Welcome to the Spiritual Reflections Website Sacred Music: Courtesy of Catholic Musician Mauro Bertini, Italy

LIFE, WHAT A BEAUTIFUL CHOICE ..RESPECT AND WELCOME FOR HUMAN LIFE ... another Image of God!   
Pray The Rosary of the Unborn to help wipe out abortion.  Get your rosary today from: http:// www.rosaryoftheunborn.com 
http://www.gospeloflove.catholicweb.com
 

Spiritual Reflections at, TX US - Home

 

Dear Friends, welcome to the Journey of Faith. Take a closer walk with God and Blessed Mother throughout this site.
MAY YOU GROW IN THE PRACTICE OF THE TWO GREAT COMMANDMENTS--  LOVE OF GOD AND LOVE OF NEIGHBOR.

 

You are now the 654,385th person to visit this site since October 2000       

          WE ASK GOD TO BLESS THE GOVERNMENT LEADERS OF THE USA AND OF ALL NATIONS,THAT THEY MAY GOVERN ACCORDING TO THE LAWS OF GOD, WITH RESPECT FOR ALL HUMAN LIFE, 
FROM CONCEPTION TO NATURAL DEATH.
THAT AMERICA- REMAINS TRUE TO ITS MOTTO:
"ONE NATION, UNDER GOD, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL."

                                                                      

PRAYER FOR UNITY & PEACE AMONG ALL PEOPLE
 "Heavenly Father, we come to Your Paternal Heart seeking peace amongst all people and all nations. Bring into harmony with Your Divine Will all human life, all of nature--even the cosmos itself. Protect all of creation from Satan's destructive plans. We know that war must be in hearts before it is in the world. Inspire all mankind, dear Father, to choose love of God and neighbor, which leads to true peace, for we know this is Your Will for us. Prayer in the present moment: At each moment... "I choose with my free will to love God above all else, and my neighbor as myself. I choose this--Holy Love in the present moment--and seek God's help in doing so in every future moment. Amen.
(Prayer dictated by Our Lord Jesus Christ)

---

CONSECRATION OF HEARTS TO HOLY TRINITY
Our Heavenly Father offers help for humanity in these conflicted times of world disaster and alienation from God's will: CONSECRATION OF THE HEART OF THE WORLD TO THE BLESSED TRINITY using the following prayer: "Heavenly Father, in this present moment, which You have created and willed, I, ...do hereby consecrate

---

NOVENA TO OUR HEAVENLY FATHER
PRAYER TO OUR HEAVENLY FATHER "Heavenly Father, Eternal Now, Creator of the Universe, Splendor of Heaven, listen with compassion to Your children who cry out to You. Pour out upon the earth Your Provision, Your Mercy, Your Love. With the winnowing fan of Your Divine Will, separate good from evil ...

---

POPE BENEDICT OPENS DOORS TO ANGLICAN CONGREGATIONS
NOTE ON CELIBACY FOR ANGLICANS ENTERING CATHOLIC CHURCH
VATICAN CITY, 31 OCT 2009 (VIS)  Holy See Press Office Director Fr. Federico Lombardi S.J. today released the following English-language declaration concerning speculations about the celibacy issue in the forthcoming Apostolic ...

---

ENCYCLICAL LETTER --SPE SALVI --On Christian Hope
ENCYCLICAL LETTER-SPE SALVI- OF THE SUPREME PONTIFF BENEDICT XVI TO THE BISHOPS PRIESTS AND DEACONS MEN AND WOMEN RELIGIOUS AND ALL THE LAY FAITHFUL ON CHRISTIAN HOPE Introduction 1. “SPE SALVI facti sumus”—in hope we were saved, says Saint Paul to the Romans, and likewise to us (Rom 8:24)....

---

VATICAN CURRENT EVENTS
WORLD MISSION DAY: SOLIDARITY WITH YOUNG CHURCHES  
VATICAN CITY, 18 OCT 2009 (VIS) - World Mission Day, which falls on the third Sunday of October, provided the theme for the Pope's remarks before praying the Angelus today.     The Holy Father told the thousands of faithful ...

---

THE YEAR OF SAINT PAUL--2000th ANNIVERSARY
ANALYSIS OF THE TOMB OF ST. PAUL  
VATICAN CITY, 3 JUL 2009 (VIS) - In the Holy See Press Office this morning Cardinal Andrea Cordero Lanza di Montezemolo, archpriest of the papal basilica of St. Paul's Outside-the-Walls, and Professor Ulderico Santamaria, director of the scientific ...

---

LIVING THE TWO GREAT COMMANDMENTS--Love of God & Love of Neighbor
Source: Ecumenical Site: holylove.org
Blessed Mother teaches:
"These days I am saddened by mankind's decision to depend so much on self and so little on God. As a result mankind is being left more and more to his own devices as God steps back and watches." "It appears that more ...

---

"GOD IS LOVE"-- WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?
Find out the true meaning of "LOVE" here in this First Encyclical of Pope Benedict XV1--DEUS CARITAS EST TO THE BISHOPS,PRIESTS AND DEACONS MEN AND WOMEN RELIGIOUS AND ALL THE LAY FAITHFUL ON CHRISTIAN LOVE INTRODUCTION 1. “God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God abides ...

---

GOSPEL OF LIFE
LIVING THE GOSPEL OF LIFE: A Challenge to All Citizens "Now the word of the Lord came to me saying: Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born, I consecrated you; a prophet to the nations I appointed you." Jeremiah 1:5 Brothers and sisters in the Lord: Today I believe ...

---

THE PRIEST'S PRAYER LIFE
PRIESTS ARE WITNESSES OF THE POWER OF GOD  
VATICAN CITY, 29 SEP 2009 (VIS) - Made public today were the contents of a video Message from the Pope to participants in an international spiritual retreat for priests at the French shrine of Ars for the 150th anniversary of the death of St. John ...

---

THE CONSECRATED LIFE...
CONSECRATED PEOPLE PROCLAIM THAT GOD IS THE LORD OF LIFE
VATICAN CITY, FEB 3, 2007 (VIS) - Yesterday afternoon in the Vatican Basilica, the Holy Father met with members of congregations, institutes, societies of apostolic life, and new forms of consecrated life, for the occasion of the World Day ...

---

RELIGIOUS LIFE TODAY
TO CONSECRATED PEOPLE: IMITATE THE LIFE OF ST. PAUL  
VATICAN CITY, 3 FEB 2009 (VIS) - Yesterday afternoon in the Vatican Basilica Benedict XVI met with members of religious congregations, institutes of consecrated life and societies of apostolic life, at the end of a Mass marking the ...

---

SERMON on LOVE by SAINT BERNARD, Doctor of the Church
St. Bernard, Abbot & Doctor, 1090-1153 Sermon on LOVE:
 "Love is sufficient of itself, it gives pleasure by itself and because of itself. It is its own merit, its own reward. Love looks for no cause outside itself, no effect beyond itself. Its profit lies in its practice. I love because I love, I ...

---

SANCTITY IS FOR ALL AGES
SANCTITY IS FOR ALL AGES
VATICAN CITY, DEC 20, 2007 (VIS) - Today in the Vatican, Benedict XVI received a group of young people from Italian Catholic Action (ACI), for a traditional exchange of Christmas good wishes. The Pope greeted Luigi Alici, national president of ACI, and Bishop ...

---

FROM MEDJUGORGE: OUR LADY'S MESSAGE TO THE WORLD, October 25, 2009
Message of October  25, 2009
“Dear children!  Also today I bring you my blessing, I bless you all and I call you to grow on this way, which God has begun through me for your salvation. Pray, fast and joyfully witness your faith, little children, and may your heart always be filled ...

---

OUR LADY PRAYS FOR UNBELIEVERS: Oct 2, 2009
Our Lady has been appearing daily at Medjugorje, Yugoslavia  since 1981 and from time to time visits with the Visionaries on an individual basis. This is the latest report from the oldest Visionary, Mirjana.

I would like to include some additional information for those who may not be familiar with Mirjana or the messages she receives on the 2nd of each month.
Mirjana Dragicevic-Soldo  was born on March 18th, 1965, in Sarajevo.  Mirjana is married with two children, and lives with her family in Medjugorje. She received daily apparitions until December 25th, 1982. On that day, Our Lady entrusted to her the 10th secret, and told her that for the rest of her life she would have one yearly apparition, on March 18th. In addition, since August 2nd, 1987, on each second day of the month, she prays with Our Lady for unbelievers. Each visionary in Medjugorje has a specific prayer mission, and for Mirjana, it is to pray for unbelievers, defined as "those who have not come to know the love of God".
So I believe when reading Our Lady's message to Mirjana, we must realize that the message should be taken in that context, and is specifically focused on those who are far from God, and those who have not yet experienced God's love. Our Lady's 25th of the month messages given to Marija are meant for the entire world. It is important to mention this because the tone and content of the messages are sometimes very different.
God Bless! Steve and Ana Shawl--The Medjugorje Web http://www.medjugorje.org

HERE IS BLESSED MOTHER'S MESSAGE:
October 2, 2009 Message to Mirjana
"Dear Children, As I look at you, my heart seizes with pain. Where are you going my
children? Have you sunk so deeply into sin that you do not know how to stop
yourselves? You justify yourselves with sin and live according to it. Kneel down
beneath the Cross and look at my Son. He conquered sin and died so that you, my
children, may live. Permit me to help you not to die but to live with my Son
forever.
Thank you!"

---

Our Lady's message to Mirjana of November 2nd,2009
Mirjana, oldest of the Medjugorje Visionaries receives a Message from Our Lady on the 2nd of the month. Here is the Message of November 2, 2009: 

"Dear children, Also today I am among you to point you to the way that will help you
to come to know God's love, the love of God Who permitted you to call Him Father and
to perceive Him as Father. I ask of you to sincerely look into your hearts and to
see how much you love Him. Is He the last to be loved? Surrounded by material goods,
how many times have you betrayed, denied and forgotten Him? My children, do not
deceive yourselves with wordly goods. Think of your soul because it is more
important than the body, cleanse it. Invoke the Father, He is waiting for you. Come
back to Him. I am with you because He, in His mercy, sends me. Thank you."

---

PERCEIVING THE SPLENDOUR OF FAITH THROUGH MUSIC
PERCEIVING THE SPLENDOUR OF FAITH THROUGH MUSIC  
VATICAN CITY, 5 JUL 2008 (VIS) - This morning in Castelgandolfo, the Holy Father received a group of pilgrims from Regensburg, Germany.     In brief remarks to them, the Pope recalled the "marvellous day" in September ...

---

JOY: INFALLIBLE SIGN OF GOD'S PRESENCE
CHRISTIAN JOY ARISES FROM THE CERTAINTY THAT GOD IS NEAR VATICAN CITY, DEC 16, 2007 (VIS) - Having returned to the Vatican following his visit this morning to the Roman parish of "Santa Maria del Rosario ai Maritiri Portuensi," the Pope appeared at the window of his private study overlooking St. ...

---

HAVING LUNCH WITH GOD
A little boy wanted to meet God. He knew it was a long trip to where God lived, so he packed his suitcase with a bag of potato chips and a six-pack of root beer and started his journey.

When he had gone about three blocks, he met an old woman. She was sitting in the park, just staring at some pigeons. The boy sat down next to her and opened his suitcase. He was about to take a drink from his root beer when he noticed that the old lady looked hungry, so he offered her some chips. She gratefully accepted it and smiled at him.

Her smile was so pretty that the boy wanted to see it again, so he offered her a root beer. Again, she smiled at him. The boy was delighted! They sat there all afternoon eating and smiling, but they never said a word.....

---

DIVERSITY IS A TEACHING, THERE IS NO NEED TO FEAR IT
VATICAN CITY, 18 DEC 2008 (VIS) -
Today in the Vatican, Benedict XVI received the Letters of Credence of new ambassadors to the Holy See from Malawi (Isaac Chikwekwere Lamba), Sweden (Perols Ulla Birgitta Gudmundson), Sierra Leon ... "The diversity of your provenance", said the Pope, "gives me cause to thank God for His creative love and for the multiplicity of His gifts, which never cease to surprise humanity. It is a teaching. At times diversity causes fear, which is why it is not to be wondered at if human beings prefer the monotony of uniformity.

