2016
#PopeFrancis "We receive in the heart the mercy of Jesus, who forgives us everything..." FULL TEXT - Video - Audience
#PopeFrancis makes a Surprise Visits to Nuns in Convent and Prays with them...
Today's Mass Readings and Video : Wed. August 10, 2016 #Eucharist
Dear Brothers and Sisters, good morning!
The passage of Luke’s Gospel that we heard (7:11-17) presents to us a truly grandiose miracle of Jesus: the resurrection of a young man. Yet, the heart of this account is not the miracle but Jesus’ tenderness to the young man’s mother. Here mercy takes the name of great compassion toward a woman who had lost her husband and is now accompanying her only son to the cemetery. It is this great sorrow of a mother, which moves Jesus and incites Him to the miracle of the resurrection.
On introducing this episode, the Evangelist dwells on many particulars. Meeting at the door of the small city of Nain, a village, are two numerous groups that came from opposite directions and have nothing in common. Jesus, followed by the disciples and a great crowd, is about to enter the town, while the sad procession is coming out, which is accompanying the deceased, with the widowed mother and many people. Near the door the two groups just pass one another, each one going its own way, but it is then that Saint Luke notes Jesus’ sentiment: Seeing [the woman], the Lord was gripped by great compassion for her “and said to her, ‘Do not weep.’ And He came close and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still” (vv. 13-14). Great compassion guided Jesus’ actions: He halted the procession and touched the bier and, moved by profound mercy for this mother, He decided to confront death, so to speak, face to face. And He would confront it definitively, face to face, on the Cross.
During this Jubilee, it would be a good thing if, on crossing the Holy Door, the Door of Mercy, pilgrims were to recall this episode of the Gospel, which happened at the gate of Nain. When Jesus saw that mother in tears, she entered His heart! Each one arrives at the Holy Door bearing his own life, with its joys and its sufferings, plans and failures, doubts and fears, to present them to the Lord’s mercy. We are certain that, at the Holy Door, the Lord comes close to meet each one of us, to bring to us and to offer us His powerful consoling word: “Do not weep!” (v. 13). This is the Door of the encounter between humanity’s pain and God’s compassion. Let us always think of this: an encounter between humanity’s pain and God’s compassion. By crossing the threshold we fulfil our pilgrimage in the mercy of God who repeats to all of us, as He did to the young man: “I say to you, arise!” (v. 14). Arise! God wants us to stand. He created us to stand: therefore, Jesus’ compassion leads to that gesture of healing, to heal us, the key word here is: “Arise! Stand up, as God has created you!” – Stand. “But father, we fall so often” – “Forward, arise!” This is always Jesus’ word. On crossing the Holy Door, let us seek to hear this word in our heart: “Arise!” Jesus’ powerful word can make us arise and work in us also the passage from death to life. His word makes us revive, it gives hope, heartens tired hearts, opens to a vision of the world and of life that goes beyond suffering and death. Engraved on the Holy Door for each one is the inexhaustible treasure of God’s mercy!
Reached by Jesus’ word, “the dead man sat up, and began to speak. And He gave him to his mother” (v. 15). This phrase is so beautiful: it indicates Jesus’ tenderness: “He gave him to his mother.” The mother finds her son again. Receiving him from Jesus’ hands, she becomes mother for the second time, but the son that is now restored to her has not received his life from her. Thus mother and son receive their respective identity thanks to the powerful word of Jesus and his loving gesture. So, especially in the Jubilee, Mother Church receives her children, recognizing in them the life given to them by the grace of God. It is by dint of this grace, the grace of Baptism, that the Church becomes Mother and that each one of us becomes her child.
