Catholic News 2
BRASILIA, Brazil (AP) -- The Latest on the debate and vote in Brazil's Senate on the impeachment of President Dilma Rousseff (all times local):...
BRASILIA, Brazil (AP) -- Senators in Brazil began debate Wednesday on whether to oust President Dilma Rousseff, a movement that has built up steam and turned into a referendum on her leadership amid several spiraling crises besetting Latin America's largest nation....
WASHINGTON (AP) -- His party leaders left with no alternative, Donald Trump is drawing reluctant support from top Washington Republicans now that voters have put him on a glide path to the GOP presidential nomination. If he can't get restive Republicans like House Speaker Paul Ryan on side, he says he'll keep on winning anyway....
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) -- Bernie Sanders has won his 19th state, only four short of Hillary Clinton's tally, but that's not the gap that counts....
(Vatican Radio) The recent news that a sixth Oratory is to be founded in Bournemouth, a popular resort on England’s south coast, means that in the past three years, the number of Oratorian Congregations in England and Wales will have doubled.As part of a major evangelization programme within the Diocese of Portsmouth, Bishop Philip Egan has invited Fr Dominic Jacob, co-founder of the Oxford Oratory, Fr Peter Edwards, and Fr David Hutton to erect a Congregation of the Oratory of St Philip Neri, to be based at the Church of the Most Sacred Heart in Bournemouth’s town centre.Listen as Phil Andrews talks to Fr Peter Edwards about what inspired him to become a co-founder of the new Oratory. Writing in the Catholic Herald, Bishop Egan wrote, “The hope is that the new Oratory will enhance greatly the Church’s mission in Bournemouth, making it a centre of excellence for liturgy, formation and pastoral care.”The three priests will begin their ministry on the f...
(Vatican Radio) The recent news that a sixth Oratory is to be founded in Bournemouth, a popular resort on England’s south coast, means that in the past three years, the number of Oratorian Congregations in England and Wales will have doubled.
As part of a major evangelization programme within the Diocese of Portsmouth, Bishop Philip Egan has invited Fr Dominic Jacob, co-founder of the Oxford Oratory, Fr Peter Edwards, and Fr David Hutton to erect a Congregation of the Oratory of St Philip Neri, to be based at the Church of the Most Sacred Heart in Bournemouth’s town centre.
Listen as Phil Andrews talks to Fr Peter Edwards about what inspired him to become a co-founder of the new Oratory.
Writing in the Catholic Herald, Bishop Egan wrote, “The hope is that the new Oratory will enhance greatly the Church’s mission in Bournemouth, making it a centre of excellence for liturgy, formation and pastoral care.”
The three priests will begin their ministry on the feast of Our Lady’s Birthday (8th September 2016), in a parish which comprises university accommodation, language school students, diverse ethnic communities, and considerable homelessness, besides long-standing residents, the hospitality industry, and numerous businesses.
In accordance with the charism of their Patron, St Philip Neri, the Oratory-in-Formation will be devoted to offering sacramental support through daily Mass, Confessions, Eucharistic Adoration and formation in the spiritual life, alongside pastoral care of students, the growing number of homeless, and others in need, all of whom make up the local population, together with the thousands who pass the doors of Sacred Heart each day. They will also be entrusted with the University Catholic Chaplaincy where they will realize St Philip’s apostolate in the formation and pastoral care of young people.
This latest Community of St Philip Neri will be a Society of Apostolic Life under the direction of the Oratorian Confederation’s Procurator General in Rome, and for whom the Oxford Oratory and York Oratory-in-Formation have been the formative inspiration.
Whilst re-adapting the house to community living, the top floor is derelict and needs a complete makeover before the Fathers can invite potential vocations. If you would like to contribute to this and related developments, please make cheques payable to: “Sacred Heart Bournemouth Oratory” and mail them, care of Fr Peter Edwards, St Joseph’s Presbytery, 1 Montem Road, New Malden, KT3 3QW, United Kingdom.
