Democratic Republic Congo: Catholic Church Under Fire
Churches, convents, schools, priests and bishops are under threat by violent youth groups and by militias – all protected by powerful people. In the capital Kinshasa there are groups of … Continua a leggere
Bishop in violence-torn Congo appeals to youth: ‘Keep your priests alive’
In a dramatic appeal on August 5, Bishop Melchisédech Sikuli Paluku of Butembo in eastern Congo called on Catholic youth to protect the lives and physical safety of their priests, two of whom were kidnapped at gunpoint in July. It’s a largely lawless region where power belongs to whichever faction is heavily armed enough to grab it, and Catholic personnel are often at special risk.
Asian Youth Day: Indonesian minister says we are “called to promote tolerance and solidarity“
The 7th edition of Asian Youth Day (AYD) in Yogyakarta, Diocese of Semarang (Java Island), has a strong inter-faith connotation, underlined by the theme of the event, ‘Joyful Asian Youth! Living the Gospel in Multicultural Asia’
Ten factors of unsuccessful aging
Dr. George Valliant devoted his entire professional life to studying the developmental progression of Harvard graduates. This study, known as the Grant Study, is perhaps one of the most comprehensive, longitudinal overviews of human development. Valliant’s findings of how these graduates aged offer us deeper understanding of what it means to be ageless
‘Ecumenism of hate’ unjustly defames real Catholic/Evangelical dialogue
A recent article in a journal with close ties to the Vatican published an article asserting an unhealthy “ecumenism of conflict” between Catholics and Evangelicals on the right, claiming they are pushing a dangerous theocratic vision on America. However, those who have carried forward the fairly successful Evangelical-Catholic ecumenism in the United States have been some of the best and the brightest of mainstream Catholics.
New sign on Pope Francis’s door: ‘Complaining Not Allowed’
A sign recently put up on Pope Francis’s door at the Santa Marta residence also warns transgressors, saying that complaining can lead them to develop a “victim complex” with the subsequent “diminution of their sense of humor and ability to solve problems,” and advises, “Stop complaining, and act to make your life better.”
Shroud, new study: there is blood of a man tortured and killed
Published in a US scientific journal new findings by Cnr and University of Padua. Electron Microscopy to analyze a pristine fiber: found creatinine and ferritin iron nanoparticles, typical in … Continua a leggere
Majority of Canadians think religion does more harm than good
Less than a quarter of people believe that religious people made better citizens. More than half of Canadians now believe religion is harmful More than half of Canadians believe religion causes … Continua a leggere
Egypt: Rare Manuscript Discovered in Saint Catherine Monastery
Cairo – Egypt has announced the discovery of a rare manuscript dating back to the fifth or sixth century at the Saint Catherine Monastery in southern Sinai. Minister of Antiquities … Continua a leggere
Cardinal Pell professes innocence on sex abuse charges
“I’m looking forward finally to having my day in court. I repeat I am innocent of these charges. They are false. The whole idea of sexual abuse is abhorrent to me,” Cardinal George Pell said in a statement he read to the media in a crowded Vatican press hall at 8.30 a.m. on the morning of June 29.
OGF 7/2017 Fountain of Life, Fire of Love
Ongoing Formation 7/2017 word OGF 2017-7 Fountain of Life, Fire of Love pdf OGF 2017-7 Fountain of Life, Fire of Love Fountain of Life, Fire of Love Paul S. Loverde … Continua a leggere
JP II, Catechesis on the Gifts of the Holy Spirit
The Resurrection completely fulfilled the Redeemer’s saving plan, the limitless outpouring of divine love upon humanity. It is now up to the Spirit to involve individuals in chat plan of love. Therefore there is a close connection between Christ’s mission and the Gift of the Holy Spirit promised to the apostles shortly before the Passion
Ghana – Damba: A Thanksgiving Festival
Each year, around May, the Gonjas people of Ghana’s Northern Region celebrate the Damba festival, where Islam and indigenous customs come together. Three days of events and celebrations. To remember the past but also to discuss currents issues.
Africa: Indigenous Peoples ‘Seriously Threatened’
The cultures and very survival of indigenous peoples in Africa are seriously threatened. They are ignored, neglected and fall victims of land grabbing and land dispossession, which is caused by extractive industries, agribusiness and other forms of business operations.
Another Face Of The Migration Crisis In Africa
Nowhere do cities expand faster than in Asia and Africa. However, to develop them in a more sustainable and socially acceptable way, will be one of the greatest challenges for the implementation of the Sustainable Development goals (SDGs).
