St. Christopher Magallanes and Companions, martyrs

Today we honor St. Christopher Magallanes, priest and martyr, and his companions, martyrs.

Christopher and his twenty-four companion martyrs were members of the Cristero movement, a response to  anti-Catholic government in Mexico in the 1920s.  The government was determined to weaken the Catholic faith of its people. Churches, schools and seminaries were closed; foreign clergy were expelled. Under the Cristero movement, members pledged their allegiance to Christ and to the church that he established to spread the Good News in society—even if Mexico's leaders had made it a crime to receive baptism or celebrate the Mass.

Christopher's last words were: "I am innocent and I die innocent. I forgive with all my heart those responsible for my death, and I ask God that the shedding of my blood serve the peace of our divided Mexico".

These martyrs were beatified in 1992 and canonized eight years later.

A major motion picture depicts the story of these martyrs. It is entitled "For Greater Glory."  If you have not seen this film yet, I highly recommend it. It is excellent!


Prayer for the Intercession of St. Christopher Magallanes and Companions

Almighty and eternal God,
who made the Priest Saint Christopher Magallanes
and his companions
faithful to Christ the King even to the point
of martyrdom,
grant us, through their intercession,
that, persevering in confession of the true faith,
we may always hold fast to the commandments
of your love.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.

Pope Francis to Catholic Lay Movements: Get out of your comfort zone

May 20, 2013. (Romereports.com) From Catholic Lay Movements, to associations and communities, about 200,000 people went to St. Peter's Square to celebrate the Pentecost Vigil with Pope Francis. The Pope called on them to never forget that Jesus should be at the center of everything they do.

POPE FRANCIS
“All of you out there on the Square have yelled out 'Francis, Francis, Pope Francis! But where is Jesus? I would have rather heard 'Jesus, Jesus is Lord and He is among us.' From now on, it shouldn't be 'Francis,' you scream out, it should be 'Jesus.'”

When it comes to the word crisis, the Pope said society often talks about the economy and not the needy.

POPE FRANCIS
“Today, it's painful to say, but a homeless man out on the street, freezing to death, isn't considered news. Nowadays, news is about  scandals! Oh a scandal! Yes, that's news. To think that even today, there are so many children that don't have anything to eat, yet that's not considered news. This is serious! It's serious! We cannot be quiet about this.”

So the Pope called on people to take action, to help out and to not be indifferent.

POPE FRANCIS
“Just like John Paul II and Benedict XVI said, today's world needs many witnesses. Not so much teachers, as witnesses. It's not about just talk. It's about talking through your actions. Living a coherent life. It's precisely about a coherent life.”

When it comes to living out this message, the Pope said the best way is by going out of one's comfort zone.

POPE FRANCIS
“This is dangerous. We lock ourselves in our parish, with our friends, in our movement, with those who think just like we do. But you know what happens? When the Church is closed off, it gets sick.”

As usual, Pope Francis took some time to greet pilgrims out in the Square and even in the nearby street of Via della Conciliazione.

St. Bernadine of Siena

The saint of the day for May 20th is St. Bernardine of Siena. A Franciscan friar and preacher, St. Bernardine is known as “the Apostle of Italy” for his efforts to revive the country's Catholic faith during the 15th century.

St. Bernardine was born in 1380 in Tuscany. His parents died when he was seven years old and he was taken in by relatives who raised him as if he were their own.

As a youth, he possessed a strong love for the Blessed Virgin Mary and spoke to her as a child speaks to his mother. She kept him chaste and pure. He had a special devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and later wrote that the Immaculate Heart of Mary was "a fiery furnace of Holy Love."

While still a student at the University of Siena, he took charge of the hospital there when an epidemic killed most of the staff. Later he looked after a bedridden aunt until her death.