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis called for “prayer and dialogue” in Brazil as a political crisis threatens to unseat President Dilma Rousseff.Addressing Portuguese-speaking pilgrims during his General Audience, Pope Francis turned his thoughts to Brazil. “In these days, as we prepare for the feast of Pentecost, I ask the Lord to abundantly pour out the gifts of His Spirit, so that the country, in these moments of difficulty, proceeds on the path of harmony and peace, with the help of prayer and dialogue” – Pope Francis said – “May the closeness of Our Lady of Aparecida, who as a good mother will never abandons her children, both defend and guide you on this journey.”President Rousseff is facing impeachment proceedings after being accused of hiding the public deficit during her 2014 re-election campaign. She denies the charges.
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis called for “prayer and dialogue” in Brazil as a political crisis threatens to unseat President Dilma Rousseff.
Addressing Portuguese-speaking pilgrims during his General Audience, Pope Francis turned his thoughts to Brazil.
“In these days, as we prepare for the feast of Pentecost, I ask the Lord to abundantly pour out the gifts of His Spirit, so that the country, in these moments of difficulty, proceeds on the path of harmony and peace, with the help of prayer and dialogue” – Pope Francis said – “May the closeness of Our Lady of Aparecida, who as a good mother will never abandons her children, both defend and guide you on this journey.”
President Rousseff is facing impeachment proceedings after being accused of hiding the public deficit during her 2014 re-election campaign. She denies the charges.
(Vatican Radio) The Internazionali BNL d’Italia, the Italian tennis open, is currently taking place in Rome , with the world’s greatest players coming from all over the world to take part.Georgia Gogarty spoke with men’s doubles partners, Ivan Dodig from Croatia and Marcelo Melo from Brazil, to find out how they are finding the tournament so far and what kind of an impact they think sport has in today’s society.Listen: Talking about the tournament the duo, who have the first match today, said they are in good spirits and are hoping for a ‘good result’.When asked about acting as role models for young people through sport, something that Pope Francis has spoken about, Dodig said that “sport is great for young people” and that they are trying to “bring peace and good friendship to all the different religions”. He said that it is a way of different countries connecting, and as players they can have “a good influence on ...
(Vatican Radio) The Internazionali BNL d’Italia, the Italian tennis open, is currently taking place in Rome , with the world’s greatest players coming from all over the world to take part.
Georgia Gogarty spoke with men’s doubles partners, Ivan Dodig from Croatia and Marcelo Melo from Brazil, to find out how they are finding the tournament so far and what kind of an impact they think sport has in today’s society.
Listen:
Talking about the tournament the duo, who have the first match today, said they are in good spirits and are hoping for a ‘good result’.
When asked about acting as role models for young people through sport, something that Pope Francis has spoken about, Dodig said that “sport is great for young people” and that they are trying to “bring peace and good friendship to all the different religions”. He said that it is a way of different countries connecting, and as players they can have “a good influence on others”. Melo added to this saying in their own partnership there has to be respect as they come from different nations, highlighting that it is something young people can take away from sport.
Although religion does not have a direct impact on them as sportsmen, Dodig and Melo try to inspire a positive attitude nonetheless. Dodig said that at the tournament they are “all trying to be great friends” and they are trying to show people that sport, particularly tennis, is the way to connect people. Melo also said that sport is for everyone, no matter what their religion or background.
The two spoke about sport as a means of strengthening relationships in communities that have been affected by conflict. Dodig said that a lot of things are happening in the world at the moment and “sport is one of the best ways of uniting the people and to bring peace”.
Melo drew attention to the Olympics which are taking place in Brazil this summer, saying that although Brazil “is not in the best moment”, he sees the games as a positive thing for his country. He thinks it is a good opportunity for people to see Brazil and how “beautiful” it is, as before people were “afraid”. When asked about whether he thought the political instability would have an effect on the games, Melo said he hoped not and reminded us that there had been a similar situation prior to the 2014 Football World Cup and the country had managed to pull through. He said the Brazilian people are “ready” for the Olympics and “always have open arms to everybody”.