---

FAITH IN THE DIVINE INITIATIVE - THE HUMAN RESPONSE  
 

VATICAN CITY, 31 MAR 2009 (VIS) -
Made public today was the Message of Benedict XVI for the 46th World Day of Prayer for Vocations, which is due to be celebrated on 3 May, the fourth Sunday of Easter, and which has as its theme this year: ...

---

CONVERSION OF HEARTS, THE ONLY WAY TO PEACE
CONVERSION OF HEARTS, THE ONLY WAY TO PEACE  
VATICAN CITY, 28 MAR 2009 (VIS) - At midday today in the Vatican, the Holy Father received 7,000 young volunteers of the Italian "Servizio Civile".     The Pope thanked them for the generosity with which they carry out their ...

---

RELIGION AND THE OVERALL FORMATION OF THE PERSON
VATICAN CITY, 25 APR 2009 (VIS) -
This morning in the Vatican, Benedict XVI received participants in a meeting of Italian Catholic teachers of religion. The teachers were accompanied by Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco, president of the Italian Episcopal Conference.     "The teaching of ...

---

PRAYER OPENS THE HEART TO THOSE MOST IN NEED
VATICAN CITY, 30 APR 2009 (VIS) -
This morning the Holy Father addressed a third group of prelates from the Argentinean Episcopal Conference, who have just completed their "ad limina" visit.     In his remarks to them the Holy Father recalled how the Lord had entrusted bishops ...

---

POPE'S NEW ENCYCLICAL: "CHARITY IN TRUTH'
CARITAS IN VERITATE: BUILDING A WORLD OF JUSTICE AND PEACE  
VATICAN CITY, 8 JUL 2009 (VIS) - In today's general audience, which was held in the Paul VI Hall, the Pope spoke about his third Encyclical "Caritas in veritate", which was officially published yesterday.     ...

---

THE CHURCH SYNOD FOR AFRICA
FINAL GENERAL CONGREGATION OF SYNOD  
VATICAN CITY, 24 OCT 2009 (VIS) - During the twentieth and final General Congregation of the Second Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops, held this morning in the Synod Hall, the relator general, Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, ...

---

POPE RECEIVES PRESIDENT OBAMA OF THE UNITED STATES
POPE RECEIVES PRESIDENT OBAMA OF THE UNITED STATES  
VATICAN CITY, 11 JUL 2009 (VIS) - Given below is the text of a communique released yesterday afternoon by the Holy See Press Office:     "This afternoon, Friday 10 July, His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI received in audience ...

---

THE STRENGTHENING OF FAITH IN CHRIST
 Synod of Bishops on Africa:
The assembly was reminded once that "a Synod of Bishops cannot be understood as a special session for Africa of the United Nations with its public declarations". This was a powerful reminder to the synodal assembly of its being a Church-gathering and a ...

---

UNITE LOVE FOR GOD WITH LOVE FOR NEIGHBOUR
Peter the Venerable 
VATICAN CITY, 14 OCT 2009 (VIS) - In his general audience, held this morning in St. Peter's Square, the Pope spoke about Peter the Venerable, whom he described as "an admirable example of a man rigorously ascetic with himself yet understanding towards ...

---

MUSIC CAN BECOME PRAYER
MUSIC CAN BECOME PRAYER 
VATICAN CITY, 17 OCT 2009 (VIS) - This evening in the Paul VI Hall, the Holy Father attended a concert by the International Piano Academy of Imola, Italy, marking twenty years since its foundation. The Chinese pianist Jin Ju, using seven pianofortes from different ...

---

BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX, LAST OF THE CHURCH FATHERS
BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX, LAST OF THE CHURCH FATHERS  
VATICAN CITY, 21 OCT 2009 (VIS) - In the catechesis he delivered during his general audience, held this morning in St. Peter's Square, the Holy Father turned his attention to St. Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153), known as the last of the ...

---

POPE'S MONTHLY PRAYER INTENTION
BENEDICT XVI'S PRAYER INTENTIONS FOR OCTOBER  
VATICAN CITY, 30 SEP 2009 (VIS) - Pope Benedict's general prayer intention for October is: "That Sunday may be lived as the day on which Christians gather to celebrate the risen Lord, participating in the Eucharist".     His ...

---

QUESTION & ANSWER TIME
AS WE SHARE THE SPLENDOR OF OUR FAITH, SOME ASPECTS MAY NOT BE COMPLETELY CLEAR AND YOU MAY HAVE SOME UNANSWERED QUESTIONS ..SO..
WHERE DO I GET ANSWERS? 

SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION TO THIS EMAIL ADDRESS:  maires@catholicweb.com 
AND A RESPONSE WILL BE FORWARDED TO YOUR OWN EMAIL INBOX.

---

ALL SAINTS DAY, Nov. 1
WHAT MAKES A PERSON A SAINT?
 The Saints were not born 'Saints', in fact, many of them were sinners, who with the grace of God, became saints. On November 1 each year, the Church honors and celebrates in a special way all the saints, known and unknown, as they are now gathered together with God in ...

---

FEAST OF ALL SAINTS & ALLSOULS
ALL SAINTS: DESIRE FOR UNION WITH THE HEAVENLY FAMILY  
VATICAN CITY, 1 NOV 2008 (VIS) - In remarks he made to pilgrims before praying the Angelus on today's Solemnity of All Saints, Benedict XVI invited them to consider "the panorama of saintliness. The world", he said, ...

---

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A SAINT?
SAINTLINESS IS THE BEST SERVICE TO OFFER OUR FELLOW MAN  
VATICAN CITY, 1 NOV 2009 (VIS) - Before praying the Angelus today, Solemnity of All Saints, Benedict XVI recalled that this feast "invites the pilgrim Church on earth to enjoy a foretaste of the endless feast of the heavenly ...

---

Theology: Monastic and Scholastic Approaches
THEOLOGICAL DEBATE AND DEFENCE OF THE FAITH  
VATICAN CITY, 4 NOV 2009 (VIS) - Benedict XVI dedicated his catechesis during this morning's general audience to the twelfth-century debate between St. Bernard of Clairvaux and Abelard, proponents, respectively, of the monastic and scholastic ...

---

ONLINE PRAYER CHAPEL...
TAKE JUST A FEW MOMENTS...
to join in prayerful support of our sick and suffering sisters and brothers in the world today. In a special way, our hearts are broken for those affected by recent tragedies, earthquakes and other disasters around the world particularly in the recent flooding and disasters ...

---

ALL HOLY GOD, HEAVEN & EARTH ARE FULL of YOUR GLORY...
"In the beginning God created heaven and earth..."--Gen: 1:1 Blessed are you, Lord, Father in heaven, Who, in your infinite mercy, stooped down to us in our distress and gave us Jesus, your Son, born into our human condition, to be our Savior and Friend, our Brother and Redeemer. We thank you, good Father, for all your gracious gifts. Help us to live this year in your favor in anticipation of our return to our Father's house, where, full of love, you await your straying children to embrace them in your forgiveness and welcome them to your table, in their festive garments. We praise you, Father, forever!

---

PRAYING THE ANGELUS DAILY...
The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary. And she conceived by the the Holy Spirit. Hail Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen. Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it done unto me according to your word. Hail Mary....

---

The Blessed Trinity...
Invocation of the HOLY TRINITY: In the name of the FATHER, and of the SON, and of the HOLY SPIRIT. May the grace of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, the LOVE of GOD our FATHER, and fellowship of the HOLY SPIRIT be with you. --Liturgy Introductory Rites: Greeting Invocation of the Blessed ...

---

AND THE WORD BECAME FLESH...
In the beginning was the Word: the Word was with God and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things came into being, not one thing came into being except through him. What has come into being in him was life, life that was the light of all; and the light ...

---

SUNDAY: THE LORD'S DAY
WITHOUT THE LORD'S DAY, SUNDAY, LIFE DOES NOT FLOURISH VATICAN CITY, SEP 9, 2007 (VIS) - This morning the Pope celebrated Mass in Vienna's cathedral of St. Stephen, a Gothic structure with a campanile 136 meters high and a frontage incorporating two Roman towers more than 60 meters high. A ...

---

LITURGY OF THE HOURS-Feature:
Selection from writings of Barnabas, Co-Disciple w/St. Paul-- THE WAY OF LIGHT Consider now the way of light; anyone who is bent on reaching their appointed goal must be very careful in all things. Now these are the directions that have been given to us for this journey: love your Creator; ...

---

THE HOLY TRINITY
THE NAME OF THE HOLY TRINITY IS ENGRAVED IN THE UNIVERSE  
VATICAN CITY, 7 JUN 2009 (VIS) - In his remarks preceding today's Angelus, the Holy Father spoke of the three Solemnities celebrated after Pentecost: Trinity Sunday which falls today, Corpus Christi on Thursday and the Feast of the ...

---

THE LOVE OF JESUS....
LOVE.... By George Herbert (1593-1633) Love bade me welcome; yet my soul drew back, Guilty of dust and sin. But quick-eyed Love, observing me grow slack From my first entrance in, Drew nearer to me, sweetly questioning, If I lacked anything. 'A guest', I answered, 'worthy to be here'. Love said, 'You shall be he'...

---

THE EIGHT BEATITUDES-Mt. 5: 1-10
Seeing the crowds, Jesus went onto the mountain. And when he was seated his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak. This is what he taught them: The Beatitudes: How blessed are the poor in spirit: the kingdom of heaven is theirs. Blessed are the gentle, they shall inherit the ...

---

JESUS MAKES A DIFFERENCE ...
"Jesus came to the Samaritan town called Sichar near the land that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Jacob`s well was there and Jesus, tired by the journey, sat down by the well. It was about the sixth hour. When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, `Give me something to drink`, His ...

---

RENEWING FAITH IN REAL PRESENCE OF CHRIST IN EUCHARIST
RENEWING FAITH IN REAL PRESENCE OF CHRIST IN EUCHARIST  
VATICAN CITY, 11 JUN 2009 (VIS) - At 7 p.m. today, Solemnity of Corpus Christi, Benedict XVI celebrated Mass on the square in front of the basilica of St. John Lateran, then led a Eucharistic procession to the basilica of St. Mary ...

---

JESUS IS THE WISDOM OF GOD INCARNATE
JESUS IS THE WISDOM OF GOD INCARNATE  
VATICAN CITY, 4 JAN 2009 (VIS)
- At noon today the Holy Father appeared at the window of his study overlooking St. Peter's Square to pray the Angelus with the thousands of pilgrims present.    At the beginning of the Mass the Pope recalled ...

---

The Catholic Church: Mystical Body of Christ
WORLD CATHOLIC POPULATION AT 1.098 BILLION Vatican, May. 01 (CWNews.com) - The world's Catholic population is now 1.098 billion, according to the latest figures from the Vatican's statistical bureau. The figures contained in the Annuarium Statiscum Ecclesiae, presented to the press on April 30, ...

---

THE CHURCH: HEAD AND MEMBERS...
The Church: Head and Members, By St. John Eudes I ask you to consider that our Lord Jesus Christ is your true head and that you are a member of his body. He belongs to you as the head belongs to the body. All that is his is yours; breath, heart, body, soul and all his faculties. All of these you must use as if they belonged to you...

---

DOCTORS OF THE CHURCH...
NAMES AND FEAST DATES OF THE 33 DOCTORS OF THE CHURCH ST ALBERT 11/15 ST ALPHONSUS LIGUORI 8/1 ST AMBROSE 12/7 ST ANSELM 4/21 ST ANTHONY OF PADUA 6/13 ST ATHANASIUS 5/2 ST AUGUSTINE 8/28 ST BASIL 1/2 ST BEDE, THE VENERABLE 5/25 ST BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX 8/20 ST BONAVENTURE 7/15 ST ...