Natural Resources: The Levels Of Inequality
According to United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), there is “a high correlation between the levels of exports of natural resources and the levels of inequality”. The more a country depends on its natural resource exports, the more it will be vulnerable to illegal financial flows and price volatility.
South Sudan: visit by Pope and Welby stirs hope
JUDGING by the media coverage of South Sudan, it is the country closest to hell on earth. Riven by civil war, and affected by horrific killings, rape, and now famine, it is the most dangerous place in the world to be a humanitarian. More than 80 aid workers, mostly nationals, have been killed there since the latest bout of fighting broke out in late 2013
“Our Lady warns us: “who profanes God in his creatures risks going to hell”
Francis’ Mass for the canonization of the two visionaries, the first holy children who were not martyrs: “God effects a general mobilization against the indifference that chills our hearts”. Greeting to the sick: “Do not be ashamed of being a precious treasure of the Church.”
EU countries ignore pledges on religious freedom
The secretary-general of the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences has criticized the lack of commitment on behalf of members of the European Union in the implementation of religious freedom guidelines set in 2013. “Freedom of religion is an absolute principle, and diplomatic and economic pressure should be used to defend it,” he said.
Un grano di sale, da Lutero (3)
. “L’ANIMA MIA MAGNIFICA IL SIGNORE”.
Le sue parole sono l’espressione di un grande amore e di rogo non una vivissima gioia, ciò spiega perché il suo animo e la sua vita si elevano nello spirito. Maria non dice: Io magnifico Dio, ma l’anima mia; come se volesse dire: tutta la mia vita e i miei sensi sono come sorretti dall’amore di Dio
US priests’ group calls Vatican vocations document ‘insulting’
Declarations in the Vatican Congregation for the Clergy’s recent document “The Gift of the Priestly Vocation” have been called “disrespectful,” “ambiguous” and “insulting” by the Association of U.S. Catholic Priests.
Muslim leads in Jakarta poll, supported by extremists, against Christian governor
JAKARTA: A Muslim former government minister took a strong lead on Wednesday over Jakarta’s Christian incumbent governor in a divisive run-off election that has stoked religious tensions in Muslim-majority Indonesia.
An Easter Sermon from St. John Chrysostom
An Easter Sermon from St. John Chrysostom. Is there anyone who is a devout lover of God? Let them enjoy this beautiful bright festival! Is there anyone who is a … Continua a leggere
OGF 6/2017 Tell us, Mary, what did you see!
I think that one of the great New Testament Biblical characters to put on the “lamp-stand of our house” (Matthew 5, 15) is Mary Magdalene, the woman of the great daybreak, the first messenger of the Resurrection. She is the image of the passionate Church Wife, looking for her Lord.
LENT with Gregory of Narek (40)
“Speaking with God from the Depths of the Heart”, Written by St. Gregory of Narek, Armenian poet and monk, Doctor of the Universal Church. A thousand years ago St. Gregory of Narek (951-1005) set out, with much trepidation, on a sublime mission to translate the pure sighs of the “broken and contrite” heart into an […]
OGF 5/2017 Nouwen – Can you drink the cup?
HENRI J.M. NOUWEN is the author of more than thirty books. He taught at the University of Notre Dame, as well as Yale and Harvard Universities. From 1986 until his death in September, 1996, he was pastor of the L’Arche Daybreak community in Toronto where he shared his life with people with mental disabilities. The present text is taken from the introduction and last chapter of his book Can you drink the cup? (AVE MARIA PRESS Notre Dame, Indiana – 1996)
LENT with Gregory of Narek (39)
Prayer 91 C
Give me rest.
I am exhausted from the multitude of cares and toil.
Remove the turmoil of doubt from my broken spirit,
the bitterness along with the grief,
the sighing along with the misery,
the anxiety along with the wretchedness…
LENT with Gregory of Narek (38)
Prayer 89
God and Lord, life and creator,
merciful, compassionate, light,
long-suffering, God who bears no grudges,
all-merciful, generous God who loves mankind,
savior, blessed, praised, glorified,
LENT with Gregory of Narek (37)
“Speaking with God from the Depths of the Heart”, Written by St. Gregory of Narek, Armenian poet and monk, Doctor of the Universal Church. A thousand years ago St. Gregory of Narek (951-1005) set out, with much trepidation, on a sublime mission to translate the pure sighs of the “broken and contrite” heart into an […]
LENT with Gregory of Narek (36)
Prayer 80 C
Magnify your honor through me,
and my salvation will be manifested through you
if you find me, Madonna,
if you pity me, blessed among women,
if you rescue me in my waywardness,
immaculate one…
LENT with Gregory of Narek (35)
Prayer 76 B
If you wish to pardon, you are able.