Finally, when asked about who will win the tournament, Dodig and Melo laughed saying they should cheer for themselves. They said their goal has to be to win, however the tournament is one of the best in the world and is hosting great players. Focus and determination will be the key to their success.
(Vatican Radio) At his Wednesday general audience Pope Francis focused on the parable of the prodigal son to show how God welcomes us all with an unconditional love. Even in the most difficult situations, he told pilgrims and visitors gathered in St Peter’s Square, God waits for us and longs to embrace us.The Pope explained that the parable talks about both the prodigal son and his older brother, who also needs to learn to accept the father’s mercy. Both the younger son, who is expecting to be punished, and the older son, who expects a reward for his good behavior, are not acting according to God’s love, which transcends both reward and punishment, the Pope said. The greatest joy for the father, he stressed, is to see his two sons reunited and recognizing each other as brothers.Pope Francis notes that the parable ends without our knowing how the older brother responds to the father’s invitation to celebrate his brother’s return. Jesus is challenging e...
(Vatican Radio) At his Wednesday general audience Pope Francis focused on the parable of the prodigal son to show how God welcomes us all with an unconditional love. Even in the most difficult situations, he told pilgrims and visitors gathered in St Peter’s Square, God waits for us and longs to embrace us.
The Pope explained that the parable talks about both the prodigal son and his older brother, who also needs to learn to accept the father’s mercy. Both the younger son, who is expecting to be punished, and the older son, who expects a reward for his good behavior, are not acting according to God’s love, which transcends both reward and punishment, the Pope said. The greatest joy for the father, he stressed, is to see his two sons reunited and recognizing each other as brothers.
Pope Francis notes that the parable ends without our knowing how the older brother responds to the father’s invitation to celebrate his brother’s return. Jesus is challenging each of us, he said, to think about how we respond to God’s invitation, to open our hearts to his reconciling love and to become “merciful like the Father”.
Please find below the English summary of the Pope’s words at the Wednesday general audience
Dear Brothers and Sisters: In our continuing catechesis for this Holy Year of Mercy, we now turn to Jesus’ parable of the merciful father who welcomes back his prodigal son with unconditional love and forgiveness. Jesus wishes to teach us that we are children of God not because of any merits of our own but because of the infinite love of our heavenly Father.
How often do we need to be reminded of God’s unchanging love and ready forgiveness, lest we lose heart when we ourselves or our dear ones go astray! The parable speaks not only of the prodigal son, but also of his older brother, who must also learn to accept the father’s mercy, which transcends both reward and punishment.
By calling for a feast of thanksgiving, the father is really asking each son to share his joy by recognizing the other as a brother. The parable ends without our knowing how the older brother responds to this invitation. Jesus in effect is challenging each of us to think about how we respond to God’s invitation, to open our hearts to his reconciling love and to become “merciful like the Father”.
I greet the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors taking part in today’s Audience, particularly those from England, Ireland, Denmark, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Seychelles and the United States of America. In the joy of the Risen Lord, I invoke upon you and your families the loving mercy of God our Father. May the Lord bless you all!
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Wednesday said Our Lady of Fatima “invites us once again to turn to prayer, penance, and conversion.”The Holy Father noted the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima is commemorated this year on this Friday (13 May) during his remarks to Polish-speaking pilgrims at his General Audience.“She asks us to never offend God again. She forewarns all humanity about the necessity of abandoning oneself to God, the source of love and mercy,” Pope Francis said.“Following the example of St. John Paul II, a great devotee of Our Lady of Fatima, let us listen attentively to the Mother of God and ask for peace for the world,” – he continued – “Praised be Jesus Christ!”Thirty-five years ago, Pope St. John Paul II was shot by Mehmet Ali Agca during the General Audience, which took place on the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima in 1981.The saint attributed his survival to Our Lady, and gave one of the bullets used in the attac...