At the age of 22, he became a Franciscan. He was an energetic and popular preacher who spent years travelling on foot throughout Italy preaching to huge audiences. As a priest, he promoted peace among the warring Italian cities, and worked hard for the reform of the Franciscan order and for church unity. He encouraged devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus and is known for his use of the monogram IHS. Bernadine died on May 20, 1444, at the age of sixty-four in Aquila, Italy.

Bernadine was declared a saint in 1450, by Pope Nicholas V.

Patron: advertisers; advertising; against hoarseness; communications; compulsive or uncontrolled gambling; gambling addicts; lungs; public relations; chest, respiratory, or lung problems; Aquila, Italy; diocese of San Bernardino, California; Italy

Quote: "Jesus, Name full of glory, grace, love and strength! You are the refuge of those who repent, our banner of warfare in this life, the medicine of souls, the comfort of those who morn, the delight of those who believe, the light of those who preach the true faith, the wages of those who toil, the healing of the sick. To You our devotion aspires; by You our prayers are received; we delight in contemplating You. O Name of Jesus, You are the glory of all the saints for eternity. Amen."

~ St. Bernardine of Siena

Prayer: Saint Bernardine of Siena, words were very important to you. You spent most of your life speaking the golden words of Jesus' mercy and his Holy Name. And you abhorred words that were shameful. Pray for us that we may always choose to speak Jesus' name with reverence and choose words of love over words of shame. Amen.

All Things Pentecost

Pentecost is the birthday of the Church and personally, this year, the feast commemorates the 8th anniversary of my lifetime oblature to the Community of St. John. So, let's celebrate!

Here are some great posts on this feast day:


8 things to know and share about Pentecost by Jimmy Akin

I have Come to Cast a Fire on the Earth – A Meditation on the Feast of Pentecost by Msgr. Charles Pope

The Holy Spirit – The Principle of Unity throughout Scripture by Sister Benedicta Marie, O.C.D.

Celebrating Pentecost at Catholic Cusine

Two of my Favorite Hymns for Pentecost:

St. John I, pope and martyr

The saint of the day for May 18th is St. John I (470-526), pope and martyr.


By birth, Pope John was a Tuscan, the son of Constantius. He was an archdeacon for several years before being elected Pope on the death of Pope St. Hormisdas in 523. He was a friend and confidant of the philosopher Boethius.

In 525 Pope John was sent to Constantinople by King Theodoric of the Ostrogoths to reverse the edict of the Emperor Justin against the Arians two years earlier, which required Arians to give back churches which they had taken from orthodox Catholics. Throdoric was himself an Arian and a strong defender of Arianism (a heresy which arose in the 4th century and denied the divinity of Christ).

Even though Theodoric wanted a reversal of Justin’s policy, Pope John did not comply with his wishes, refusing to support heresy, and only counseled the Emperor Justin to be more gentle in his overzealous dealings with the Arians.

The success that Pope John achieved was contrary to the wishes of Theodoric; rather, he was received as the Successor of Peter and all the bishops of the East, with the exception of one, affirmed their communion with him and his precedence as Bishop of Rome, notable by the fact that it was he who presided over the Easter liturgy in Constantinople on April 19, 526. Even the Emperor Justin prostrated himself at the Pope’s feet.

However, on his return to Rome, Theodoric, who had just murdered John’s good friend Boethius, and was furious with the outcome of the mission, had the Pope imprisoned in Ravenna where he died of starvation and ill treatment. His body was taken to Rome where he now lies buried in the basilica of St. Peter.

Jesuit Father Matteo Ricci’s Sainthood Cause Moves to Vatican

Although it has taken more than 400 years, the sainthood cause of Jesuit Father Matteo Ricci, the 16th-century missionary to China, is back on track.

Bishop Claudio Giuliodori, apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Macerata, Italy, where Fr. Ricci was born in 1552, formally closed the diocesan phase of the sainthood process May 10. The cause now moves to the Congregation for Saints’ Causes at the Vatican.