If to heal, you have the power.
To give life, you have the means.
To bestow, you are generous.
To make whole, you are able.
To grant, you are most bountiful.
LENT with Gregory of Narek (34)
Prayer 74 A
Heavenly king, Lord of all,
patient toward all in all things,
Son of the living God, beyond our understanding,
your true mercy is manifest when
the expectation of reward is cut off.
LENT with Gregory of Narek (33)
Prayer 73 D
Look with mercy upon me in my doubts and perils,
glorified Son of God, who alone are compassionate
and will pardon, heal, save, protect, renew, restore,
lift up, support,
and create me again in blissful purity.
LENT with Gregory of Narek (32)
“Speaking with God from the Depths of the Heart”, Written by St. Gregory of Narek, Armenian poet and monk, Doctor of the Universal Church. A thousand years ago St. Gregory of Narek (951-1005) set out, with much trepidation, on a sublime mission to translate the pure sighs of the “broken and contrite” heart into an […]
LENT with Gregory of Narek (31)
Prayer 65
When I depart this life, may holiness not abandon me.
When I am wrapped in shrouds may your honor not leave me.
May my soul not reject your unwavering salvation.
May your image engraved upon my soul, Giver of life, not be effaced.
LENT with Gregory of Narek (30)
Prayer 63
You who took our transgressions upon yourself,
you who graced us with your righteousness,
you who offered yourself as the ransom of our reconciliation,
you who never abandoned mercy,
turn the impious toward good, God-fearing works…
LENT with Gregory of Narek (29)
Prayer 60
Protect us, Lord Christ, exalted son of great God.
Fortify and surround us with your heavenly host,
defend us from the gusting winds of the Deceiver
with your cross of light.
LENT with Gregory of Narek (28)
Prayer 57
Accept this meager confession of my innumerable sins,
you who see everything in its totality.
And as you overlooked the fall of the Rock,
may you ignore my vacillation, a small grain of sand.
LENT with Gregory of Narek (27)
Prayer 54
And now, in all and for all, your mercy is hope,
Lord Jesus, the first light of our eyes and our hearts,
all good deeds, life and immortality are from you.
Turn with compassion toward me
and make my soul return to you rejoicing.
LENT with Gregory of Narek (26)
Prayer 52
A Blessed in holy essence,
boundless and unchangeable, truly good,
worthy of adoration, happiness professed
by all the earth,
most complete revelation of persistent hope,
compassionate and merciful,
without grudges even for the blinking of an eye
despite the sin of many years.
LENT with Gregory of Narek (25)
Prayer 51
Now, should I, a mortal who has strayed in every way, plead with another earthly being, to whom it is vain to cry out?
To a mere rational mortal,
on whom it would be false to place hope of salvation? To a frail human, whose strength is as feeble and faltering as his word?
LENT with Gregory of Narek (24)
Prayer 50
Shed light upon me with the rays of your mercy,
you who are benevolent in all ways,
that I might receive your blessing, Lord,
that I might be justified, live and be cleansed
of my inner turmoil,
not of the life with which you endowed me.
LENT with Gregory of Narek (23)
Prayer 49
Now, as you created me, before I existed,
and you revealed yourself as my sustenance,
and I pray that you might reinstate my soul
together with the tabernacle of my body
in the spotlessness of the clean holiness
of their former being…
LENT with Gregory of Narek (22)
Prayer 48
Lean then, Lord, incline yourself in sweetness
with compassion and freely give
the gift of love to comfort us (…)
Lay your hand of salvation on us.
Renew us, forgive and defend us
from the destruction of sin.
And to you alone, who are
the beginning without beginning,
the source of all beginnings,
the holy Trinity and One Divinity,
to you alone are due
glory and dominion forever.
LENT with Gregory of Narek (21)
Prayer 42
A Lord God of compassion, salvation and mercy,
redemption and restoration, healing and health,
enlightenment and life, resurrection and immortality,
remember me, when you go to your kingdom,
LENT with Gregory of Narek (20)
Prayer 41
Son of the living God, blessed in all things,
whose awesome birth by your Father passes
all understanding,
for whom nothing is impossible,
before the dawning of the uneclipsed rays of the mercy of your glory
sins melt away, demons flee, transgressions are erased,
bindings are cut and chains undone.
