Message of Pope Francis for the 25th World Day of the Sick
Instituted by my predecessor Saint John Paul II in 1992, and first celebrated at Lourdes on 11 February 1993, the World Day of the Sick is an opportunity to reflect in particular on the needs of the sick and, more generally, of all those who suffer.
Laudato Si’: The Holy Spirit within Mother Earth - Our Common Home
February 5, 2017
This coming June will mark two years since Pope Francis launched his first Encyclical, “Laudato Si’, mi Signore, Praise be to you, my Lord”. Our Holy Father begins by quoting the beautiful canticle of Saint Francis of Assisi who reminds us that our common home is like a sister with whom we share our life and a beautiful mother who opens her arms to embrace us. Pope Francis reaches out to all human beings immediately by addressing everyone: “In this Encyclical, I would like to enter into dialogue with all people about our common home.” (3)
Every year, between January 18 and January 25, Christians around the world are invited to celebrate a week of prayer for the unity of all Christians, to reflect on scripture together, to participate in jointly-organized ecumenical services, and to share fellowship.
This year’s resources for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity have been prepared by an ecumenical team in Germany, representing various churches and religious organizations. They have chosen as their theme “Reconciliation – The Love of Christ Compels Us,” inspired by 2 Corinthians 5:14-20.
As we begin a new year, many of us may be facing transitions of various kinds. With my new ministry at the diocese, this is certainly the case for me! It’s very easy to lose our equilibrium in times of transition: our sense of who we are, where we belong, where God is to be found. How do we negotiate transition? How do we deal with change? Do we deny it, try to forestall it as long as possible? Do we cling stubbornly to the status quo?
"Three mysteries mark this holy day: today the star leads the Magi to the infant Christ; today water is changed into wine for the wedding feast; today Christ wills to be baptized by John in the river Jordan to bring us salvation."
St. Monica's Parish