Bishop Giuliodori had met Pope Francis, a Jesuit, at the Vatican the first week of May. He wrote in the Macerata diocesan newspaper, “I never imagined I’d be able to speak about the cause of Fr. Matteo Ricci with a Jesuit pope. After the great attention given by Benedict XVI, who never missed an occasion to encourage us to promote the cause, we now have the joy of placing it into the hands of a Jesuit.”

The bishop said when he spoke to Pope Francis about the cause, the pope highlighted Fr. Ricci’s “innovative method of evangelization based on the inculturation of the faith” and the missionary’s courage and humility in learning from the Chinese.

Fr. Ricci died in Beijing May 11, 1610, and his death was followed by centuries of church debate over the extent to which a very limited number of Confucian practices — including veneration of ancestors — could be seen as a tolerable part of Chinese social and cultural tradition rather than as religious practices incompatible with Christianity.

Marking the 400th anniversary of Fr. Ricci’s death in 2010, retired Pope Benedict said Fr. Ricci’s life and mission represented a “fortunate synthesis of proclaiming the Gospel and of dialogue with the culture of the people who are receiving it, an example of balance between doctrinal clarity and prudent pastoral action.”

Fr. Ricci is also known for having brought European scientific instruments and knowledge to China, opening up a scientific exchange between the two continents, the now-retired pope had said. However, Fr. Ricci “didn’t go to China to bring science, but to bring the Gospel, to bring God,” the pope said.

The diocesan phase of Fr. Ricci’s sainthood cause opened in 1984, but was almost immediately closed when questions were raised about his commitment to pure Christianity. Opened again with Vatican approval in 2010, much of the work the past three years has involved an examination by historians and theologians of Fr. Ricci’s writings and of the writings of those who worked with him, according to the Macerata diocesan website. [Catholic News Service]

St. Paschal Baylon

The saint of the day for May 17th is St. Paschal Baylon.

Born in a small village in between Castille and Aragon in Spain, on Pentecost in 1540, he was christened Pascua (meaning "the pasch of the Holy Ghost") in honor of the feast. As a young man, until he was twenty-four years old, he worked as a shepherd for his poor, but pious family. During this time, he lived a life of penance and showed great devotion for the Holy Eucharist.

One day Paschal heard the bells of a convent announce the approaching consecration at Mass. Such an ardent longing for God overcame him that, prompted by yearning and love, he involuntarily cried out: "O God, most worthy of all adoration, please let me see You!" Hardly had he uttered the prayer when a glowing star appeared in the sky. As he watched, the heavens opened; the star disappeared and was replaced by a chalice with the Host, flanked by two adoring angels. Christian art has selected this vision to show his chief virtue -- love for the most holy Eucharist. (Excerpted from The Church's Year of Grace, Pius Parsch)

 Receiving a vision which told him to enter a nearby Franciscan community, he became a Franciscan lay brother. He became part of the community of St. Peter of Alcantara, who was very instrumental in the life and spirituality of St. Teresa of Avila, who was living at that time. Paschal spent most of his life as a humble door keeper. His charity to the poor and afflicted, his unfailing courtesy and humility were remarkable even by Franciscan standards. While on a mission to France, he defended the Real Presence against the blasphemies of a Calvinist preacher, and narrowly escaped death at the hands of a Huguenot mob. Poorly educated, he served as a counselor sought out by rich and poor alike.

Paschal spent many hours before the Holy Eucharist. During his lifetime he was known by all as "the Saint of the Holy Eucharist". He spent most of the night at the foot of the altar on his knees, or prostrate on the ground. In prayer, he was often favored with ecstasies and raptures. He died at Villa Reale, near Valentia, on May 17, 1592, at the age of fifty-two. As he lay dead in his casket, he opened and closed his eyes twice when the sacred species were elevated at the consecration. His body was exposed three days, during which time a vast number of people visited the church, witnessing to his many miracles.

St. Paschal was beatified by Pope Paul V in 1618, and canonized by Alexander VIII. in 1690.