---

OUR MULTICULTURAL CHURCH...
RENEW THE LANGUAGES OF ART AND OF CULTURE VATICAN CITY, MAR 21, 2005 (VIS) "Projecting Culture: the language of music." "Music, like all artistic languages," writes the Holy Father in his message, "brings man closer to God. ... Yet at the same time, art can on occasion transmit a ...

---

COLLABORATION OF MEN AND WOMEN IN THE CHURCH AND IN THE WORLD
FROM ROME...LETTER TO THE BISHOPS OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH ON THE COLLABORATION OF MEN AND WOMEN IN THE CHURCH AND IN THE WORLD INTRODUCTION 1.The Church, expert in humanity, has a perennial interest in whatever concerns men and women. In recent times, much reflection has been given to the ...

---

DOCTRINAL ISSUES UPDATED BY VATICAN
DOCUMENT REGARDING CERTAIN ASPECTS OF CHURCH DOCTRINE VATICAN CITY, JUL 10, 2007 (VIS) - Made public today was a document from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith: "Responses to some Questions Regarding Certain Aspects of the Doctrine on the Church." It is dated June 29, Solemnity of ...

---

SPECIAL PRAYER REQUEST BY POPE
CALL FOR FULL COMMUNION BETWEEN CATHOLIC AND ORTHODOX VATICAN CITY, OCT 10, 2007 (VIS) - At the end of today's general audience in St. Peter's Square, the Pope recalled how "the Joint International Commission for Theological Dialogue between Catholics and Orthodox is currently holding its 10th ...

---

CATHOLIC-ORTHODOX DOCUMENT ON THE NATURE OF THE CHURCH
CATHOLIC-ORTHODOX DOCUMENT ON THE NATURE OF THE CHURCH VATICAN CITY, NOV 15, 2007 (VIS) - Made public today was the final document of the plenary assembly of the Joint International Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church. The meeting was held in ...

---

Apparition of Our Lady Explained...
News Reports of Our Lady's Daily Apparitions in Medjugorje since 1981
--Check: www.medjugorje.org
CONFESS YOUR SINS "Dear children! In this time of renunciation, prayer and penance, I call you anew: go and confess your sins so that grace may open your hearts, and permit it to ...

---

Sorrows of Mary CD Available
A beautiful CD by a Hermit Sister on the topic of the Seven Ssorrows of the Blessed Mother with sacred songs...now available for the Lenten Season. For more information and to order Click: www.FlowerofCarmelHermitage.Catholicweb.com or www.heartbeatrecords.com

---

Mary's Month--Why May?
Mary's Month--Why May? Author Fr. Johann G. Roten, S.M. Date May 1, 2005 The month of May is traditionally dedicated to Mary in many cultures. May is considered the season of the beginning of new life. Already in Greek culture, May was dedicated to Artemis, the goddess of fecundity. In ...

---

Pope Adds New 'Mysteries of Light'...
APOSTOLIC LETTER ON THE MOST HOLY ROSARY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY INTRODUCTION 1. The Rosary of the Virgin Mary, which gradually took form in the second millennium under the guidance of the Spirit of God, is a prayer loved by countless Saints and encouraged by the Magisterium. Simple yet ...

---

"Luminous Mysteries" of Rosary Cont.
THE ROSARY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY TO THE FAITHFUL by Pope John Paul II The opening and closing...cont. from previous article in GOOD NEWS: 37.At present, in different parts of the Church, there are many ways to introduce the Rosary. In some places, it is customary to begin with the ...

---

Devotion to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel
"One day with the Rosary and the Scapular, I will save the world." --Our Lady to St. Dominic/Bl. Alan On the summit of Mt. Carmel in the Holy Land(home of the Prophets Elias and Eliseus) stands the imposing Carmelite Monastery founded in 1156. According to Carmelite tradition, the Blessed Virgin ...

---

DEVOTION TO THE HOLY ROSARY
Celebrate Mary's Month--with the daily Rosary; Go to CONTACTS and email us for your personal Rosary & Guide. St. Padre Pio called the Rosary, the "WEAPON" against evil. Get your Rosary today! The Rosary as a prayer form--a circle of beads with a short prayer that is repeated, is found in all ...

---

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
PEACE, A DIVINE GIFT TO BE CONSTANTLY IMPLORED VATICAN CITY, 1 JAN 2008 (VIS) - This morning in the Vatican Basilica, Benedict XVI presided at a Eucharistic celebration for the Solemnity of Holy Mary Mother of God and the 41st World Day of Peace, which has as its theme this year: "The Human ...

---

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION of the VIRGIN MARY
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION: VICTORY OVER ORIGINAL SIN  
Dec. 8, 2008:  As Pope Benedict prayed with the 40,000 pilgrims in the Vatican Square, he said:     Today's solemnity, "reminds us of two fundamental truths of our faith: original sin, ... and the victory over that sin of ...

---

FIVE DAY NOVENA TO MARY, REFUGE & PROTECTRESS
St. Bernard's Novena to Mary, Protectress and Refuge: Day 1: "Sweetest Mary, our Refuge and Protectress, increase within us the virtues of faith, hope and love so that our trust in You will be unfailing. Amen." Prayer to be said every day of the novena: "Mary, my Mother, ...

---

POPE BENEDICT'S LENTEN MESSAGE...
HOLY FATHER'S MESSAGE FOR LENT 2007 VATICAN CITY, FEB 13, 2007 (VIS) - Made public today was The Message of Benedict XVI for Lent 2007. The text, dated November 21, 2006, has as its title a verse taken from the Gospel of St. John: "They shall look on Him whom they have pierced." The full ...

---

LENTEN SEASON...
"When I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself." -John 12:32 "Those who wish to come after me must take up their cross daily and follow Me."--Luke 9:23. Ash Wednedsday...ushers in the lenten season--the 40 days before Easter during which the ...

---

USE OF THE LATIN MASS OF 1964 
 -NEW NORMS FOR ITS USE BY POPE
VATICAN CITY, JUL 7, 2007 (VIS) - Given below is aN English-language translation of the Apostolic Letter "Motu Proprio data" of Pope Benedict XVI, "Summorum Pontificum," concerning the use of the Roman liturgy prior to the reform of 1970. The original text is written in Latin. ...

---

WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY
WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY   VATICAN CITY, 15 JAN 2008 (VIS) - The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, traditionally celebrated every year from January 18 to 25, begins on Friday.     The theme chosen for this year's initiative, taken from the First Letter of Paul ...

---

Lenten Reflections
LENT, A GREAT SPIRITUAL RETREAT LASTING FORTY DAYS   VATICAN CITY, 6 FEB 2008 (VIS) - In this morning's general audience, held in the Paul VI Hall, the Pope dedicated his catechesis to the subject of Lent, which begins today with the rite of the imposition of the ashes and which, he ...

---

PALM SUNDAY CELEBRATION
 PURIFYING OUR HEARTS IN ORDER TO RECOGNISE GOD   VATICAN CITY, 16 MAR 2008 (VIS) - In St. Peter's Square at 9.30 a.m. today, the Holy Father presided at a solemn liturgical celebration for Palm Sunday and the Passion of the Lord, which marks the beginning of Holy Week. The Pope blessed ...

---

Lenten Booklet Sale
Start your Lenten Journey with this daily companion: Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus during his sorrowful passion. This full color booklet on the Stations of the Cross comes with daily reflections to guide you through the lenten season. To email your order for this $3.00 booklet,  go to CONTACTS...

---

ADVENT SEASON
CHRISTMAS: OPPORTUNITY TO REFLECT ON MEANING OF EXISTENCE  
VATICAN CITY, 17 DEC 2008 (VIS) - Benedict XVI dedicated the last general audience of 2008, celebrated in the Paul VI audience hall, to Christmas, "a universal festivity".    "Even non-believers", he ...

---

NOVEMBER: PRAYING FOR THE SOULS IN PURGATORY
ALL SOULS: PRAYING FOR SOULS IN PURGATORY   VATICAN CITY, 2 NOV 2008 (VIS)
- At midday today, the Pope after praying the Angelus spoke on the Holy Souls:
On the day in which the Church commemorates the departed faithful, the Holy Father highlighted the importance of Christians living "our relationship with the dead in the truth of faith, and looking to death and the afterlife in the light of Revelation".

 

---

2008 Christmas Message from the Blessed Mother
Message of December  25, 2008
“Dear children! You are running, working, gathering – but without blessing. You
are not praying! Today I call you to stop in front of the manger and to meditate on
Jesus, Whom I give to you today also, to bless you and to help you to comprehend
that, without Him, you have no future. Therefore, little children, surrender your
lives into the hands of Jesus, for Him to lead you and protect you from every evil.
Thank you for having responded to my call.”
--Medjugorje Message 12/25/2008

---

Solemnity of the Lord's Epiphany
PROCLAIMING CHRIST WITH WORDS AND THE WITNESS OF LIFE
 VATICAN CITY, 6 JAN 2009 (VIS) - The Pope celebrated Mass today, the Solemnity of the Lord's Epiphany, in the Vatican Basilica.   In his homily the Holy Father affirmed that Latin tradition identifies the Epiphany, "the revelation of ...

---

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
HOPE IN FACING CURRENT DIFFICULTIES  
VATICAN CITY, 31 DEC 2008 (VIS) - At six this evening in the Vatican Basilica, the Holy Father presided over the first vespers on the solemnity of Mary the Mother of God, with the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, the singing of the traditional ...

---

CHILD OF BETHLEHEM, CALL TO END SUFFERING OF OTHER CHILDREN
CHILD OF BETHLEHEM, CALL TO END SUFFERING OF OTHER CHILDREN  
VATICAN CITY, 24 DEC 2008 (VIS) - The Pope celebrated Midnight Mass tonight in the Vatican Basilica on the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord.    "God stoops down", the Pope said in his homily. "This ...

---

WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY
WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY  
VATICAN CITY, 14 JAN 2009 (VIS) - The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, traditionally celebrated every year from 18 to 25 January, begins on Sunday.     The theme chosen for 2009 is: "That they may become one in your hand" (Ezek 37, ...

---

SYNOD ON 'WORD OF GOD IN LIFE OF CHURCH'-55 Propositions Presented
Pope identifies 'the Church's principal task' for today as Synod closes Vatican, Oct. 27, 2008 (CWNews.com)   The 12th ordinary assembly of the Synod of Bishops has concluded its discussions on "The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church," approving a list of 55 ...

---

EASTER SUNDAY: CHRIST FREES US FROM THE "OLD YEAST" OF SIN
EASTER SUNDAY: CHRIST FREES US FROM THE "OLD YEAST" OF SIN  
VATICAN CITY, 12 APR 2009 (VIS) - At 10.30 this morning, Benedict XVI celebrated the Easter Mass of the Resurrection of the Lord in St. Peter's Square.     In his homily, the Holy Father quoted St. Paul's ...

---

EASTER SOLEMNITIES...
EASTER SATURDAY: CROSS AND RESURRECTION ARE INSEPARABLE  
VATICAN CITY, 11 APR 2009 (VIS) - At 9 p.m. today in St. Peter's Basilica, the Pope presided at the solemn Easter vigil during which he administered the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation to a number of ...

---

SACRAMENTS OF THE CHURCH, Msgr. Thomas A. French, Professor of Theology
THE SACRAMENTS IN GENERAL...PREFACE: It is the Teaching of the Catholic Church that Jesus instituted seven "Sacraments", external expressions of internal/spiritual realities. It is clearly the deliberate will of Jesus Christ that the seven Sacraments should parallel the seven major stages in ...

---

SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM...
Introduction: GRACE; a)Sanctifying Grace, (Justification) a participation in the Divine Nature is a permanent state until it is destroyed by Grave Sin. b)Actual Grace is transient; i.e. God invites us to perform a good act or to avoid a bad act. It is ...