LENT with Gregory of Narek (19)
Prayer 34
Truly, you hear, kind God,
You listen, king.
You lent an ear, life and light.
You paid attention, heavenly one.
You respected us, almighty.
You noted, knower of secrets.
You saw, keeper.
You empathized, Lord beyond telling.
You humbled yourself, exalted one.
LENT with Gregory of Narek (18)
“Speaking with God from the Depths of the Heart”, Written by St. Gregory of Narek, Armenian poet and monk, Doctor of the Universal Church. A thousand years ago St. Gregory … Continua a leggere
LENT with Gregory of Narek (17)
Prayer 29 a-b
You alone are the origin of all goodness,
mercy beyond telling, Son of the one God on high,
who made the whole day a purgatory for our sins,1
and not a house of condemnation.
You are for me the expectation of good news,
instead of a day of dread.
OGF 4/2017 Joseph’s vocation
St. Joseph is a key figure in understanding some of the essential dimensions of the Christian vocation. Let us consider four of them: protecting life, living fairly, letting God be the protagonist in our life, cultivating the mystical dimension. They highlight why the Church holds up Saint Joseph as a model for all Christians.
LENT with Gregory of Narek (16)
Prayer 27
If you would look upon me with that goodwill
toward mankind as you do,
then as I contemplate you, I will cry out in anguish.
If you would listen, I will sigh.
If you would incline your ear, I will whisper a prayer.
If you would take note, I will beseech you.
If you would forgive, I will ask forgiveness.
If you would turn toward me, I will call.
Exodus (4) Where Real Freedom Begins
Empires have always tried to use work to black out the dreams of freedom, gratuitousness and celebration in the souls of the workers. Exactly for it being the number one friend of man, work lends itself to be manipulated and used against workers
LENT with Gregory of Narek (15)
Prayer 25
The ways of my life are like the waves of the sea,
my soul tossing in this world upon countless,
endless swells,
riding in the shell of my body
like the ship lost at sea…
LENT with Gregory of Narek (14)
Prayer 19
Hear, all-seeing vision of hope and goodness of life,
the profuse sighs of my hurting soul,
unreachable greatness, fearful name, living word,
longed for message, delectable taste,
worshipful calling, confessed beneficence,
sweet perception, professed reality,
glorious essence, blessed existence…
South Sudan: Episcopal priest brutally killed in Yei town
YEI (13 Mar.) An Episcopal priest was found dead on the outskirts of Yei town along the Juba-Mukaya road in Yei River State on Friday, a religious leader said. Rev. … Continua a leggere
LENT with Gregory of Narek (13)
Prayer 18
Before I was, you created me.
Before I could wish, you shaped me.
Before I glimpsed the world’s light, you saw me.
Before I emerged, you took pity on me.
Before I called, you heard me.
Before I raised a hand, you looked over me.
Before I asked, you dispensed mercy on me.
OGF 3/2017 Blessed, Broken and Shared
In a spirituality which is focused on others and their needs, the Eucharist becomes first of all a time to remember: to remember, in thanksgiving, how this community, to which we have committed ourselves, began, namely through the total self-sacrifice of its founder and leader, the Risen Jesus, and to recall, once again, the core value of self-sacrificing love by which the community is to live.
Exodus (3) Thorn Bushes and Liberations
Factories, offices, classrooms, fields and houses can be and are the site of the fundamental type of meetings in life, even of theophanies. The decisive events reach us in the places of our ordinary life, that is, while we are at work (work is also important because of this).
LENT with Gregory of Narek (12)
Prayer 17
Now, tormented by bitter grief I pray
to you, keeper of imperiled souls.
Do not add to the pain of my sighs.
Do not wound me. I am already injured.
Do not condemn me. I am already punished.
Do not torture me. I am already tormented.
Do not cudgel me. I am already beaten.
Do not push me. I have already fallen.
LENT with Gregory of Narek (11)
Prayer 16
Yours alone, God, in heaven, exalted and generous,
yours is the power, and yours, forgiveness.
Yours is healing and yours, abundance.
Yours are the gifts and yours alone grace.
Yours atonement and yours protection.
Yours is creation beyond knowing.
Yours are arts beyond discovery.
Yours are bounds beyond measure.
You are the beginning and you are the end.