Patron: Cooks; Eucharistic congresses and organizations (proclaimed by Pope Leo XIII in 1897); Obado, Bulacan, Phillipines.

Quotes from St. Paschal Baylon

"Meditate well on this: Seek God above all things. It is right for you to seek God before and above everything else, because the majesty of God wishes you to receive what you ask for. This will also make you more ready to serve God and will enable you to love him more perfectly."

"God is as really present in the consecrated Host as He is in the glory of Heaven."

Why become a priest?

Second Video: Via Marcel at Aggie Catholics

Why not women priests?

Dominican Father Wojciech Giertych, theologian of the papal household, weighs in on the debate over women's ordination to the priesthood.

US Assisted suicide corrupts medicine, Vermont diocese warns

Burlington, Vt., May 16, 2013 / 12:02 am (CNA/EWTN News).- The Vermont legislature passed a bill allowing physicians to approve lethal drugs for terminally ill patients to kill themselves, a move the local Catholic diocese said will have major consequences.

“Physician-assisted suicide will forever transform the role of physician from one who preserves life to one who takes life,” the Catholic Diocese of Burlington said ahead of the vote on its website.

“Catholics must raise their voices against such an affront to human life,” the diocese added. “True compassion calls us to embrace those who are dying, not provide them with the means to end their lives.”

Read the entire story.

Pope Francis: Don't be Backseat Christians

May 16, 2013. (Romereports.com) During Thursday's morning Mass, Pope Francis
reflected on the apostolic zeal of St. Paul. The Pope invited Christians to follow the apostle's example by living out the faith publicly and with courage. He also called on faithful to not be so called 'backseat Christians.'

POPE FRANCIS
“There are backseat Christians, right? Those who are well mannered and do everything well, but they don't know how to bring others to the Church through proclamation and Apostolic zeal. Today we can ask the Holy Spirit to give us all this Apostolic fervor and to give us the grace to be annoying when things are too calm in the Church. The grace to go out to the outskirts of life. The Church needs this! Not only in distant lands, young parishes or among people who do not know Jesus, but here in the cities. Our cities need this proclamation of Jesus Christ. So let us ask the Holy Spirit for the grace of Apostolic zeal. Let’s be Christians with Apostolic zeal. And if we annoy people, Blessed be the Lord! Onwards, as the Lord says to St. Paul: show courage!"

Among those attending the Mass was Cardinal Peter Turkson, president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and Vatican Radio employees.

Fr. Barron: Modernity and Morality

Pope Francis to “Unlock” Pontifical Mission Societies’ “Missio” App

Here is a fascinating development in the New Evangelization:

From the Catholic geek files news desk comes the exciting update that our Holy Father, Pope Francis, will engage in a historic moment on Friday when he activates a brand new smartphone app called “Missio.” Lisa Hendey posts the story at Patheos and Catholic Mom.

Pope to meet with Catholic Lay Movements. More than 120,000 expected

May 16, 2013. (Romereports.com) On Saturday May18th and Sunday 19th, Pope Francis will meet with leaders and members of different lay movements. The meeting is a way to recognize their contributions to the Church and to mark the Year of Faith. Those two days will be quite busy. Roughly 120,000 tickets have already been given out for the Pope's Pentecost Sunday Mass.

ARCH. RINO FISICHELLA
President, Pontifical Council for New Evangelization
“We chose this weekend when we celebrate Pentecost to highlight the presence of all these movements, new communities, lay associations and all the different ecclesial roles that are present within the Church. They are signs that reflect the presence of the Risen Spirit of Christ, that guides the Church in Her work of evangelizing.”

Over 150 different movements from all over the world will gather in Rome over the weekend.
Among them will be Catholic Action, Communion and Liberation, the Focolare Movement, the Community of St. Egidio and the Neocatechumenal Way. Other more recent movements that were born in the U.S, Argentina, Brazil, Congo, India and Trinidad will also be present.

The meeting will start of on Saturday afternoon in St. Peter's Square, where all the movements are invited. Musical group Gen Verde will be playing during the massive gathering.