In face of the young man who came back to life and was restored to his mother, “fear seized them all; and they glorified God saying, ‘A great prophet has arisen among us’ and ‘God has visited His people!’” What Jesus did, therefore, is not only an act of salvation directed to the widow and her son, or a gesture of kindness limited to that city. In Jesus’ merciful rescue, God goes to encounter His people; in Him appears and will continue to appear to humanity, all the grace of God. Celebrating this Jubilee, which I wanted to be lived in all the particular Churches, namely in all the Churches of the world, and not only in Rome, it is as if the whole Church spread throughout the world joins in the one song of praise to the Lord. Today also, the Church recognizes herself being visited by God. Therefore, on going to the Door of Mercy each one knows that he goes to the merciful heart of Jesus: in fact, He is the true Door that leads to salvation and restores us to a new life. Mercy, be it in Jesus be it in us, is a path that begins from the heart to arrive at the hands. What does this mean? Jesus looks at you, He heals you with His mercy, He says to you: “Arise!” — and your heart is new. What does it mean to go on the path from the heart to the hands? It means that with a new heart, with a heart healed by Jesus I can carry out works of mercy through my hands, trying to help, to take care of all those in need. Mercy is a path that begins from the heart and arrives at the hands, namely, to works of mercy.
[At the end, greeting pilgrims in Italian]
I said that mercy is a path that goes from the heart to the hands. We receive in the heart the mercy of Jesus, who forgives us everything, because God forgives everything and raises us; He gives us a new life and infects us with His compassion. From that forgiven heart and with Jesus’ compassion, the path begins to the hands, namely, to the works of mercy. The other day a Bishop said to me that he had made entrance and exit doors of mercy in his Cathedral and in other churches. I asked him: “Why did you do this?” – “Because one door is to go in, to ask for forgiveness and have Jesus’ mercy; the other is the outgoing door of mercy, to take mercy to others, with our works of mercy.” But this Bishop is intelligent! We must also do the same with the path that goes from the heart to the hands: we enter the church through the door of mercy, to receive Jesus’ forgiveness, who says to us: “Arise! Go, go!” — and with this “go!” – standing – we go out through the exit door. It is the outgoing Church, the path of mercy that goes from the heart to the hands. Undertake this path!
[Original text: Italian] [Translation by ZENIT]
A warm welcome to the Italian-speaking pilgrims! I greet the Society of the Sacred Heart, the Sisters of the Immaculate — I know them well, because they helped me in the Bishop’s residence at Buenos Aires. They are good – and the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart, who are holding their respective General Chapters. I exhort you to be faithful always to the foundation charism, witnessing the merciful love of the Father in places of apostolate.
I greet the faithful of Banzano di Montoro and the young people of the Giorgio La Pira Work of Florence, who come from different parts of the world. I hope that you will all live this Extraordinary Holy Year promoting the culture of encounter, recognizing the presence of the Lord’s flesh particularly in the poor and the needy.
Finally a greeting goes to the young people, the sick and the newlyweds. Last Monday we remembered the figure of Saint Dominic of Guzman, whose Order of Preachers is celebrating the eighth centenary of its foundation. May the enlightened word of this great Saint stimulate you, dear young people, to listen to and to live the teachings of Jesus; may his interior fortitude sustain you, dear sick, in moments of discomfort; and may his apostolic dedication remind you, dear newlyweds, of the importance of the Christian education of your family.
[Original text: Italian] [Translation by ZENIT]
#PopeFrancis makes a Surprise Visits to Nuns in Convent and Prays with them...
Today's Mass Readings and Video : Wed. August 10, 2016 #Eucharist
Feast of Saint Lawrence, deacon and martyr
Lectionary: 618
Reading 12 COR 9:6-10
Brothers and sisters:
Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly,
and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion,
for God loves a cheerful giver.
Moreover, God is able to make every grace abundant for you,
so that in all things, always having all you need,
you may have an abundance for every good work.
As it is written:
He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor;
his righteousness endures forever.
The one who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food
will supply and multiply your seed
and increase the harvest of your righteousness.
Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly,
and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion,
for God loves a cheerful giver.
Moreover, God is able to make every grace abundant for you,
so that in all things, always having all you need,
you may have an abundance for every good work.
As it is written:
He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor;
his righteousness endures forever.
The one who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food
will supply and multiply your seed
and increase the harvest of your righteousness.
Responsorial PsalmPS 112:1-2, 5-6, 7-8, 9
R. (5) Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.
Blessed the man who fears the LORD,
who greatly delights in his commands.
