming months,” while expressing his closeness to Emanuela’s family in their grief, “aware of the suffering one feels for the disappearance of a relative.”

 

IN BRIEF

IN BRIEF

SATURDAY: The Vatican announced on June 3^rd that Pope Francis will visit Mongolia from August 31 to September 4. Mongolia has just under 1,500 Catholics but it does have a cardinal, Italian born Giorgio Marengo, apostolic prefect of Ulaanbaatar! Pope Francis to make Apostolic Journey to Mongolia – Vatican News Also: Cardinal Marengo: Pope’s Mongolia visit an encouragement for Catholics – Vatican News

ALSO SATURDAY: At noon, Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica, performed a penitential rite at the Altar of the Confession as required by canon law when a desecration of an altar takes place. Canon 1211 treats cases of desecration. Such an act happened last Thursday evening, just before the basilica closed, when a Polish man stripped naked and climbed atop the papal altar. The words “Save children of Ukraine” were written on his back in English. He was handed over to Italian police, according to an Italy-Holy See Treaty. Penitential rite held at St. Peter’s for desecration of Altar of Confession – Vatican News

MONDAY: Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, a special papal envoy, today began a two-day trip to Kyiv, Ukraine on a peace-seeking mission to resolve the war between Russia and Ukraine. A Vatican communique announced the trip over the weekend. Zuppi’s appointment as papal envoy had been announced May 20. Cardinal Zuppi in Ukraine, exploring “ways to achieve a just peace” – Vatican News

POPE FRANCIS WELCOMES UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT ZELENSKYY

POPE FRANCIS WELCOMES UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT ZELENSKYY

After meetings earlier today with Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Ukrainian President Volodmyr Zelenskyy was welcomed to the Vatican by Pope Francis. The two met for 40 minutes in a private room of the Paul VI Hall and exchanged gifts at the end of the encounter.

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St. Peter’s Square was closed to the public, as were streets adjacent to Vatican City, some time before the arrival of Ukraine’s president and his entourage.

Journalists in the pool covering the visit said that, upon arriving at the door of the Paul VI hall, Zelensky, placing his hand on his heart, said “great honour!” As the pope and president sat down at a desk, the Holy Father told Zelenskyy, “thank you for this visit.”

The Holy Father gave President Zelenskyy a bronze work depicting an olive branch, the symbol of peace, copies of the 2023 Message for Peace, the Document on Human Fraternity, the Vatican book on the Statio Orbis of March 27, 2020, and the volume “An Encyclical on Peace in Ukraine.”

The president gave Pope Francis a work of art made from a bulletproof plate and a painting entitled “Loss”, on the killing of children during the conflict.

The Holy See Press Office said the meeting between the two, accompanied by a translator, lasted about 40 minutes.

“Today, Saturday 13 May 2023, the Holy Father Pope Francis received in audience H.E. Mr. Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, who subsequently met with His Excellency Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations of the Secretariat of State.

“During the cordial talks with H.E. Archbishop Gallagher, the focus was first of all on the current war in Ukraine and the urgent concerns associated with it, particularly those of humanitarian nature, as well as on the need to continue efforts to achieve peace.”

A further communique said, “The topics of the conversation refer to the humanitarian and political situation in Ukraine caused by the ongoing war. The Pope assured (the president) of his constant prayer, as testified by his many public appeals and continuous invocation to the Lord for peace since February of last year. Both agreed on the need to continue humanitarian efforts to support the population. The Pope stressed in particular the urgent need for ‘human gestures’ towards the most fragile people, the innocent victims of the conflict.” (all photos Vatican media)

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How to spell the Ukrainian president’s name – at least 3 versions are out there: According to the US Library of Congress Romanisation tables, a character-for-character rendering of the Ukrainian president’s name into the Latin alphabet would result in the spelling: “Zelenskyy,” which according to his former spokesperson Iuliia Mendel, is the official spelling used by the Ukrainian Passport Service.

PAPAL AUDIENCE FOCUS IS APOSTOLIC ZEAL: POPE ASKS PRAYERS FOR MURDERED NIGERIAN PRIEST AND SUFFERING UKRAINIANS – A CITY GETS A FACELIFT FOR PAPAL VISIT

Something to ponder: An interesting read about the Francis papacy in the post-Benedict XVI era: MondayVatican – Vatican » Pope Francis, what kind of a future has just begun? | MondayVatican

PAPAL AUDIENCE FOCUS IS APOSTOLIC ZEAL: POPE ASKS PRAYERS FOR MURDERED NIGERIAN PRIEST AND SUFFERING UKRAINIANS

Pope Francis began today’s general audience by noting, “In our continuing catechesis on apostolic zeal, the desire to share with others the joy of the Gospel, we now look to its model and source: the example of Jesus himself. As the eternal Word of God, made flesh for our salvation, Jesus’ entire life was devoted to communicating and dialoguing with others, first with his heavenly Father in profound prayer, and then with others, especially the poor, the outcast and sinners.!