ARCH. RINO FISICHELLA
President, Pontifical Council for New Evangelization
“Once Pope Francis arrives, we will mark the beginning of the gathering with a prayer. We will then pay homage to Our Lady Salus Populi Romani followed by a Gospel reading.”

Then on Sunday, again thousands are expected in St. Peter's Square. There will be a special seating section for the sick. There will also be a sign language interpreter for the deaf so that everyone can join in the celebration.

Vatican to Host Global Pro-Life Conference and Papal Mass

By Austin Ruse

ROME, May 16 (C-FAM) Pro-lifers held their breath the day the world received a new Pope. They did not question his pro-life credentials but wondered if he would speak forcefully.

An old quote soon surfaced and concerns faded. “Defend the unborn against abortion even if they persecute you, calumniate you, set traps for you, take you to court or kill you. No child should be deprived of the right to be born, the right to be fed, the right to go to school.”

This June the Pope also will play a central role in the Vatican’s annual celebration of the Gospel of Life, the papal teaching published by Pope John Paul II in 1995. His successor, Benedict XVI, started the annual celebration a few years ago that features a papal mass for pro-life leaders. The new Pontifical Council for the New Evangelization, established by Benedict to encourage a reawakening of the faith in traditionally Christian countries, leads an expanded celebration this year.

This year’s three-day celebration begins with a conference funded by C-FAM and led by its chairman, Douglas A. Sylva. Cardinal Raymond Burke will deliver the keynote address on the Gospel of Life and the New Evangelization. Dr. Robert Royal of the Faith and Reason Institute and Dr. Francis Beckwith of Baylor University will answer Burke’s keynote address.

Unlike Protestant and even Evangelical denominations, the Catholic Church has not wavered on the question of abortion or other life issues. The Church sees an inextricable link between its central evangelical mission and the life.

On Saturday morning pro-life pilgrims will gather around Rome and proceed to the tomb of St. Peter. Churches near the Vatican will host an afternoon of Eucharistic adoration followed by a prayer vigil and candlelight procession led by American Archbishop Augustine DeNoia, head of the Vatican Congregation for Divine Worship. The procession ends near the Vatican where some think Pope Francis will greet the crowd. Surprising many, Francis visited the Roman March for Life.

On Sunday, June 16, Pope Francis will celebrate a Mass for Life in St. Peter’s Square.

A number of Americans have helped plan this event including representatives from Priests for Life, the Pro-Life Secretariat of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, Alliance Defending Freedom, Susan B. Anthony List, Students for Life of America, LiveAction, and Americans United for Life.

Besides the conference for English speakers, there will be events in other languages with many attendees expected from Europe.

The Pope’s commitment to life issues cannot be underestimated. He sets the tone of the church and while many bishops and priests shy from the life issues, they find that more difficult if the Pope assertively leads the way.

Pope Francis continues to express strong pro-life views. Besides appearing unexpectedly at the Rome March for Life, he tweeted this week: ”It is God who gives life. Let us respect and love human life, especially vulnerable life in a mother’s womb."

St. Simon Stock

The saint of the day for May 14th, St. Simon Stock, was born in Aylesford in County Kent, England in 1165. Although we know little about Simon Stock's early life, legend has it that the name Stock, meaning "tree trunk," is based on the fact that, beginning at age twelve, he lived as a hermit in a hollow tree trunk of an oak tree. He drank only water and ate herbs, roots, and wild apples. In 1212, he joined the Carmelites soon after they arrived in England. He finished his studies at Oxford and in 1215, he was appointed Vicar General.

 Simon Stock helped the Order spread throughout Europe; he founded many Carmelite Communities, especially in university towns such as Cambridge, Oxford, Paris, and Bologna. He revised the Rule of the Order to make them mendicant friars instead of hermits. He was elected as the sixth superior general of the Carmelites in 1247 around age 82. Simon governed the order with great sanctity and prudence for twenty years. He had a deep devotion to the Blessed Mother and was known for his gifts of miracles and prophecy. He wrote several hymns and decrees for his order. Simon Stock died on May 16, 1265, at the age one hundred and was buried in the cathedral of Bordeaux. He is the patron of Bordeaux, France.