His posterity shall be mighty upon the earth;
the upright generation shall be blessed.
R. Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.
Well for the man who is gracious and lends,
who conducts his affairs with justice;
He shall never be moved;
the just one shall be in everlasting remembrance.
R. Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.
An evil report he shall not fear;
his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD.
His heart is steadfast; he shall not fear
till he looks down upon his foes.
R. Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.
Lavishly he gives to the poor,
his generosity shall endure forever;
his horn shall be exalted in glory.
R. Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.
Blessed the man who fears the LORD,
who greatly delights in his commands.
His posterity shall be mighty upon the earth;
the upright generation shall be blessed.
R. Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.
Well for the man who is gracious and lends,
who conducts his affairs with justice;
He shall never be moved;
the just one shall be in everlasting remembrance.
R. Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.
An evil report he shall not fear;
his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD.
His heart is steadfast; he shall not fear
till he looks down upon his foes.
R. Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.
Lavishly he gives to the poor,
his generosity shall endure forever;
his horn shall be exalted in glory.
R. Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.
AlleluiaJN 8:12BC
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness
but will have the light of life, says the Lord.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
“Amen, amen, I say to you,
unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies,
it remains just a grain of wheat;
but if it dies, it produces much fruit.
Whoever loves his life loses it,
and whoever hates his life in this world
will preserve it for eternal life.
Whoever serves me must follow me,
and where I am, there also will my servant be.
The Father will honor whoever serves me.”
Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness
but will have the light of life, says the Lord.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GospelJN 12:24-26
Jesus said to his disciples:“Amen, amen, I say to you,
unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies,
it remains just a grain of wheat;
but if it dies, it produces much fruit.
Whoever loves his life loses it,
and whoever hates his life in this world
will preserve it for eternal life.
Whoever serves me must follow me,
and where I am, there also will my servant be.
The Father will honor whoever serves me.”
US Catholic Bishops issue Voting Guide for #Elections - FULL TEXT Links
Catholics Care. Catholics Vote.
Forming Consciences For Faithful Citizenship - Table Of Contents
- Introductory Note
- Part I - The U.S. Bishops' Reflection on Catholic Teaching and Political Life
- Part II - Applying Catholic Teaching to Major Issues: A Summary of Policy Positions of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
- Part III - Goals for Political Life: Challenges for Citizens, Candidates, and Public Officials
- Notes and References
- Major Catholic Statements on Public Moral Issues
PDF VERSION | ORDER
The document Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: A Call to Political Responsibility from the Catholic Bishops of the United States and its Introductory Note were developed by the chairmen, in consultation with the membership, of the Committees on Catholic Education, Communications, Cultural Diversity in the Church, Doctrine, Domestic Justice and Human Development, Evangelization and Catechesis, International Justice and Peace, Migration, Pro-Life Activities; the Subcommittee for the Promotion and Defense of Marriage; and the Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). It was approved by the full body of bishops at its November 2015 General Meeting. It has been directed for publication by the undersigned.
Msgr. Ronny E. Jenkins
General Secretary, USCCB
"We need to participate for the common good. Sometimes we hear: a good Catholic is not interested in politics. This is not true: good Catholics immerse themselves in politics by offering the best of themselves so that the leader can govern."
- Pope Francis, 9/16/13
The Catholic bishops of the United States are pleased to offer once again to the Catholic faithful Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship (en Español), our teaching document on the political responsibility of Catholics. This statement represents our guidance for Catholics in the exercise of their rights and duties as participants in our democracy. We urge our pastors, lay and religious faithful, and all people of good will to use this statement to help form their consciences; to teach those entrusted to their care; to contribute to civil and respectful public dialogue; and to shape political choices in the coming election in light of Catholic teaching. The statement lifts up our dual heritage as both faithful Catholics and American citizens with rights and duties as participants in the civil order.
Read Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: A Call to Political Responsibility from the Catholic Bishops of the United States (en Español), which provides a framework for Catholics in the United States.