---

THE HOLY EUCHARIST
THE BLESSED SACRAMENT... The Sacrament of The Real Physical Presence of The Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ. I: THIS SACRAMENT IS UNIQUE IN MANY WAYS: 1) The sole purpose of this Sacrament is to express as emphatically as possible God's love for all and each of us. 2) The other Sacraments also ...

---

FEAST OF CORPUS CHRISTI...
CORPUS CHRISTI: HOLY FATHER PRESIDES AT MASS, PROCESSION VATICAN CITY, JUN 19, 2003 (VIS) - For the 25th time in his pontificate, Pope John Paul presided at Mass for the feast of Corpus Christi this evening in front of St. John Lateran Basilica, the cathedral church of the bishop of Rome, ...

---

Holy Orders:The Priesthood
THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY ORDER, Priesthood INTRODUCTION: Proof for the existence of a Supreme Being is almost self-evident; "Only one who is deprived of Reason ("insipiens") says 'There is no God'". (Psalm 14: 1, Ps 1 iii i). It is not surprising, therefore, that the worship of God is found ...

---

ENCYCLICAL ON THE HOLY EUCHARIST by Pope John Paul II
ENCYCLICAL LETTER: "THE EUCHARIST & ITS RELATIONSHIP TO THE CHURCH" by POPE JOHN PAUL II --TO THE ENTIRE CHURCH MEMBERSHIP INTRODUCTION 1. The Church draws her life from the Eucharist. This truth does not simply express a daily experience of faith, but recapitulates the heart of the mystery of ...

---

Sacrament of Matrimony
SAFEGUARDING THE FAMILY, THE BASIC FABRIC OF SOCIETY VATICAN CITY, NOV 20, 2004 (VIS) - The Holy Father today welcomed 150 participants in the plenary assembly of the Pontifical Council for the Family, which has been meeting for three days in the New Synod Hall on the theme "The Mission of Mature, ...

---

CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE TODAY by Pope Benedict XVI
PAPAL REFLECTIONS ON MARRIAGE AND THE FAMILY VATICAN CITY, JUN 7, 2005 (VIS) Pope Benedict XVI inaugurated the ecclesial congress promoted by the diocese of Rome on the theme "The Family and the Christian Community: Formation of the Person and Transmission of the Faith." The Pope offered some ...

---

Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick
HUMAN AND SPIRITUAL SUPPORT FOR THE INCURABLY ILL VATICAN CITY, FEB 11, 2007 (VIS) - The World Day of the Sick , which falls today Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, was the main theme of Benedict XVI's brief reflections before praying the Angelus this morning with thousands of faithful gathered in St. ...

---

WORLD DAY OF THE SICK...
MESSAGE FOR THE WORLD DAY OF THE SICK VATICAN CITY, DEC 13, 2006 (VIS) - The Holy Father's Message for the 15th World Day of the Sick was made public at midday today. The event is due to be celebrated in Seoul, South Korea on February 11, 2007, Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. In his Message, ...

---

Growing Old Gracefully.....
SUFFERING CAN BE A PATH TO INNER FREEDOM VATICAN CITY, JUN 2, 2004 (VIS) - Psalm 40, "The prayer of a sick man," was the theme of the Pope's catechesis today at the weekly general audience, held in St. Peter's Square in the presence of 13,000 faithful. John Paul II stated that ...

---

SAINT FAUSTINA'S HOLINESS...
Saint Faustina’s Hidden Life in the Heart of the Most Holy Trinity In recent years, many Catholics have discovered St. Faustina’s mission to proclaim the infinite mercy of God. Not so well known is the way she allowed the Holy Spirit to transform her into the perfect image and likeness of her Savior and Spouse ...

---

MONTH by MONTH w/ SAINT THERESE, Doctor of the Church
Other Sources on St. Therese, her life and her works, go to the website: http://thereseoflisieux.org. A Year of Prayer and Reflection in honor of Saint Therese of Lisieux-- "I will spend my heaven doing good upon earth."- Saint Therese Saint Therese of The Child Jesus said: "Jesus' love for each soul is vast. It can only be compared to the depths of the ocean and the heights of the highest Heavens. His thirst for reciprocal love is unquenchable. No one can love the Lord too much. No one holds perfect love in his heart for His Royal Majesty." "If your love reaches a deepening state, you will be shown an ever-deepening desire to be shown where you fail in love. If the desire is not there, you should pray for it." (HolyLove.com) JANUARY: "Pick up a pin for the love of God and count the day well spent." Morning Prayer of St. Therese--0 my God! I offer You all my actions of this day for the intentions and for the glory of the ...

---

Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta
MOTHER TERESA: "I BELONG ENTIRELY TO THE HEART OF JESUS" POPE BEATIFIES MOTHER TERESA BEFORE 300,000 PEOPLE VATICAN CITY, OCT 19, 2003 (VIS) - Today in St. Peter's Square, before 300,000 people, including members of twenty-seven official delegations who were in Rome for the ceremony, ...

---

St. Thomas Aquinas, OP, Doctor of Church
Jan 28: Feast of St. Thomas Aquinas, OP .. THOMAS AQUINAS, A MASTER OF DIALOGUE BETWEEN CULTURES VATICAN CITY, JAN 28, 2007 (VIS) - Before praying the Angelus this morning, Benedict XVI dedicated some remarks to the figure of St. Thomas Aquinas, whose feast day falls today. Addressing the ...

---

St. Agnes, Jan 21
BLESSING OF THE LAMBS FOR THE FEAST OF ST. AGNES VATICAN CITY, JAN 21, 2006 (VIS) - This morning in the Urban VIII Chapel of the Vatican's Apostolic Palace, in keeping with the tradition for today's feast of St. Agnes, the Pope today blessed two lambs, the wool of which will be used to make the ...

---

CHARITY & THE SAINTS...
SAINTS: PRIVILEGED WITNESSES OF THE PRIMACY OF CHARITY VATICAN CITY, JAN 29, 2006 (VIS) - The primacy of charity and its most privileged witnesses, in other words the saints, provided the central theme of the Pope's reflections this morning, before praying the Angelus with the faithful gathered in ...

---

St. Francis & Assisi
BRING TOGETHER ACCEPTANCE, DIALOGUE AND RESPECT VATICAN CITY, JUN 17, 2007 (VIS) - At 8.30 a.m. today, following an hour-long helicopter journey from the Vatican, the Pope arrived in the Italian town of Assisi to begin a visit commemorating the eighth centenary of the conversion of St. Francis. ...

---

St. Cyril of Jerusalem
CYRIL: CATECHESIS THAT EMBRACES BODY, SOUL AND SPIRIT VATICAN CITY, JUN 27, 2007 (VIS) - The Holy Father dedicated his catechesis during today's general audience to St. Cyril of Jerusalem (ca. 315-387), whom he described as a bishop of a great "ecclesiastical culture, centered on the study of ...

---

St. John the Baptist:
St. John the Baptist: VATICAN CITY, JUN 24, 2007 (VIS) - "Today's liturgy invites us to celebrate the birth of St. John the Baptist whose life, like Mary's, was entirely oriented towards Christ," the Pope told pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square at midday today, prior to praying the Angelus. ...

---

St. Basil, "Light of the Church"
BASIL: LIGHT OF THE CHURCH AND WITNESS OF GOD'S LOVE VATICAN CITY, JUL 4, 2007 (VIS) - St. Basil, defined in Byzantine liturgical texts as a "light of the Church," was the subject of the Holy Father's catechesis during today's general audience. The audience, attended by 12,000 people, was held in ...

---

ST. ATHANASIUS: PASSIONATE THEOLOGIAN OF THE INCARNATE WORD
ATHANASIUS: PASSIONATE THEOLOGIAN OF THE INCARNATE WORD VATICAN CITY, JUN 20, 2007 (VIS) - Benedict XVI dedicated his catechesis during this morning's general audience to the figure of St. Athanasius of Alexandria (circa 300-373), calling him a "column of the Church," and a "model of orthodoxy ...

---

ST AUGUSTINE, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH
AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO: TIRELESS SEARCHER AFTER TRUTH   VATICAN CITY, 9 JAN 2008 (VIS) - Benedict XVI dedicated his catechesis during today's general audience, held in the Vatican's Paul VI Hall, to St. Augustine, bishop of Hippo, "a man of passion and of faith, of exalted intelligence and ...

---

SAINT JOHN CHRYSOSTOM
JOHN CHRYSOSTOM: A GREAT FATHER OF SOCIAL DOCTRINE VATICAN CITY, SEP 26, 2007 (VIS) - In his general audience, which was held this morning in St. Peter's Square in the presence of more than 20,000 people, the Pope resumed the catechesis he had begun last week on St. John Chrysostom. This ...

---

ST. HILARY OF POITIERS
HILARY OF POITIERS: PATH TO CHRIST OPEN TO EVERYONE VATICAN CITY, OCT 10, 2007 (VIS) - St. Hilary of Poitiers, doctor of the Church, was the subject of Benedict XVI's catechesis during his general audience, which was held this morning in St. Peter's Square in the presence of 23,000 faithful. ...

---

FEAST OF ST. THERESE & Basilica of the Little Flower, San Antonio, Texas
"My way is all confidence and love."--St. Therese of the Child Jesus Prayer of St. Therese Lord Jesus, I see myself as a weak little bird, with only a light down covering. I am not an eagle, but I have an eagle's eyes and heart. In spite of my littleness, I dare to gaze upon the ...

---

THE ARCHANGELS: MICHAEL, GABRIEL & RAPHEAL
Sept. 29 is the feast of the Archangels, Michael, Gabriel and Rapheal Referring to today's feast, Benedict XVI indicated how "the names of the three Archangels all end with the word 'El,' meaning 'God.' God is written into their names and into their nature." The angels "are messengers of God. ... ...

---

ST. JEROME: THE BIBLE AT THE CENTER OF LIFE
ST. JEROME: THE BIBLE AT THE CENTER OF LIFE VATICAN CITY, NOV 7, 2007 (VIS) - During his general audience this morning, the Holy Father dedicated his catechesis to St. Jerome. The audience was held in St. Peter's Square in the presence of 40,000 people. St. Jerome, born into a Christian family ...

---

St. Stephen, First Martyr
MARTYRS ACHIEVE THE VICTORY OF LOVE OVER HATRED VATICAN CITY, DEC 26, 2007 (VIS) - Shortly before midday today, feast of St. Stephen, deacon and protomartyr, Benedict XVI appeared at the window of his study to pray the Angelus with faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square below. The Pope ...

---

ST. COLUMBANUS, Father of Europe 
ST. COLUMBANUS NOURISHED THE CHRISTIAN ROOTS OF EUROPE   VATICAN CITY, 11 JUN 2008 (VIS) - In today's general audience, which was held in St. Peter's Square, the Pope turned his attention to the figure of St. Columbanus, a famous Irish monk who lived in the sixth century and "who with ...

---

BEATIFICATION OF ST. THERESE PARENTS IN LISIEUX
Beatification Set For Parents of St. Therese Oct. 19, 2008, in Lisieux,France The Holy Father then went on to refer to today's beatification in Lisieux, France, of Ludovico Martin and Maria Zelia Guerin, the parents of St. Therese of the Child Jesus whom Pius XI declared patron of missions. ...

---

ST. STEPHEN, THE FIRST MARTYR
POPE RECALLS STEPHEN, ASKS LIBERATION OF THOSE SEQUESTERED  
VATICAN CITY, 26 DEC 2008 (VIS) - At noon today, on the Feast of St. Stephen, Protomartyr, the Holy Father appeared at the widow of his study to pray the Angelus with thousands of pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's ...

---

ST. BRIDGET OF SWEDEN, ADVISER TO THE PAPACY
FOR THE LIFE AND WORKS OF ST. BRIDGET OF SWEDEN, ADVISER TO THE PAPACY,
 SEE THE FOLLOWING LINK:   www.prophecyfilm.com/

---

VENERABLE BEDE: SAINT AND SCHOLAR
VENERABLE BEDE: SAINT AND SCHOLAR  
VATICAN CITY, 18 FEB 2009 (VIS) - In the general audience, held this morning in St. Peter's Square in the presence of 15,000 people, Benedict XVI dedicated his catechesis to St. Bede the Venerable.     Bede was born around the year 672 in the ...