 Simon Stock's is best known for an apparition he had in Cambridge, England, on July 16, 1251, during a time of oppression of the Order. In it the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to him holding the brown scapular in one hand. Her words were: "Receive, my beloved son, this scapular of your Order; it is the special sign of my favor, which I have obtained for you and for your children of Mount Carmel. He who dies clothed with this habit shall be preserved from eternal fire. It is the badge of salvation, a shield in time of danger, and a pledge of special peace and protection.

 Prayer
 Father, You called St Simon Stock to serve You in the brotherhood of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Through his prayers help us like him to live in your presence and to work for the salvation of the human family.

Video Humor: The Mom Song

Abby Johnson: I Am No Better Than Kermit Gosnell, Pray for Him

I am vehemently against the death penalty. Now stay with me…this is not a post about my opinion regarding that. You can disagree or agree with me on that some other time. I did want to share a little bit about why I take the words of prolifers so seriously. I have heard so much vitriol spewed from the mouths of “Christian prolifers” since the Gosnell trial has concluded. I feel like I must address it.

When I was confirmed as a Catholic, I chose Mary Magdalene as my confirmation saint. I felt an immediate connection to her. She had sinned so much…and was forgiven in even greater amounts. She knew she didn’t deserve forgiveness…but she received it anyway. And because of this, she clung to Christ. She knew she was nothing without Him.

I have also done my fair share of sinning. And I have also been forgiven much more than I deserve. I abused and betrayed women in the worst possible way. I convinced them to kill their children. Did I slit the necks of children after they were born? No. But, I was an accomplice to murder. Thousands of times…women I knew, women I didn’t, my friends, even my family. I lied to people. I lied to women when they came to me for accurate information. I was among the worst sinners…those that help to take and destroy life. I am no better than Kermit Gosnell.

I took my own children’s lives…twice. Not because I was coerced. Not because I didn’t know better. But because I thought children would be an inconvenience to my lifestyle. I am responsible for their deaths…no one else.

So when someone talks about Gosnell and says things like, “murderers and people like him don’t deserve to breathe the same air as I do,” or “I hope he burns in hell,” it hurts a little. Because that was me. But I am still here…breathing that same air…and trying to spend my life righting my wrongs. And it’s not just me. I know they hurt others like me, as well. People who have left the abortion industry and will work every day to recover from their sins. People who are still in the industry and think they will be shunned by the pro-life movement…maybe they would reach out to us if they knew we would accept them. I am always terrified that clinic workers will see some of the words from prolifers. I have been told by several former workers that they will NEVER come forward with their stories because they are so scared of how they will be treated by us…by US…the supposed “Christian” movement. Their fears are real AND legitimate.

I know some will say, “but you repented, that is the difference.” But what if I hadn’t…not yet. What if I was still inside the abortion industry? What if I was still an accomplice to murder? What if it took me longer to realize the truth? Do I deserve to die? Are we saying repentance is about our timing? Certainly, it is not about us. It about God and His perfect timing. Read the entire story.

Pope: Pray for priests and bishops, so we can be good shepherds and not wolves

The Pope usually asks people to pray for him. During Wednesday's Mass, he asked others to pray for bishops and priests, so that they can be good shepherds. The Pope also warned them about the harm that comes when one gets attached to riches or fame.

O'Reilly Features Live Action Footage in Carhart Segment

This was aired on O'Reilly yesterday -- May 14th. It looks like we have another Gosnell out there.

Abortionist Gosnell Sentenced to Life in Prison

Following his conviction for the murder of three babies born alive, abortionist Kermit Gosnell was sentenced Tuesday to two life sentences without parole for two of those murder charges.

