In order to help people encounter Jesus, priests “need to listen to the Spirit together with the whole people of God, so as to renew our faith and find new ways and languages to share the Gospel with our brothers and sisters,” Secretary-General of the Synod of the Bishops, Cardinal Mario Grech and Prefect of the Vatican Congregation for Clergy, Archbishop Lazarus You Heung-sik have written, in a letter to priests and clergy released 19 March. By Carol Glatz, Catholic News Service.
Hundreds of men and women belonging to religious orders attended the Mass for the celebration of Candlemas — the feast of the Presentation of the Lord — which also marks the Vatican celebration of the World Day for Consecrated Life on 2 February at the Vatican.
In conjunction with the 71st National Liturgical Week in Cremona, Italy, the Vatican Secretary of State on behalf of Pope Francis, reflected on how the COVID-19 pandemic confirmed changes previously underway in people’s understanding and participation in Sunday Mass. By Carol Glatz, Catholic News Service.
Mary’s assumption into Heaven reminds people that they are also called by God to eternal life in Heaven through humility and serving him, Pope Francis said on the Feast of the Assumption. By Carol Glatz.
Pope Francis addressed the people from his studio window overlooking Saint Peter’s Square on 8 August, as he led the Angelus. His message – that Without Christ, Christians could only “get by” because He is the only one who can nourish their souls and He is the only one who can “forgive us from that evil that we cannot overcome on our own.” By Junno Arocho Esteves, CNS.
Sydney’s Auxiliary Bishop Terence Brady recognised the great courage and unfailing service to others, endured by Eileen O’Connor despite living with great personal suffering herself, at a special mass held on 10 January 2021, to mark the centenary of her death, as she remains on the path to becoming Australia’s second saint.
Pope Francis delivered his Christmas message and blessing “urbi et orbi” (to the city and the world) from the Hall of Blessings at the Vatican on 25 December 2020, highlighting his hope that Christmas would be an opportunity for all to rediscover the family as a cradle of life and faith, a place of acceptance and love, dialogue, forgiveness, fraternal solidarity and shared joy, a source of peace for all humanity.