---

St. John Damascene, A Leading Figure of Byzantine Theology
VATICAN CITY, 6 MAY 2009 In his general audience held this morning in St. Peter's Square, the Pope focused his remarks on St. John Damascene (675- 749), "a leading figure in the history of Byzantine theology". Above all, said Benedict XVI, this ...

---

ST. PIO OF PIETRELCINA
ST. PIO OF PIETRELCINA GUIDED SOULS AND ALLEVIATED SUFFERING   VATICAN CITY, 21 JUN 2009 (VIS) - At 8.30 a.m. today the Holy Father departed by plane from Rome's Ciampino airport for the military base of Amendola near Foggia in southern Italy. Due to poor weather he was unable to make the ...

---

ST. JOHN LEONARDI, Patron of Pharmacists
JOHN LEONARDI: ECCLESIAL RENEWAL AND FIDELITY TO CHRIST   VATICAN CITY, 7 OCT 2009 (VIS) - During his general audience, held this morning in St. Peter's Square, Benedict XVI focused his catechesis on St. John Leonardi, patron of pharmacists, the 400th anniversary of whose death falls on 9 ...

---

JOHN SCOTUS: EXPRESSING THE INEFFABLE GOD
JOHN SCOTUS: EXPRESSING THE INEFFABLE GOD  
VATICAN CITY, 10 JUN 2009 (VIS) - At his general audience, held this morning in St. Peter's Square, the Pope turned his attention to John Scotus Erigena, "an outstanding philosopher of the Christian West", who was born in Ireland at the ...

---

THE HOLY BIBLE by Rev. Ciaran O'Callaghan, CSsR
About the Author... We gratefully acknowledge Biblical Professor, Rev. Ciaran O'Callaghan CSsR, who has graciously granted permission to have some of his Biblical Studies presented on this website. For more information, view his own website at: www.davar.eu Study Prayer... Blessed are you, ...

---

OLD TESTAMENT THEMES by Biblical Professor Ciaran O'Callaghan, CSsR
Old Testament Themes 1.0 GENERAL INTRODUCTION 1.1 Basic Terminology 1.1.1 Tanak 1 Jewish tradition recognizes three divisions in what Christians call the Old Testament. These are: • The Torah -(Hebrew: "Law.") • The Nevi'im (Hebrew: “Prophets”). • The Ketuvim (Hebrew: ...

---

OLD TESTAMENT THEMES, Part II by Biblical Professor, Ciaran O'Callaghan, CSsR
Cont. from Part 1 “Thus says the Lord of hosts, ‘As a potter’s vessel is broken and cannot be mended again, so will I break this people and this city’” (Jer 19). Similar in character is Jeremiah’s encounter with the Rechabites (Jer 35). Protesting against the agricultural mode of life in ...

---

THE BOOK OF PSALMS by Ciaran O'Callaghan, CSsR
THE BOOK OF PSALMS 5.0 THE BOOK OF THE PSALMS 5.1 The Formation of the Psalter The Book of the Psalms is divided into five smaller books, the divisions being indicated by doxologies (Pss 41,13; 72,19; 89,52; 106,48 and 150,6). The following is an outline of the situation: BOOK 1 Pss ...

---

BOOKS of RUTH and ESTHER by Biblical Professor, Ciaran O'Callaghan, CSsR
INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOKS OF RUTH & ESTHER, TWO ISRAELITE HEROINES God says to a heathen: "Why did you not draw close to me?" The heathen answers, "Because I was a thorough scoundrel, and I was ashamed." God answers, "When Ruth the Moabite came to me, did I not receive her, and cause kings to ...

---

THE CHRISTIAN FAMILY...
"The WORD was made man and lived among us." ..."Jesus went down to Nazareth with Mary and Joseph and was obedient to them." (Jn. 1:14; Lk. 2:51) The FAMILY is where a child sees its first smile, where it discovers its worth, develops its personality, learns of right and wrong, love and sacrifice, ...

---

JESUS AND THE CHILDREN...
"Then people brought little children to Jesus that he might lay hands on them and pray. The disciples scolded them, but Jesus said, "Let the little children alone, and do not stop them from coming to me; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs'. Then he laid his hands on them ...

---

Children's Eucharist with Pope Benedict
PAPAL CATECHESIS FOR CHILDREN WHO RECEIVED FIRST COMMUNION VATICAN CITY, OCT 15, 2005 (VIS) - This afternoon 150,000 people, including 100,000 children from Italy and other parts of the world who took First Communion this year, crowded into St. Peter's Square for a meeting of prayer and ...

---

TEENS & YOUNG ADULTS REFLECT...
How To Talk With God by Brandon Jubar It goes without saying that an essential part of being a Christian is prayer. But what exactly does that mean? And with so much going on in our lives today, how do we find the time to pray? If you follow a simple three-step process, you will truly come to ...

---

MOVIES FOR THE FAMILY
Watch for the Pro-Life movie BELLA coming to theaters near you this October '07.

---

RIGHTS OF THE FAMILY...
STATES MUST PROTECT THE INALIENABLE RIGHTS OF THE FAMILY Speaking on the 10th anniversary of the International Year of the Family, Archbishop Celestino Migliore, Holy See permanent observer to the United Nations, during the 42nd session of the Social Development Committee, he underscored the "primordial" role of the family in ...

---

St. Joseph & The Holy Family
THE SILENCE OF ST. JOSEPH IN A WORLD FULL OF NOISE VATICAN CITY, DEC 18, 2005 (VIS) - At midday today, in remarks to the faithful prior to praying the Angelus, Benedict XVI considered the figure of St. Joseph. Addressing thousands of pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square, the Pope recalled how ...

---

Support for the Family
BEAR WITNESS TO BEAUTY OF MARRIAGE AND THE FAMILY VATICAN CITY, 30 DEC 2007 (VIS) - Today, Feast of the Holy Family, the Pope appeared at the window of his private study overlooking St. Peter's Square to pray the Angelus. Addressing the thousands of faithful gathered below his window, the Holy ...

---

NEW FAMILIES MOVEMENT
CHRISTIAN FAMILIES: SCHOOLS OF OBEDIENCE AND FREEDOM  
VATICAN CITY, 23 APR 2009 (VIS) - At 7.30 a.m. today, Benedict XVI celebrated Mass in the Vatican's "Redemptoris Mater" Chapel with members of the organising committee of the Sixth World Meeting of Families, which was held in ...

---

GIVING WITNESS TO THE IMPORTANCE OF THE FAMILY
GIVING WITNESS TO THE IMPORTANCE OF THE FAMILY  
VATICAN CITY, 28 DEC 2008 (VIS) - At noon today, the Feast of the Holy Family of Nazareth, the Pope addressed the thousands who had gathered in St. Peter's Square to pray the Angelus.    
The Holy Father affirmed that "the ...

---

THE CHRISTIAN VOCATION --Catechism of the Catholic Church
#786. "The People of God shares in the royal office of Christ. He exercises his kingship by drawing all to himself through his death and Resurrection.[Cf. Jn 12:32 .] Christ, King and Lord of the universe, made himself the servant of all 'for he came not to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many. [Matt. 20:28] ...

---

FORGIVENESS, RECONCILIATION and PEACE ... The walls of separation do not reach to heaven!
Forgiveness, Reconciliation and Peace... Making Peace: Followers of Jesus are by definition peacemakers. We must be those who are committed to resolving conflicts rather than perpetuating them. Prayer...God, as a people set apart for you, we confess that we have neglected to follow Jesus in the path of peace...

---

STAND AGAINST VIOLENCE...
8/25/02: What the world needs to move toward peace... Jesus says: "My brothers and sisters, everything that earth needs to move towards world peace is attainable through the resource of Heaven's grace. Alone, no good can be accomplished. It is when man trusts too much in himself that grace is ...

---

A LIFE OF VIRTUE: THE SAINTS' EXAMPLES
ST. GERARD MAJELLA: A LIFE OF PRAYER, PENANCE AND CHARITY VATICAN CITY, SEP 7, 2004 (VIS) - Made public today was a Message from Pope John Paul to Fr. Joseph William Tobin, superior general of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, on the occasion of the Year of St. Gerard, honoring ...

---

THE CHURCH IN IRAQ-1st CENTURY CHALDEAN
CHALDEAN BISHOPS: FACING ORDEALS ALONGSIDE THEIR FAITHFUL  
VATICAN CITY, 24 JAN 2009 (VIS) - This morning in the Vatican the Holy Father received prelates from the Chaldean Church, who have just completed their "ad limina" visit. In the course of their audience with the Pope, the ...

---

LENTEN SEASON  '09
LENT, A TIME FOR MORE INTENSE PRAYER AND PENANCE  
VATICAN CITY, 26 FEB 2009 (VIS) - Yesterday afternoon, Ash Wednesday, Benedict XVI led a penitential procession from the church of Sant'Anselmo on Rome's Aventine Hill to the nearby basilica of Santa Sabina where he presided at a ...

---

THE LORD'S SUPPER
by Theology Professor, Msgr. Thomas A. French All Christians know about the Lord`s Supper: Matthew 26: 26-29, Mark 14: 22-25 Luke 22: 15-20, 1 Corinthians 11: 17-34. Introduction: TIME: High Noon in San Antonio, Texas, is 11:00 am in Utah, is 10:00 am California, is 1:00 pm in New York, is 6:00 pm in Ireland, is 7:00 pm in Rome ...

---

Holy Thursday
HOLY THURSDAY: CHRISM MASS AND THE LORD'S SUPPER MASS  
VATICAN CITY, 9 APR 2009 (VIS) - In the Vatican Basilica at 9.30 a.m. today, Holy Thursday, the Holy Father presided at the Chrism Mass, which is celebrated on this day in churches and cathedrals throughout the world. Cardinals, bishops ...

---

GOOD FRIDAY: LORD'S PASSION, WAY OF THE CROSS AT COLOSSEUM
GOOD FRIDAY: LORD'S PASSION, WAY OF THE CROSS AT COLOSSEUM  
VATICAN CITY, 10 APR 2009 (VIS) - In the Vatican Basilica at 5 p.m. today, Good Friday, the Pope presided at the celebration of the Lord's Passion. Following the reading of the Passion, Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa O.F.M. Cap., preacher ...

---

EXPERIENCING THE CENTRAL EVENTS OF REDEMPTION
EXPERIENCING THE CENTRAL EVENTS OF REDEMPTION  
VATICAN CITY, 8 APR 2009 (VIS) - In the general audience, held this morning in St. Peter's Square, the Pope dedicated his remarks to Holy Week. "For us as Christians", he said, "this is the most important week of the year, ...

---

THE HOLY LAND
IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF JESUS-2000 Years Later                                                                                                By Sr. Mary Carmel Smith, CCVI                                                                                                                                Photo of the Judean Desert where Jesus prayed and fasted for 40 days....                                                    . “Sir, we would like to see Jesus,” the Greeks told one of the Apostles upon their arrival in Jerusalem; the Apostles ...

---

EVANGELIZATION IN AMERICA
What is the New Evangelization? The Church in America-(Ecclesia in America) By Pope John Paul II Introduction Endnotes Chapter I: The Encounter with the Living Jesus Chapter II: Encountering Jesus Christ in America Chapter III: The Path of Conversion Chapter IV: The Path to ...

---

THE IMMUTABLE TRUTH OF THE GOSPEL
THEOLOGY OF THE LETTERS TO THE COLOSSIANS AND EPHESIANS   VATICAN CITY, 14 JAN 2009 (VIS) - At this morning's general audience, Benedict XVI continued his series of catecheses on St. Paul, today focusing on certain theological aspects of the Apostle's Letters to the Colossians and the ...