Francis explained that Jesus “proclaimed the coming of God’s Kingdom not only by his preaching, but also by his ministry of healing, reconciliation and forgiveness. As the Good Shepherd, the model for all pastors in the Church, Jesus was completely committed to the welfare of his flock, protecting the fold yet also setting out in search of the lost sheep.

“And when we hear that someone has left the Church, what do we want to say? ‘Let them work it out?’ No. Jesus teaches us to have nostalgia for those who have left. Jesus does not feel anger or resentment but pure longing for us. Jesus feels nostalgic for us and this is God’s zeal.

The Holy Father said he wondered “we, do we have similar sentiments? Perhaps we see those who have left the flock as adversaries or enemies. ‘And this person? Hasn’t he gone to the other side? She lost her faith…. They are going to hell…’ and we are serene.!

“When we meet them at school, at work, on the streets of our city,” he continued, “why don’t we think instead that we have a beautiful opportunity to witness to them the joy of a Father who loves them and has never forgotten them? Not to proselytize, no! But that the Word of the Father might reach them so we can walk together. … Because the Word, Jesus, asks this of us – to always draw near to everyone with an open heart because he is like that.”

Pope Francis concluded: “Following his example, may we, in our daily lives, draw joy and strength from our union with the Father in prayer, allow our hearts to be shaped by pastoral zeal for the word of God, and strive, in all our words and actions, to share with others its saving message.”

During greetings to English-language pilgrims the Pope said, “I offer a warm welcome to the English-speaking pilgrims taking part in today’s audience, especially the groups from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Australia and the United States of America. I offer a special greeting to the many student groups present.

“I ask all of you to join me in praying for Father Isaac Achi of the Diocese of Minna in northern Nigeria, who was killed last Sunday in an attack on his rectory. So many Christians continue to be the target of violence: let us remember them in our prayers! Upon all of you, and upon your families, I invoke the joy and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ. God bless you!

The terrorists set fire to the rectory and Fr. Achi burned to death. They shot and wounded the assistant priest as he tried to flee.

Francis also highlighted Ukraine, as he has done in every public address for almost a year. He asked everyone to pray for Ukrainians who need “our closeness, consolation, and above all peace.”

CITY GETS A FACELIFT FOR PAPAL VISIT

As you know, Pope Francis leaves on January 31 for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and then South Sudan. We are now learning, via a report from Reuters, that the government in Kinshasa is clearing the city’s streets of vendors so that the Pope sees a sanitized city, much as happened when U.S. President Biden recently visited El Paso, Texas, a city that has been overwhelmed by massive numbers of migrants in the last two years. Biden saw no migrants, no crowded housing facilities, no make-shift tents on El Paso streets.

The January 17 Reuters story starts: “Before dawn, sanitary police armed with crowbars and a bulldozer set about demolishing makeshift trader stalls crowding downtown streets in the capital of Democratic Republic of Congo ahead of a four-day visit by Pope Francis starting Jan. 31. Kinshasa has 17 million people. Police demolish trader stalls in Congo capital ahead of Pope visit | Reuters

 

POPE SUGGESTS AIDS THAT CAN HELP US WITH DISCERNMENT – PAPAL APPEAL AT GENERAL AUDIENCE: “UKRAINIAN CHILDREN BEAR THE WEIGHT OF THE TRAGEDY OF WAR” – POPE FRANCIS’ CHRISTMAS SEASON LITURGIES

POPE SUGGESTS AIDS THAT CAN HELP US WITH DISCERNMENT

At the general audience held in the Paul VI Hall, the Holy Father began the catechesis by stating, “Today we conclude our series of catecheses on spiritual discernment by considering some aids that can help us rightly to discern God’s will for our lives and our happiness.

Pope Francis began by noting that anyone who may have followed these catecheses until this point might be thinking, “what a complicated practice discernment is!”

And he responded to this possible confusion by saying that “in reality, it is life that is complicated and, if we do not learn how to read it, we risk wasting our lives, living it with strategies that end up disheartening us.”

As to the aids that can help us in discernment,” said the Holy Father, “We begin, naturally, with an encounter with the word of God and with the Church’s teaching. Quiet prayer with the Scriptures also helps us to sense the Lord’s presence, to hear his voice, and to become conscious of the deepest desires of our heart. In this way, we grow in love and closeness to Jesus, who assures us of the Father’s merciful love and, by his death on the Cross, reveals God’s power to bring life out of death and good out of evil.

