Oct 24, About Today for Thursday of the 30th week of Ordinary Time

October 24

Saint Anthony Mary Claret

Optional Memorial

St. Anthony Mary Claret was born near Barcelona in 1807. The son of a wool manufacturer, he became a weaver; but at age 22, he decided to enter a seminary. After ordination, he discovered his heart for missionary work. In 1848, he traveled to the Canary Islands and ran retreats for 15 months. Upon his return, he founded the Congregation of the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary as well as an extremely successful publishing company. His efforts were recognized, and at the request of Queen Isabella II of Spain, Pius IX made him Archbishop of Cuba. He traveled to Cuba and served faithfully, building a hospital and numerous schools. At age 50, he returned to Spain and became confessor to Isabella II. He preached widely and established religious libraries. Also, he founded a scientific lab, a natural history museum, as well as a school of language and music. He was canonized in 1950 by Pope Pius XII. [1]

Pope: God meddles with our lives and heals our wounds

(Vatican Radio) Contemplation, proximity and abundance are the three words upon which Pope Francis centered his homily on Tuesday at Mass at the Casa Santa Marta.

Speaking to those present for the morning celebration, the Pope reiterated that one cannot understand God solely with the mind and pointed out that God challenges us by "meddling" in our lives to heal our wounds, just as Jesus did.

Intelligence – the Pope said – is not sufficient to enter into the mystery of God. You need contemplation, proximity and abundance.

Listen to Linda Bordoni's report...  

Drawing his inspiration from the Letter of St. Paul to the Romans, Pope Francis said there is only one way we can understand they the mystery of our salvation, and that is: on our knees, in contemplation.

Intelligence is not enough – he added: “ You need contemplation, intelligence, heart, knees praying… all together: this is how we enter into the mystery”.

And the Pope went on to speak about closeness – or proximity. “One man created sin, Francis explained, and one man saved us”. God is close, he is close to our history. From the very first moment when he chose our father, Abraham, he walked with His people. And Jesus himself – he said - had a craftsman’s job:a worker who uses his hands. The image that comes to mind – the Pope continued – is that of a nurse in a hospital who heals our wounds, one at a time. Just like God – he explained – who gets involved, who meddles in our miseries, He gets close to our wounds and heals them with his hands. And to actually have hands – he continued – He became man. So God saves us not only by decree: “He saves us with tenderness and with caresses. He saves us with His life for us.”

And then Pope Francis spoke of “abundance”. Where sins abound – he said – grace abounds. Each of us knows his miseries and knows how they abound. But God’s challenge is to defeat them and heal the wounds as Jesus did with His superabundance of grace and love. And Francis pointed out that although some do not like to admit it: those who are closest to the heart of Jesus are sinners, because He goes to look for them, calls them and heals them, while those who are in good health do not need a doctor: “ I have come to heal, to save."

The Pope concluded his homily reflecting on how some saints say that one of the ugliest sins is distrust: distrust in God. “But how can we be wary of a God who is so close, so good, who prefers the sinful heart ?" . This mystery – he said - is not easy to understand with intelligence, but with the help of these three words: "contemplation, proximity and abundance” because God "always wins with the superabundance of his grace, with His tenderness ", with His wealth of mercy." 

---

VATICAN DOSSIER

---

VATICAN CITY, October 15, 2013  Love of God and neighbor are necessary in defending oneself from the sin of idolatry and hypocrisy. This was the theme of Pope Francis’ homily this morning during Mass in the Chapel of

Pope Francis: 'Love of God and Neighbor Heals You of Idolatry and Hypocrisy'

Reflects on the Idolatry of Self During Morning Mass

By Junno Arocho Esteves

 Casa Santa Marta.

St. Paul’s first reading, spoke of those who “although they knew God they did not accord him glory as God or give him thanks.”

“While claiming to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for the likeness of an image of mortal man or of birds or of four-legged animals or of snakes,” St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans states.

This idolatry, the Pope said, “stifles the truth of faith which reveals the justice of God.”

“But since we all need to worship - because we have the stamp of God within us - when we do not worship God, we adore creatures. And this is the passage from faith to idolatry. They, the idolaters, have no excuse: having known God, they did not glorify nor gave thanks to God. And what is the path of the idolater? It says it clearly: ‘they became vain in their reasoning, and their senseless minds were darkened.’ The selfishness of their own thought, the omnipotent thought, that which I think is true: I think the truth, I make the truth with my thoughts.”

Although Saint Paul’s words referred to the physical adoration of statues of various creatures, Pope Francis said that in today’s world, idolatry has taken a new form not only to those outside of the Church but even within.