---

WAY OF THE CROSS...Station 1: Jesus Condemned to Death...
We Adore you, O Christ and bless you, because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world. "Then they led Jesus from Caiaphas to the Praetorium." (Jn. 18:28) On the "Via Dolorosa" in Jerusalem, the Minaret, traditionally named "Antonia Tower" recalls the site of the Roman fortress where ...

---

NEW ROSARY of the UNBORN CHILD...
Description of New Rosary From Heaven: The Hail Mary beads are light blue teardrops with images of unborn babies inside each one. The Our Father beads resemble droplets of blood in the shape of a cross. The Crucifix is gleaming gold. Promises Accompany Recitation: "I affirm that each Hail Mary prayed from a loving heart will rescue one of these innocent lives from death by abortion...

---

Pro-Life Across America
Father F. Pavone Speaks ON LIFE.... Father Pavone commented, "I continue to be amazed that some people seem to think it is inappropriate for the Church to speak up against baby killing—dismembering a child. I am not ashamed to appear to be opposed to a party that says it is okay to crush the ...

---

RIGHTS OF THE UNBORN CHILD ...
Why America Exists By Rev. Frank Pavone John Adams, Second President of the United States, declared, “You have rights antecedent to all earthly governments; rights that cannot be repealed or restrained by human laws; rights derived from the Great Legislator of the Universe." What is the first ...

---

Christian Conscience/Right to Life
CHRISTIAN CONSCIENCE IN SUPPORT OF THE RIGHT TO LIFE VATICAN CITY, FEB 20, 2007 (VIS) - At 11.30 a.m. today in the Holy See Press Office, a press conference was held to present an international congress entitled "Christian conscience in support of the right to life," due to be held in the Vatican ...

---

HOUSE SPEAKER NANCY PELOSI VISITS POPE
A JUST SYSTEM OF LAWS CAPABLE OF PROTECTING HUMAN LIFE  
VATICAN CITY, 18 FEB 2009 (VIS) - The Holy See Press Office released the following communique at midday today:     "Following the general audience the Holy Father briefly greeted Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the United ...

---

THE HUMAN BEING, MASTERPIECE OF CREATION
ACADEMY FOR LIFE ON THE HUMAN EMBRYO VATICAN CITY, 7 FEB 2006 (VIS) - The Pontifical Academy for Life, on the 27th through the 28th of February, will celebrate in the New Synod Hall of the Vatican a congress dedicated to the theme "The Human Embryo Before Implantation: Scientific Update and ...

---

A TIMELY WORD....
"How good is a timely word!" (Proverbs 15:23) "Good News gives health to the bones."(Proverbs 15:30) FIGHT AIDS THROUGH PREVENTION AND CORRECT USE OF SEXUALITY VATICAN CITY, DEC 1, 2004 (VIS) - On the occasion of World AIDS Day, which is dedicated to women this year, Cardinal Javier Lozano ...

---

HUMAN RIGHTS, THE FIGHT AGAINST RACISM
ARCHBISHOP TOMASI: HUMAN RIGHTS, THE FIGHT AGAINST RACISM   Vatican City, 4 APR 2008 (VIS) - Archbishop Silvano Tomasi, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the Office of the United Nations in Geneva, gave a speech to the advisory committee during the seventh session of the Human Rights ...

---

COMBATING POVERTY. BUILDING PEACE
COMBATING POVERTY. BUILDING PEACE   VATICAN CITY, 1 JUL 2008 (VIS) - "Combating poverty. Building peace" is the theme chosen by Benedict XVI for his Message for the 42nd World Day of Peace, due to be celebrated on 1 January 2009.     "The theme chosen by the Holy ...

---

VATICAN TO COMMEMORATE DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS
ARCHBISHOP TOMASI: THE RISKS OF "NEW" RIGHTS  
VATICAN CITY, 17 DEC 2008 (VIS) - Today was published the address of Archbishop Silvano Tomasi, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the Office of the United Nations and Specialized Institutions in Geneva, on the 60th anniversary of ...

---

Ecumenical Prayer for Peace!
PRAYER FOR UNITY IS THE SOUL OF THE ECUMENICAL MOVEMENT VATICAN CITY, JAN 22, 2006 (VIS) - The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, celebrated every year from January 18 to 25, provided the main theme of Benedict XVI's reflections prior to praying the Angelus with pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's ...

---

POWER OF PRAYER...
Prayer Has Already Begun in Me... That place where God dwells in me is also the place of prayer. Long before I am aware of it or before I take an interest in it, this prayer is going on ceaselessly within me. In effect, it is not I who gives myself to prayer, but the Holy Spirit who never ...

---

THE LORD'S PRAYER...
The Lord s Prayer #1 Theme: The Lord’s Prayer, non surprisingly, contains in seminal form all branches of Catholic Theology. It tells us what we must believe ... Which is Dogmatic Theology It tells us what we must do ... Which is Moral Theology It tells us how to avoid sin ... ...

---

ST. MICHAEL, ARCHANGEL
Archangel Michael, protector of the Church: "I am Michael who stands before the throne of God. Praise be to Jesus. Peace-true and lasting peace-is the fruit of Holy Love. Any other kind of peace which is coerced or negotiated outside of Holy Love is artificial and temporary." "Peace cannot be ...

---

COME TO THE FOUNTAIN...
Psalm 42-43 As the deer longs for running streams, so my soul longs for You, my God. My soul thirsts for God, the God of life: when shall I go to see the face of God? I have no food, but tears day and night; and all day long people say to me, "Where is your God?" Why so downcast, my ...

---

HOUR OF ADORATION WITH JESUS...
COME TO ME... "all you who are weary and find life burdensome, and I will refresh you. Take my yoke upon your shoulders and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart. Your souls will find rest, for my yoke is easy and my burden light." --Matt. 11: 28-30 "I have ...

---

Divine Mercy Chaplet
DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY SHOWS GOD'S LOVE FOR MANKIND SHORTLY BEFORE HIS DEATH, on the eve of Divine Mercy Sunday, '05, POPE JOHN PAUL II prepared his message for the occasion of the solemnity of Divine Mercy which is celebrated on the Second Sunday of Easter. We quote his text here which is followed ...

---

The FLAME OF LOVE
What is the Flame of Love? If the Divine Heart is overflowing with love, the Flame of Love is the blazing of that fire. If the Divine Heart is the Fountain of Love, then the Flame of Love is the outpouring flood of love for us. If the Divine Heart is the abode of the Spirit of Love, then the ...

---

A Personal Psalm of Thanksgiving...
A Personal Psalm of Thanksgiving My heart sings a new song As I come into your presence, 0 Lord, my King. You have called me to your temple- My prayer is very simple - How I love You, 0 Lord, my King! Teach me your ways Send down your rays. I shall sing you ...

---

DIVINE MERCY & PEACE OF SOUL
TRUE PEACE ARISES FROM DIVINE MERCY   VATICAN CITY, 30 MAR 2008 (VIS) - Today at midday the Pope prayed the Regina Coeli with thousands of pilgrims gathered at his Castelgandolfo residence, where he is currently spending a few days rest. Faithful in St. Peter's Square were able to follow the ...

---

SELECTED BOOKS by POPE BENEDICT XVI...
The Ignatius Press offers a large selection of Pope Benedict's Books. See Order info at the end of page. Published Books by Pope Benedict XVI: "Milestones"(Pope's Memoirs) "Pilgrim Fellowship of Faith" "Truth and Tolerance" "Many Religions, One Covenant" "Gospel, Catechesis, Catechism" "The ...

---

REDEEMER OF MAN by Pope John Paul II
FIRST ENCYCLICAL OF JOHN PAUL II: "REDEMPTOR HOMINIS" Pope John XXIII made clear the need to work to reach the unity of all Christians, according to the will that Christ himself expressed in His prayer at the Cenacle: "’I pray ... Father ... that they may all be one’. ... True ecumenical ...

---

POPE'S NEW BOOK --JESUS OF NAZARETH --A BESTSELLER.....
ON THE BESTSELLER LISTINGS: OVER TWO MILLION COPIES OF JESUS OF NAZARETH SOLD ....GET YOURS TODAY... PRESENTATION OF POPE'S BOOK ON JESUS OF NAZARETH VATICAN CITY, APR 4, 2007 (VIS) - In the Vatican's Synod Hall at 4 p.m. on Friday, April 13, the presentation will take place of the book by Joseph Ratzinger-Benedict XVI, "Jesus of Nazareth." The volume will be on sale in bookshops from Monday, ...

---

VENERABLE JEANNE DE MATEL, Foundress of the Order of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament, Lyons, France
"By their fruits, you shall know them": Extending the Incarnation in the World for 400 Years It was Roanne, France in 1625 when Jeanne left her aristocratic ancestral home and together with two companions, opened her first community house to begin the foundation of the Order of the Incarnate Word. Without delay, Jeanne undertook some of the kitchen work when she was visited by the Incarnate Word ...

---

A PRIEST'S VOCATION....
PRIESTHOOD IS A SACRAMENT, NOT A MEANS OF ADVANCEMENT VATICAN CITY, APR 24, 2006 (VIS) - Benedict XVI today received in audience prelates from the Ghana Bishops' Conference, who have just completed their "ad limina" visit. In his English-language talk to them, the Pope reminded the bishops that ...

---

SEMINARY ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS....
ADMISSION TO THE PRIESTHOOD AND HOMOSEXUALITY VATICAN CITY, NOV 29, 2005 (VIS) - Made public today was the document: " Instruction Concerning the Criteria for the Discernment of Vocations with regard to Persons with Homosexual Tendencies in view of their Admission to the Seminary and to Holy ...

---

Vocations
VOCATIONS FOR THE SERVICE OF THE CHURCH AS COMMUNION VATICAN CITY, APR 24, 2007 (VIS) - Made public today was the Message of Benedict XVI for the 44th World Day of Prayer for Vocations, which is due to be celebrated on April 29, the fourth Sunday of Easter, and which has as its theme this year: ...

---

Pope Speaks to Priests & Religious
POOR CLARES: A GREAT CONTRIBUTION TO WORK OF CHURCH VATICAN CITY, SEP 15, 2007 (VIS) - This morning the Holy Father received in audience the Poor Clares from the convent of the Immaculate Conception at Albano, which is located within the territory of the pontifical villas at Castelgandolfo. ...

---

POPE RECEIVES IN AUDIENCE U.S. PRESIDENT BUSH
POPE RECEIVES IN AUDIENCE U.S. PRESIDENT BUSH   VATICAN CITY, 13 JUN 2008 (VIS) - The Holy See Press Office today published the following communique:    "This morning, Friday 13 June, George W. Bush, President of the United States of America was received in audience by His ...

---

POPE SENDS A TEXT MESSAGE TO WYD PARTICIPANTS  
POPE SENDS A TEXT MESSAGE TO WYD PARTICIPANTS   VATICAN CITY, 9 SEP 2008 (VIS) - The Pope has sent a text message by mobile phone to young people who participated in the recent World Youth Day, which was held in Australia in July.     The English-language message was transmitted ...

---

POPE BENEDICT IN FRANCE
HOLY FATHER RECALLS HIS APOSTOLIC TRIP TO FRANCE   VATICAN CITY, 17 SEP 2008 (VIS) - In today's general audience, which was held in the Paul VI Hall, the Pope spoke of his recent apostolic trip to France, which culminated in his pilgrimage to Lourdes for the 150th anniversary of the ...

---

PRESENTATION OF WRITINGS OF JOSEPH RATZINGER/BENEDICT XVI
PRESENTATION OF WRITINGS OF JOSEPH RATZINGER/BENEDICT XVI   VATICAN CITY, 22 OCT 2008 (VIS) - In the Holy See Press Office at midday today, Bishop Gerhard Ludwig Muller of Regensburg, Germany, presented the first volume of the "Opera omina" of Joseph Ratzinger/Benedict XVI, ...