In particular, said the Pope, we must development a personal relationship with Jesus as “friendship with Jesus and trust in God’s guidance of our lives is a great gift of the Holy Spirit, who dwells in our hearts and inspires our discernment at every stage. In the Church’s daily prayer, each canonical hour begins by asking God to come to our assistance. Trusting in that help, may we learn to discern wisely the paths that lead us to the Father and to respond each day to his loving offer of salvation.

Francis also explained that, “we can often have a distorted idea about God, thinking of him as a sullen, harsh judge, ready to catch us in the act. “On the contrary, Jesus reveals a God who is full of compassion and tenderness for us, ready to sacrifice himself for us.”

He stressed that, “we have a tender, affectionate Father who loves us, who has always loved us. When we experience this, our heart melts and doubts, fears, feelings of unworthiness are dissolved. This love is irresistible.”

In closing, Pope Francis noted that the Liturgy of the Hours opens the main moments of daily prayer with this invocation: “O God, come to my assistance. O Lord, make haste to help me.”

At the conclusion of the general audience, Pope Francis greeted a Ukrainian woman whose husband is a prisoner of war and their son. They came bearing gifts for the Pope, including a calendar showing the devastation of the Azovstal steelworks plant.

PAPAL APPEAL AT GENERAL AUDIENCE: “UKRAINIAN CHILDREN BEAR THE WEIGHT OF THE TRAGEDY OF WAR”

Pope Francis once again recalled the suffering of children in Ukraine due to Russia’s ongoing invasion, saying he has noticed that many of them find it difficult even to smile.

By Edoardo Giribaldi (vaticannews)

“When a child loses the ability to smile, it is serious.” With these words, speaking at the end of the Wednesday general audience, Pope Francis expressed his concern for the children of Ukraine “who are suffering, suffering so much, from this war.”

Tragedy of the war

“In the feast of God becoming a child, let us think about the Ukrainian children,” he said, Pope, underlining the burden that they are forced to carry in the tragedy “of that war, that is so inhuman, so harsh.”

He encouraged everyone to offer their prayers for the children of Ukraine, who are enduring the bitter cold and lack of basic necessities.

“Let us think about the Ukrainian people this Christmas. They are without heating, without the main things to survive. Let us pray that the Lord may bring them peace as soon as possible.”

Solidarity of Poland

Greeting the faithful people of Poland, the Pope recalled a national tradition according to which, on Christmas Eve, they “leave an empty place at the table for an unexpected guest.”

“This year,” Pope Francis said, “that place will be occupied by the multitude of refugees from Ukraine to whom you have opened the doors of your homes with great generosity.”

“May the child of God born in Bethlehem fill each of you, your families and those you help with love.”

POPE FRANCIS’ CHRISTMAS SEASON LITURGIES

(CNA) – The Vatican has published Pope Francis’ Christmas schedule for this year, which includes five special liturgies and prayers between Christmas Eve and the Solemnity of the Epiphany.

During the Christmas Octave, the pope is also scheduled to give an Angelus address on St. Stephen’s Day on Dec. 26 and hold a Wednesday General Audience on Dec. 29.

Papal Christmas Mass – Dec. 24: Pope Francis will offer Mass for the Nativity of the Lord in St. Peter’s Basilica on Dec. 24. This “Midnight Mass” will begin at 7:30 p.m. Rome time (1:30 p.m. EST) with the traditional Kalenda Proclamation of the Birth of Christ and will be broadcast live on EWTN.

Christmas Day Blessing – Dec. 25: On Christmas Day, Pope Francis will give a traditional papal blessing at noon called the “Urbi et Orbi,” which in Latin means, “To the City and the World.” Along with the blessing, the pope gives an address that highlights humanitarian crises, war-stricken countries, and other situations around the world in need of prayer.

The pope typically gives this blessing from the central loggia of the basilica overlooking St. Peter’s Square (the same balcony from which a new pope is introduced), but last year Pope Francis gave the blessing from inside the Apostolic Palace to avoid a large gathering of people due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vespers on New Year’s Eve – Dec. 31: Pope Francis will pray the First Vespers for the Solemnity of Mary Mother of God in St. Peter’s Basilica at 5 p.m. on Dec. 31. After vespers, the Blessed Sacrament will be exposed for Eucharistic Adoration and the “Te Deum” will be sung in thanksgiving for the past year.

Solemnity of Mary Holy Mother of God – Jan. 1: The pope’s first liturgy of 2022 will be in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Pope Francis will offer Mass for the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God in St. Peter’s Basilica at 10 a.m. On this day, Pope Francis will also mark the 55th World Day of Peace.

Mass for the Epiphany of the Lord – Jan. 6: Pope Francis will offer Mass on the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord in St. Peter’s Basilica at 10 a.m. The Epiphany celebrates the revelation that Jesus was the Son of God. It focuses primarily on this revelation to the Three Wise Men.