“Even today, there are so many idols and today there are many idolaters, so many who think themselves wise. But even among us, among Christians! I am not speaking of them, I respect them, those who are not Christian. But among us - let us speak like family - those who believe themselves wise, that know everything.”

“And they have become fools,” he continued, “and changed the glory of God who is incorruptible with an image: my own self, my ideas, my comfort. This is not just something historical - even today in the streets there are idols. All of us have some form of hidden idol. We may ask ourselves in front of God: what is my hidden idol? That which occupies the place of God!”

The Holy Father also drew a parallel between the Paul’s discourse on idolatry and Christ’s words on hypocrisy in today’s Gospel. Saint Luke’s Gospel recalled Jesus rebuke of the Pharisee who was scandalized that Jesus did not “observe the prescribed washing before the meal”

“Oh you Pharisees! Although you cleanse the outside of the cup and the dish, inside you are filled with plunder and evil,” Jesus replied in the Gospel. “But as to what is within, give alms, and behold, everything will be clean for you.”

Jesus’ response, the Pope said, calls on the Pharisee, as well as all of us ,to not judge by appearances but to go straight to the truth.

“A plate is a plate, but what is most important is what is in the plate: the meal,” the Holy Father said. “But if you are vain, if you are a careerist, if you are ambitious, if you are a person who always boasts about yourself or who likes to brag, because you think yourself perfect, give a bit of alms and that will heal you of your hypocrisy.”

Concluding his homily, Pope Francis said that the true path that Christ calls us to fight against idolatry and hypocrisy is to love both God above all else and neighbor.

“It is so simple, yet very difficult! This can only be done through grace. Let us ask for this grace,” Pope Francis said

.

We have read and heard a great deal the last few years about the poor economic condition of the Church in Denmark and the need for more members to pay Catholic church tax. In 2012 only 14% of Danish Catholics paid church tax. That level of support is clearly too low. But why don't more people pay church tax?

Give your own opinion in the survey below. Choose 1 or 2 of the possibilities in the list, or choose "Other" and write your own explanation. Then click on the "Vote" button under the list. (The results will be published in the middle of October.)


 

"I have a dogmatic certainty: God is in every person’s life. God is in everyone’s life. Even if the life of a person has been a disaster, even if it is destroyed by vices, drugs or anything else—God is in this person’s life. You can, you must try to seek God in every human life. Although the life of a person is a land full of thorns and weeds, there is always a space in which the good seed can grow. You have to trust God."

- Pope Francis, interview with La Civilta Cattolica

  Sept. 30, 2013

Pope Francis: Small Faith Can Achieve Things That "Are Humanly Impossible"

Over 100,000 Gather in St. Peters Square for Angelus Address

By Junno Arocho Esteves

VATICAN CITY, October 07, 2013 (Zenit.org) - The Holy Father addressed over 100,000 pilgrims gathered at St. Peter’s Square to listen to his weekly Angelus address on Sunday.

Reflecting on his recent trip to Assisi, Pope Francis began his address thanking God for his visit. “Understand that this was the first time that I went to Assisi and it was a great gift to make this pilgrimage on the feast of St. Francis. I thank the people of Assisi for their warm reception,” he said.

Regarding the Sunday Gospel, in which the disciples ask Christ to increase their faith, the Holy Father said that Jesus’ reply indicates that though one’s faith may be small, it is enough to achieve the impossible.

“We all know people who are simple, humble, but with an incredibly strong faith, who truly move mountains!” the Pope exclaimed. “Think, for example, of certain [mothers] and [fathers] who face very hard situations; or certain sick people, even gravely sick people, who convey serenity to those who visit them.”

“These people, precisely because of their faith, do not boast about what they do, rather, as Jesus asks in the Gospel, they say: ‘We are useless servants. We have done what we were supposed to do’. How many people among us have this strong, humble faith and do so much good!”

Pope Francis also cited the example of missionaries around the world who give their life for the Gospel everyday. Each Christian are also called to bear witness to Christ, he reminded the faithful, adding that the power of faith is strong even if it is small.

“With this strength bear witness to Jesus Christ, be Christians with your life, with our witness!” the Holy Father exhorted the faithful.

Concluding his address, the Holy Father told the 100,000 pilgrims that the true source of this strength comes from prayer, which he called “the breath of faith.” Reminding the faithful that October is the month of the Rosary, Pope Francis invited them to pray to Our Lady of Pompeii and “join spiritually in this act of confidence in our Mother.”