---

 POPE RECALLS PIUS XII ON THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF HIS DEATH
 POPE RECALLS PIUS XII ON THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF HIS DEATH  
VATICAN CITY, 9 OCT 2008 (VIS) - In the Vatican Basilica this morning, the Pope presided at a Eucharistic concelebration with cardinals for the anniversary of the death of Pius XII.     Referring to the readings of ...

---

BENEDICT XVI TO VISIT FRANCE IN SEPTEMBER FOR THE 150th ANNIVRSARY OF THE APPARATIONS OF OUR LADY OF LOURDES
LOURDES: EXPERIENCING CLOSENESS BETWEEN HEAVEN AND EARTH   VATICAN CITY, 13 SEP 2008 (VIS) - At 4 p.m. today, the Holy Father departed from the apostolic nunciature in Paris and travelled to the city's Orly airport. There he boarded a plane which took him to Tarbes, whence he continued his ...

---

LETTER ON REMISSION OF EXCOMMUNICATION LEFEBVRE BISHOPS
VATICAN CITY, 12 MAR 2009 (VIS)
- Made public today was the Letter of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI to the bishops of the Catholic Church concerning the remission of the excommunication of the four bishops consecrated by Archbishop Lefebvre.     The Letter is dated 10 March and has been ...

---

THE POPE IN AFRICA
POPE IMPRESSED BY SENSE OF THE SACRED IN AFRICA   VATICAN CITY, 24 MAR 2009 (VIS) - During his return to Rome, following his apostolic visit to Cameroon and Angola, Benedict XVI again made remarks to journalists accompanying him on the flight.    The Holy Father said that during ...

---

Pope Benedict XVI in the Holy Land
BENEDICT XVI RECALLS HIS TRIP TO THE HOLY LAND   VATICAN CITY, 20 MAY 2009 (VIS) - Benedict XVI dedicated his remarks during his general audience, held this morning in St. Peter's Square, to a review of his recent apostolic trip to the Holy Land from 8 to 15 May, describing it as a ...

---

POPE SETS NORMS FOR FULL COMMUNION....
MOTU PROPRIO ECCLESIAE UNITATEM   VATICAN CITY, 8 JUL 2009 (VIS) - Given below is an English-language translation from the Italian of the Apostolic Letter "Motu Proprio data" of Pope Benedict XVI, "Ecclesiae unitatem". The document concerns the structure of the Pontifical ...

---

WORLD YOUTH DAY/The Teenage Christian...
THE POPE MEETS WITH YOUNG PEOPLE IN ST. PETER'S SQUARE VATICAN CITY, APR 7, 2006 (VIS) - Yesterday evening in St. Peter's Square, Benedict XVI participated in a gathering of young people from the diocese of Rome. The meeting was held in preparation for 21st World Youth Day (WYD) which will be ...

---

World Youth Day '07
MESSAGE FOR TWENTY-SECOND WORLD YOUTH DAY VATICAN CITY, FEB 5, 2007 (VIS) Made public today was the Message of the Holy Father to the Youth of the World for the Occasion of the 22nd World Youth Day, which is to be celebrated in all dioceses on Palm Sunday, April 1, and has as its theme this ...

---

YOUNG PEOPLE: BE APOSTLES TO YOUR PEERS
YOUNG PEOPLE: BE APOSTLES TO YOUR PEERS   VATICAN CITY, 14 JUN 2008 (VIS) - At 8 p.m. today Benedict XVI landed at the airport of Brindisi where he was welcomed by the religious and civil authorities of the region. He then travelled by car to the city centre where he was greeted by the local ...

---

MESSAGE FOR WORLD YOUTH DAY
MESSAGE FOR WORLD YOUTH DAY  
VATICAN CITY, 4 MAR 2009 (VIS) - "We have set our hope on the living God" is the theme of the Holy Father's Message to young people for the Twenty-fourth World Youth Day, which is due to be celebrated on 5 April, Palm Sunday. The text was published ...

---

ENCYCLICAL LETTERS....
ENCYCLICALS WRITTEN BY POPE JOHN PAUL II... Encyclical comes from a Greek term used to indicate letters that princes and magistrates sent to the widest possible number of people in order to make known laws, rules, regulations. etc. The corresponding Latin term was "circularis," which referred to a ...

---

POPE PRAYS to PREVENT WAR...
POPE ASKS GOD TO SAVE HUMANITY FROM WAR VATICAN CITY, DEC 25, 2003 (VIS) - In his traditional Christmas message which he read from the atrium of St. Peter's Square, the Pope asked God to save humanity from war and conflict, the plague of terrorism and from violence. John Paul II said ...

---

FAITH & CULTURE...
SPLIT BETWEEN GOSPEL AND CULTURE, A "CRISIS OF MEANING" VATICAN CITY, JUN 4, 2004 (VIS) - The Holy Father today welcomed the Bishops of the Church in Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico and western Texas on the occasion of their "ad limina" visit and told them he wished to reflect "on ...

---

LAST WILL/TESTAMENT OF POPE JOHN PAUL II
JOHN PAUL II'S SPIRITUAL TESTAMENT VATICAN CITY, APR 7, 2005 (VIS) - Following is the text of the spiritual testament of John Paul II, which was released today in an Italian translation of the original Polish. The translation from Italian into English has been done by VIS: The testament of ...

---

POPE JOHN PAUL's 26 YEARS as VICAR of CHRIST
THE 26 YEARS OF JOHN PAUL II: 4TH LONGEST PAPACY IN HISTORY POPE RELIVES MOMENT OF HIS ELECTION WITH EMOTION... VATICAN CITY, OCT 16, 2003 (VIS) - Late this afternoon, during a solemn Mass attended by 50,000 faithful and concelebrated by members of the College of Cardinals, archbishops and ...

---

LATEST WRITINGS of THE POPE
PRESENTATION OF POPE'S NEW BOOK "MEMORY AND IDENTITY" VATICAN CITY, FEB 23, 2005 (VIS) - Yesterday evening, John Paul II's latest book, "Memory and Identity," was presented at a press conference in Rome's Palazzo Colonna. Those present included Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, prefect of the ...

---

Pope Benedict Opens CAUSE of John Paul II...
VATICAN CITY, MAY 13, 2005 (VIS) - Benedict XVI today announced the opening of the cause of beatification of John Paul II, waiving the normal waiting period of five years after the death of a Servant of God. The Pope made the announcement in the course of a meeting with the Roman clergy in the ...

---

BEATIFICATION OF POPE JOHN PAUL II: Official Prayer for Beatification...
O Blessed Trinity, We thank you for having graced the Church with Pope John Paul II and for allowing the tenderness of your Fatherly care, the glory of the cross of Christ, and the splendor of the Holy Spirit, to shine through him. Trusting fully in Your infinite mercy and in the ...

---

Benedict XVI INTERVIEW w/ POLISH TV
BENEDICT XVI GRANTS INTERVIEW TO POLISH TELEVISION VATICAN CITY, OCT 17, 2005 (VIS) - Following is the text of the interview granted by Benedict XVI to Polish State Television (TVP) for the occasion of the Day of the Pope, which has been celebrated in Poland on October 16 for the last five ...

---

3rd ANNIVERSARY OF POPE JOHN PAUL II
MAY THE CHURCH FOLLOW TEACHINGS, EXAMPLE OF JOHN PAUL II   VATICAN CITY, 2 APR 2008 (VIS) - In St. Peter's Square at 10.30 a.m. today, Benedict XVI presided at a Eucharistic celebration to mark the third anniversary of the death of Servant of God John Paul II. Members of the College of ...

---

50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEATH OF PIUS XII
EVENTS MARKING 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEATH OF PIUS XII   VATICAN CITY, 17 JUN 2008 (VIS) - This morning in the Holy See Press Office, a press conference was held to present two initiatives to mark the 50th anniversary of the death of Servant of God Pope Pius XII: a congress on his ...

---

ART AND THE CONTEMPLATION OF BEAUTY...
PLENARY PONTIFICAL COUNCIL FOR CULTURE: THE WAY OF BEAUTY VATICAN CITY, MAR 21, 2006 (VIS) - This year's annual plenary assembly of the Pontifical Council for Culture, due to be held on March 27 and 28, will be dedicated to the "Via pulchritudinis," in other words, to beauty as a way to ...

---

Art Exposition at St. Peter's Basilica
PETROS ENI: EXPOSITION DEDICATED TO SAINT PETER'S BASILICA VATICAN CITY, OCT 3, 2006 (VIS) - "Petros Eni" (Peter is here) is the title of the vast exposition that the Fabric of St. Peter's, from October 12 2006 to March 8 2007, dedicates to the Patriarchal Basilica, for the 500th anniversary of ...

---

VATICAN OBSERVATORY
VATICAN OBSERVATORY STUDENTS IN VISIT TO POPE VATICAN CITY, JUN 11, 2007 (VIS) - At midday today, the Holy Father received students participating in the 11th summer school organized by Vatican Observatory. The group was led by Fr. Jose Funes, director of the observatory. " Since its ...

---

THE IMPORTANCE OF NATURAL MORAL LAW
RECOGNISING THE IMPORTANCE OF NATURAL MORAL LAW  
VATICAN CITY, 5 DEC 2008 (VIS) - This morning in the Vatican, the Pope received participants in the plenary session of the International Theological Commission. The meeting coincided with the conclusion of the commission's five-year mandate, ...

---

BE NOT AFRAID..
Do not Fear...LIFE AND DEATH by St. John Chrysostom, Bishop The waters have risen and severe storms are upon us, but we do not fear drowning, for we stand firmly upon a rock. Let the sea rage, it cannot break the rock. Let the waves rise, they cannot sink the boat of Jesus. What are we to fear? ...

---

LENTEN STATIONS of CROSS Available
A beautiful all color booklet on the Stations of the Cross which match the series on this website. Each meditation is personalized to meet individual needs. Perfect for your spiritual journey during the long lenten season. To order this $5.00 booklet: email: maire@catholicweb.com or click on the ...

---

THE ECUMENICAL MOVEMENT...
INTER-CHRISTIAN SYMPOSIUM ON ECUMENICAL DIALOGUE VATICAN CITY, SEP 5, 2005 (VIS) - The ninth Inter-Christian Symposium, promoted by the Franciscan Institute of Spirituality at the Antonianum Pontifical Athenaeum in Rome, and by the faculty of theology at the Aristotle University of ...

---

DECLARATION OF UNITY between the CATHOLIC & ORTHODOX CHURCES
MESSAGE TO BARTHOLOMEW I FOR THE FEAST OF ST. ANDREW   VATICAN CITY, 30 NOV 2008 (VIS) - As is traditional for the Feast of St. Andrew, the Pope has written a Message to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople. The Message was delivered during the course of a visit to Istanbul by ...

---

PEACE ON EARTH...
MESSAGE FOR WORLD PEACE DAY: IN TRUTH, PEACE VATICAN CITY, DEC 13, 2005 (VIS) - Made public today was Benedict XVI's first Message for the Celebration of the World Day of Peace. The Day is due to be celebrated on January 1, 2006 and the Message has been published in English, French, Spanish, ...

---

INTER-RELIGIOUS DIALOGUE: HOPE FOR BROTHERHOOD AND PEACE
INTER-RELIGIOUS DIALOGUE: HOPE FOR BROTHERHOOD AND PEACE VATICAN CITY, NOV 8, 2005 (VIS) - In a communique made public today, the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity announced the second international conference on the theme: "Peace and Tolerance - Dialogue and Understanding in ...

---

PAPAL LETTER TO CATHOLIC FAITHFUL IN CHINA
PAPAL LETTER TO CATHOLIC FAITHFUL IN CHINA VATICAN CITY, JUN 30, 2007 (VIS) - Made public today was the Letter of Benedict XVI to the bishops, priests, consecrated persons and lay faithful of the Catholic Church in the People's Republic of China. The Letter, dated May 27 Feast of Pentecost, is ...

---

POPE BENEDICT'S PEACE INITIATIVES
PROMOTE NUCLEAR NON PROLIFERATION VATICAN CITY, JUL 29, 2007 (VIS) - Shortly before midday today, Benedict XVI greeted faithful gathered in the internal courtyard of the apostolic palace in Castelgandolfo in order to pray the Angelus with them. The Pope will be staying at his Castelgandolfo ...