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Wednesday said Our Lady of Fatima “invites us once again to turn to prayer, penance, and conversion.”
The Holy Father noted the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima is commemorated this year on this Friday (13 May) during his remarks to Polish-speaking pilgrims at his General Audience.
“She asks us to never offend God again. She forewarns all humanity about the necessity of abandoning oneself to God, the source of love and mercy,” Pope Francis said.
“Following the example of St. John Paul II, a great devotee of Our Lady of Fatima, let us listen attentively to the Mother of God and ask for peace for the world,” – he continued – “Praised be Jesus Christ!”
Thirty-five years ago, Pope St. John Paul II was shot by Mehmet Ali Agca during the General Audience, which took place on the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima in 1981.
The saint attributed his survival to Our Lady, and gave one of the bullets used in the attack to the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in Portugal. The bullet was placed in the crown of the statue of the Virgin Mary which is housed at the shrine.
(Vatican Radio) At his Wednesday general audience Pope Francis focused on the parable of the prodigal son to show how God welcomes us all with an unconditional love. Even in the most difficult situations, he told pilgrims and visitors gathered in St Peter’s Square, God waits for us and longs to embrace us.Philippa Hitchen reports: Pope Francis began his reflections at the moment the prodigal son returns home, asking forgiveness for what he has done and telling his father: “I no longer deserve to be called your son”. But on the contrary, he continued, the only thing that matters to the father is that his son has returned home safe and sound. Thus he runs out to embrace him, restores his dignity by giving him clothes, sandals and a ring on his finger, and calls for a feast to celebrate his return.The Pope said the father’s tenderness and mercy overflows and, in the same way, we know that even in the most difficult moments of our lives, God waits for us and lo...
(Vatican Radio) At his Wednesday general audience Pope Francis focused on the parable of the prodigal son to show how God welcomes us all with an unconditional love. Even in the most difficult situations, he told pilgrims and visitors gathered in St Peter’s Square, God waits for us and longs to embrace us.
Philippa Hitchen reports:
Pope Francis began his reflections at the moment the prodigal son returns home, asking forgiveness for what he has done and telling his father: “I no longer deserve to be called your son”. But on the contrary, he continued, the only thing that matters to the father is that his son has returned home safe and sound. Thus he runs out to embrace him, restores his dignity by giving him clothes, sandals and a ring on his finger, and calls for a feast to celebrate his return.
The Pope said the father’s tenderness and mercy overflows and, in the same way, we know that even in the most difficult moments of our lives, God waits for us and longs to embrace us as his children. Jesus’ words, he went on, can encourage parents who worry about their children becoming alienated and tempted by all kinds of dangers. They can help priests and catechists who wonder if their work is all in vain. They can even help those in prison, or those who’ve made mistakes and are unable to see any future for themselves.
The Pope went on to explain how this parable talks about both the prodigal son and his older brother, who also needs to learn to accept the father’s mercy. Though he has remained at home with his father, his words display no tenderness or thought for anyone but himself. How sad for the father, the Pope exclaimed, with one son who went away and the other who was never really close to him!
Both the younger son, who is expecting to be punished, and the older son, who expects a reward for his good behavior, are not acting according to God’s love, which transcends both reward and punishment, the Pope said.
The two brothers do not speak to each other, they live different lives, but neither of them lives according to the logic of Our Lord. Their logic is overturned by the words of the father, “let us celebrate with a feast, because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost, and has been found”. The greatest joy for the father, the Pope stressed, is to see his two sons reunited and recognizing each other as brothers.
Pope Francis noted that this parable ends without our knowing how the older brother responds to the father’s invitation to celebrate his brother’s return. Jesus is challenging each one of us, he said, to think about how we respond to God’s invitation, to open our hearts to his reconciling love and to become “merciful like the Father”.