October 4

Saint Francis of Assisi, Religious

Memorial

“Great and glorious God, my Lord Jesus Christ! I implore Thee to enlighten me and to disperse the darkness of my soul. Give me true faith, firm hope, and perfect charity. Grant me, O Lord, to know Thee so well that in all things I may act by Thy light and in accordance with Thy holy will. Amen.” [1]

St. Francis was born in central Italy in the 12th century. The son of a wealthy merchant, his early life was indulgent and frivolous. At age 20, he seemed set for a military career until a series of visions redirected his course. While praying in front of a crucifix at the Church of St. Damian, St. Francis heard Christ tell him to “go and rebuild my Church.” St. Francis shifted his life and originally began rebuilding ruined churches. Men and women, both religious and secular, joined him and the Friars Minor, Poor Clares and Third Order of St. Francis were formed. St. Francis modeled a life in relationship with Christ and therefore, helped ‘renew the People of God.’ St. Francis was canonized in 1228 by Gregory IX and is the patron saint of Italy, the environment, and animals. 

PAPAL TRIPS IN ITALY

---

Assisi Awaits 1st Pope Named Francis

More Than 100,000 Pilgrims Expected for Papal Visit

By Rocio Lancho Garcia

ASSISI, ITALY, October 03, 2013 (Zenit.org) - For the first time in history, a Pontiff bearing the name of the saint of Assisi will visit this city located in the Italian region of Umbria. Though the Holy Father will be the 19th pope to visit the birthplace of "the poor one," he is the first to be called Pope Francis.

A palpable air of welcoming, as well as finalizing preparations, has enveloped Assisi ahead of the Holy Father's arrival Friday morning. Multitudes of Vatican flags decorate the balconies lining the streets as well as the flag of the Pope's native Argentina. Everyone is waiting for the Latin American Pope. Buses lining the streets are dropping off pilgrims who will participate in the Mass on October 4, feast of St. Francis of Assisi.

Store display windows and restaurants have been decorated with photos and messages saying "Welcome Pope Francis" as well as "Welcome Back Francis", a way of giving a new welcome to the name of the Saint of Assisi. 

Fr. Mauro Gambetti, guardian of the Sacred Convent of Assisi, stated that he has lost count due to the more than 100,000 prayer intentions and comments on the official page of the Sacred Convent, www.sanfrancescopatronoditalia.it. 

"The wait is growing: it is an emotional waiting, that is felt in the calls that we receive, as well as the letters filled with emotion and hope in the people who have found in Pope Francis a close confidant. The Pope has impressed us many times, with his gestures of simplicity and affection. The various media present are anxiously waiting as well," Fr. Gambetti told ZENIT.

More than 100,000 people are expected to be present for the pastoral visit. The event will be covered by more than 1,000 journalists, a significant number, given that World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro this summer saw the presence of an estimated 5,500 accredited journalists. 

Two stages have been prepared in two different areas of the city: the first in the square in front of the Basilica of Saint Francis for the Mass that will be celebrated at 11:00 am, and another located in front of Saint Mary of the Angels, where the Pope will meet with an estimated 12,000 youth.

Assisi, a small city with a little over 28,000 inhabitants, will receive a great multitude of people. Many pilgrims are preparing to spend the night camped outside and guard their spots along the path where the Pope is expected to pass by. Those who cannot find space in the designated areas for pilgrims are planning to follow the papal motorcade via the nine large screens located in various parts of the city. 

Tomorrow will be an intense day for the Bishop of Rome, who in almost 12 hours, will have 11 meetings, among them a visit to the Seraphic Institute of Assisi, where he will visit sick and disabled children and the Caritas shelter where he will have lunch with the poor.

Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, Virgin and Doctor of the Church

Memorial

“Oh! how I love Thee, Jesus! my soul aspires to Thee
And yet for one day only my simple prayer I pray!
Come reign within my heart, smile tenderly on me,
To-day, dear Lord, to-day” [1]
St. Therese of the Child Jesus was born in France in 1873. At age 15, she chose contemplative life, like her two older sisters before her, and entered the Carmel of Lisieux. In addition to religious responsibilities, St. Therese was a writer. She penned an autobiography, poetry, letters, and prayers. Her poems give praise to God for His unfailing love and speak to her desire to model her life after Christ. Also, St. Therese lived this devotion in “little ways,” becoming known as the “Little Flower of Jesus.” She died at the young age of 24, but her writings continue to inspire the faithful. St. Therese was canonized in 1925 by Pius XI and declared a Doctor of the Church in 1997.