---

CHURCH'S WORLDWIDE OUTREACH...Diplomatic Relations with 105 States
LET US WORK TO BUILD AN INTEGRAL HUMANISM VATICAN CITY, JAN 8, 2007 (VIS) - This morning in the Sala Regia of the Vatican, Pope Benedict pronounced his traditional annual address to members of the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See, in which he analyzed the most important events of the ...

---

WAR AND HATRED DO NOT RESOLVE PROBLEMS
VATICAN CITY, 4 JAN 2009 (VIS)
- After the Angelus the Pope invited all to pray for an end to the war in Gaza, recalling that hatred and war do not resolve problems.    "Today, in all the churches of the Holy Land, the patriarchs and leaders of the Christian churches of Jerusalem ...

---

FIRST VISIT OF KING OF SAUDI ARABIA TO VATICAN
POPE BENEDICT MAKES HISTORY BEING THE FIRST POPE IN HISTORY TO MEET WITH THE KING OF SAUDI ARABIA. POPE BENEDICT XVI RECEIVES KING ABDALLAH OF SAUDI ARABIA VATICAN CITY, NOV 6, 2007 (VIS) - The Holy See Press Office released the following communique: "Today in the Apostolic Palace of the ...

---

THE ISLAMIC-CATHOLIC DIALOG
MEETING OF THE ISLAMIC-CATHOLIC LIAISON COMMITTEE   VATICAN CITY, 14 JUN 2008 (VIS) - Made public today was a communique from the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue concerning the 14th meeting of the Islamic-Catholic Liaison Committee, which was held in the Vatican from 11 to 13 ...

---

COLOMBIA: POPE CALLS FOR AN END TO KIDNAPPINGS
JOY AT LIBERATION OF INGRID BETANCOURT AND OTHER HOSTAGES   VATICAN CITY, 3 JUL 2008 (VIS) - Yesterday evening, Holy See Press Office Director Fr. Federico Lombardi S.J. expressed the Holy See's contentment at the liberation of 15 hostages held by the FARC group in Colombia, among them former ...

---

DIALOG BETWEEN CHRISTIANS AND MUSLIMS
FINAL DECLARATION OF CATHOLIC-MUSLIM FORUM   VATICAN CITY, 7 NOV 2008 (VIS) - Made public yesterday afternoon was the final declaration of participants in the First Seminar of the Catholic-Muslim Forum, which took place in Rome from 4 to 6 November on the theme: "Love of God, Love of ...

---

FINAL COMMUNIQUE ON THE 11TH CATHOLIC-MUSLIM COLLOQUIUM
FINAL COMMUNIQUE ON THE 11TH CATHOLIC-MUSLIM COLLOQUIUM   VATICAN CITY, 17 DEC 2008 (VIS) - Today was made public the final communique on the 11th Colloquium organized by the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue and the World Islamic Call Society (WICS), which took place in Rome ...

---

CHRISTIAN MORALITY SERIES #2
A Guide for Today By Fr. Raphael Gallagher C.Ss.R. Doctor of Moral Theology, Rome, Italy Christian Morality Series: #2: Living as a Christian must touch the way we try to be moral. Morality is not just a theory of what is right and wrong. It is about the way we live. Does that sound too ...

---

NATURAL MORAL LAW
POPE UNDERLINES IMPORTANCE OF NATURAL MORAL LAW VATICAN CITY, OCT 5, 2007 (VIS) - This morning the Pope received members of the International Theological Commission, who have just completed their annual plenary meeting, held in the Vatican from October 1 to 5 under the presidency of Cardinal ...

---

THEOLOGY & UNIVERSAL SYSTEM OF ETHICS
THERAPEUTIC EXPERIMENTS MUST RESPECT BASIC ETHICAL NORMS VATICAN CITY, OCT 29, 2007 (VIS) - "The new frontiers of pharmaceutical activity" is the theme of the 25th international congress of Catholic pharmacists, currently being held in Rome. The participants in the meeting were received today by ...

---

ORIGINAL SIN: EVIL IS SUBORDINATE TO GOOD
ORIGINAL SIN: EVIL IS SUBORDINATE TO GOOD  
VATICAN CITY, 3 DEC 2008 (VIS) - In his general audience this morning, Benedict XVI continued his series of catecheses on the teachings of St. Paul. Addressing the 7,000 people gathered in the Paul VI Hall, he explained how the Apostle of the ...

---

TEACHING ON SOME BIOETHICAL QUESTIONS
TEACHING ON SOME BIOETHICAL QUESTIONS  
VATICAN CITY, 12 DEC 2008 (VIS) - This morning in the Holy See Press Office the Instruction of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith “Dignitas Personae” on certain bioethical questions was presented. It was published in English, ...

---

SIGNS OF THE TIMES...
HELP THOSE WHO ARE DEPRESSED TO REDISCOVER DESIRE TO LIVE VATICAN CITY, NOV 14, 2003 (VIS) – This morning in the Paul VI Hall, the Holy Father received participants in the eighteenth International Conference on Depression, organized by the Pontifical Council for Health Care Ministry. The ...

---

WOMAN'S VOCATION IN LIFE...
A WOMAN'S VOCATION... VATICAN CITY, JAN 16, 2004 (VIS) - This morning the Holy Father received the participants in the national congress of the Italian Women's Center as they reflect on the theme "Women as They Face the Expectations of the World." He recalled that this Center, "inspired by ...

---

ALL SOULS DAY...
OR, THE COMMEMORATION OF THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED OFFER MASSES AND PRAYERS FOR THE DECEASED VATICAN CITY, NOV 1, 2005 (VIS) Today's feast, the Pope said, "gives us a taste of the joy of belonging to the great family of the friends of God. ... Becoming saints means fully realizing that which ...

---

JUNE: MONTH of the HEARTS of JESUS & MARY....
SACRED HEART OF JESUS, MYSTERY OF GOD'S LOVE HEART OF JESUS: A SYMBOL OF CHRISTIAN FAITH  VATICAN CITY, 1 JUN 2008 (VIS) - At midday today, Benedict XVI appeared at the window of his study overlooking St. Peter's Square to pray the Angelus with faithful and pilgrims gathered ...

---

UNIVERSE: GOD'S MASTERPIECE...
The Universe Speaks of God John Paul II referred to the universe as "another sacred book" that, together with the Bible, allows man to discover the beauty of God. "Man and woman can discover with the interior vision of their soul and through their religious intuition undistracted by superficiality that the world...

---

IRISH BLESSING...
May the blessing of light be with you-light outside and light within. May sunlight shine upon you and warm your heart 'til it glows like a great peat fire so that the stranger may come and warm himself by it, and also a friend. May a blessed light shine from your eyes like a candle set in two ...

---

St. Patrick's Day
"For each petal of the Shamrock This brings a wish your way Good health...God's blessing...and happiness For today and every day! --An Old Irish Blessing One of the most reveared symbols of Ireland is the shamrock. Apart from its decorative use, it has a rare and spiritual meaning which is far ...

---

Celtic Christianity-St. Kevin of Glendalough
St. Kevin of Glendalough and His 5th Century Monastic City FATHER OF THE CHURCHES Father of the churches, keeper of the glen, Who looked towards the lakeshore and called your holy men. Lead us, heal us, teach us how to pray, as we gather in this place, on your blessed day. Refrain: ...

---

Ireland Remembers...
Poem Commerating 1916 By W.B. Yeats Oh, words are lightly spoken, Said Pearse to Connolly, Maybe a breath of politic words Has withered Our Rose Tree; Or maybe but a wind that blows Across the bitter sea. It needs to be but watered, James Connolly replied, To make the green come out again And spread ...

---

Celtic Christianity: St. Patrick's Breastplate...
St. Patrick's Breastplate I bind unto myself this day the strong name of the Trinity; by invocation of the same, the Three in One and One in Three. Of whom all nature hath creation Eternal Father, Spirit, Word, Praise to the God of our salvation, Salvation is of Christ the Lord. Christ be with me, ...

---

HUMAN GENOME CONFERENCE
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON THE HUMAN GENOME VATICAN CITY, NOV 15, 2005 (VIS) - In the Holy See Press Office this morning, Cardinal Javier Lozano Barragan, president of the Pontifical Council for Health Care Ministry, presented the 20th international conference promoted by his dicastery. The ...

---

Media & Communications
THEME FOR 2010 WORLD DAY OF SOCIAL COMMUNICATIONS  
VATICAN CITY, 29 SEP 2009 (VIS) - "The Priest and Pastoral Ministry in a Digital World: New Media at the Service of the Word" is the theme of the Pope's Message for the next World Day of Social Communications which is celebrated ...

---

COMMUNICATIONS MEDIA: SPREADING AND DEFENDING TRUTH
COMMUNICATIONS MEDIA: SPREADING AND DEFENDING TRUTH   VATICAN CITY , 24 JAN 2008 ( VIS ) - This morning in the Holy See Press Office Archbishop Claudio Maria Celli and Msgr. Paul Tighe, respectively president and secretary of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, presented the ...

---

BEARING WITNESS TO THE FAITH THROUGH THE DIGITAL WORLD
BEARING WITNESS TO THE FAITH THROUGH THE DIGITAL WORLD   VATICAN CITY, 20 MAY 2009 (VIS) - At the end of his general audience, celebrated this morning in St. Peter's Square, the Pope made a brief appeal for World Communications Day, due to be held on Sunday 24 May.     Speaking ...

---

VATICAN ON "YOU TUBE"
NEW NEWS CHANNEL ON THE HOLY FATHER  
VATICAN CITY, 23 JAN 2009 (VIS)
- This morning in the Holy See Press Office, the Message for the 43rd World Day of Social Communications was presented. The theme this year is: "New Technologies, New Relationships: Promoting a culture of Respect, ...

---

CONFRATERNITY OF UNITED HEARTS
“CONFRATERNITY OF THE UNITED HEARTS OF JESUS AND MARY” means-- the mystical union of the Hearts of Jesus and Mary (Divine and Holy Love) that began at the moment of Jesus’ conception, never to be parted. SECRETS OF THE UNITED HEARTS: salvation, holiness, Perfection, conformity ...

---

DENOUNCING THE ERRORS BEHIND THE ECONOMIC CRISIS
VATICAN CITY, 27 FEB 2009 (VIS) - During a meeting with pastors and clergy of the diocese of Rome which took place yesterday in the Hall of Blessings in the Vatican's Apostolic Palace, Benedict XVI answered eight questions put to him concerning such matters as the world economic crisis, the ...

---

Avoid Nationalistic Selfishness and Protectionism
Avoid Nationalistic Selfishness and Protectionism
VATICAN CITY, 1 APR 2009 (VIS)  Benedict XVI has expressed his appreciation to heads of State and government who are due to participate in the G20 Summit which will take place in London, England, on 2 and 3 April for the "noble ...

---

RESOURCES: WHERE TO FIND??
Church Documents/Articles: Vatican Library: bav@librs6k.catlib.it EWTN Library: ewtn.com/librarysearch Worldwide Charismatic Documents Only: www.garg.com/ccc Other Publications/Services: U.S. bishops/Saint of Day/e-Greeting Cards etc. on this website: Check LINKS.

---

DISCLAIMER/TERMS OF USE
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE: This Catholic Website is designed to enhance the spiritual and moral lives of all who log on and participate. You are welcome to download, copy and use any of the material for your personal spiritual growth and non-commercial use. You may not alter the doctrinal material nor sell any graphics or photography which it contains. Should you use any of the material on a non-profit website, we ask that you offer a link to this website. --Webmaster

---

Putting the Pieces Together

Putting the Pieces Together
Being in love is something all of us look forward to. When you spend time with that special person, it can be a great thing. The only problem is that sometimes we fall too fast or put too much into one relationship, and the pieces don't seem to create a pretty picture.

---