Top Forming Consciences Resources
- Summary Bulletin Insert Part 1 - The Challenge of Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: Our Call as Catholic Citizens | en Español
- Summary Bulletin Insert Part 2 - The Challenge of Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: Making Moral Choices and Applying Our Principles | en Español
- Civil Dialogue Bulletin Insert | en Español
- Conscience Formation Bulletin Insert | en Español
- How to Contact Your Elected Officials Bulletin Insert | en Español
- Novena for Faithful Citizenship | en Español
- Liturgy and Prayer Suggestions | en Español
- Do's and Don'ts Guidelines During Election Season
- Voter Education and Voter Registration | en Español
- Questions for Reflection and Discussion of Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship | en Español
- Bulletin Announcements | en Español
- Political Activity Guidelines
- Tips for Conducting Candidate Forums | en Español
- Adult Education and Small Faith Community Sharing | Formación de adultos y pequeñas comunidades de fe
- Jr. High and High School Lesson Plans | Ejemplos de esquemas de lecciones y materiales para estudiantes de secundaria
- Elementary Lesson Plans | Esquemas de lecciones para escuelas de primaria
RESOURCES
Learn how Catholics across the country are putting their faith into action through civic engagement with Success Stories from WeAreSaltandLight.org. . . .
Visit the menu to the left for resources related to Church Teaching, All Catholics,Diocesan & Community Leaders, Parishes & Schools, Campuses & Young Adults,Youth, and Media.
For older letters, documents, articles, etc., please see the Faithful Citizenship archives.
Tuesday, August 9, 2016
Saint August 10 : St. Lawrence : #Deacon and Martyr
MARTYR died 10 August, 258.St. Lawrence, one of the deacons of the Roman Church, was one of the victims of the persecution of Valerian in 258, like Pope Sixtus II and many other members of the Roman clergy. At the beginning of the month of August, 258, the emperor issued an edict, commanding that all bishops, ,priests, and deacons should immediately be put to death ("episcopi et presbyteriet diacones incontinenti animadvertantur" — Cyprian Epist. lxxx, 1). This imperial command was immediately carried out in Rome. On 6 August Pope Sixtus II was apprehended in one of the catacombs, and executed forthwith ("Xistum in cimiterio animadversum sciatis VIII id. Augusti et cum eo diacones quattuor." Cyprian , ep. lxxx, 1). Two other deacons, Felicissimus and Agapitus, were put to death the same day. In the Roman Calendar of feasts of the fourth century their feast day is on the same date. Four days later, on the 10th of August of that same year, Lawrence, the last of the seven deacons, also suffered a martyr's death. The burial-place is in the Catacomb of Cyriaca in agro Verano. source: The Catholic Encyclopedia
#Olympic Gold winner Katie Ledecky says Catholic Faith is Important and prays a Hail Mary before each Race - SHARE
In an Interview with the Catholic Standard she explained how Catholic schools helped her. “I attended Catholic schools from pre-K through high school. I attended Little Flower School in Bethesda through 8th grade and then Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart for high school I received an excellent, faith-filled education at both schools. Having the opportunity to attend academically rigorous schools has facilitated my interest in the world and in serving others, and has enriched my life so that it is not solely focused on my swimming and athletics. Nevertheless, going to these schools was important to my swimming – my Catholic schools challenged me, they broadened my perspective and they allowed me to use my mind in ways that take me beyond just thinking about swim practices, swim meets and sports."
Ledecky was born in Washington, D.C., She is the daughter of Mary Gen (Hagan) and David Ledecky. Her father's ancestry is from Czechoslovakia and her mother is of Irish descent. Ledecky was raised Catholic. Ledecky began swimming at the age of six.
Her godfather, Father Jim Shea, S.J., is a priest. In the Standard she explained, '
“My Catholic faith is very important to me. It always has been and it always will be. It is part of who I am and I feel comfortable practicing my faith. It helps me put things in perspective.” She explained that she prays a Hail Mary before each race. “I do say a prayer – or two – before any race. The Hail Mary is a beautiful prayer and I find that it calms me.” Within the first two days of Olympic swimming competition, Katie Ledecky had already won two medals. In the Video below she talks about faith before the visit of Pope Francis to the States.
SHARE her Amazing Story - maybe you'll inspire another Athlete to Love God!
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