By agreeing not to appeal his conviction, Gosnell was able to avoid the death penalty for three convictions of first-degree murder.

Read the full story.

Papal Quote of the Day: Pope Francis on Prayer to the Holy Spirit

“This is a prayer that we need to say every day: 'Holy Spirit, make my heart open to God's Word so that my heart might be open to good, so that my heart might be open to God's beauty every day.' Let me ask you: how many of you pray to the Holy Spirit every day? It will be few of you, but we must satisfy this desire for Jesus and pray every day to the Holy Spirit that He might open our hearts to Jesus.”

~ Pope Francis in his General Audience on May 15, 2013

Pro-life Quote of the Day: Cardinal Sean O'Malley

“The news that researchers have developed a technique for human cloning is deeply troubling on many levels.  Creating new human lives in the laboratory solely to destroy them is an abuse denounced even by many who do not share the Catholic Church's convictions on human life.”

~ Cardinal Sean P. O'Malley via CNA.

Book Review -- On Heaven and Earth: Pope Francis on Faith, Family, and the Church in the Twenty-First Century

Written by: Jorge Mario Bergoglio and Abraham Skorka

On Heaven and Earth Pope Francis on Faith, Family, and the Church in the Twenty-First Century is a fascinating book, in which the man who would become Pope Francis -- Jorge Mario Bergoglio, archbishop of Buenos Aires, warmly and casually converses with Argentinian Rabbi Abraham Skorka on a diverse range of topics.  Some of these topics include: religion, prayer, euthanasia, women, homosexuality, abortion, divorce, money, poverty, politics, and power.  Originally published in 2010, this book documents a series of conversations between Bergoglio and Skorka as they seek to promote inter-religious dialogue and build bridges between Catholicism and Judaism.

Written in a clear, comprehensible style, On Heaven and Earth is presented in a conversational format.  It is as if you are present as a spectator, listening to the conversation between the two men, which has the advantage of making you feel as if you are a first-hand observer. There can be no skimming through this material, however, not if you want to grasp the interchange of ideas and the camaraderie between the two men. As a Catholic, I was obviously more interested in what Pope Francis had to say about each topic and had considered just reading the Holy Father’s portions of the conversation and skipping over the rabbi’s words. However, I am glad I did not do this, as I would have missed some profound insights and some new discoveries about the Jewish faith.

Much of what the Holy Father has to say about each topic is not surprising, but the way he expresses himself, the way in which he interacts with the rabbi, and the way in which he explains Catholicism is what made this book special for me.  Pope Francis does not mince words, yet his responses reflect his deep humility, his congeniality, his wit, and his wisdom.  As I read, I highlighted and underlined many of his brilliantly succinct and beautiful responses on these important issues.

Despite the fact that I enjoyed this book, I was disappointed with it in two ways.  First, I was expecting the issues to be covered in a more in-depth manner.  Instead, the issues are discussed briefly, for the most part, and the tone is informal, presented in the style of a casual conversation between two friends.  The pope’s general audience would probably provide more in-depth information than is presented in this book on a specific topic. Second, there are many specific references in the book to Argentinian politics and culture, which may seem a little alien to those who are not South American historians. Although I am somewhat familiar with the political history of Argentina, it was occasionally difficult to follow the conversation when the names of specific leaders and detailed events of a certain era were discussed.

Overall, I enjoyed On Heaven and Earth: Pope Francis on Faith, Family, and the Church in the Twenty-First Century.  It was an interesting look at how the Holy Father interacts with a religious leader of another faith and it also provided some insight as to what he believes on a variety of topics. Most of all, it reveals his personality and character.  It is a good introductory book on Pope Francis and I recommend it as such.

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group in exchange for this review.

Image Books

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Pope Francis: The Holy Spirit leads us towards Truth

May 15, 2013. (Romereports.com) For about 40 minutes, Pope Francis made his way through St. Peter's Square in the popemobile, as he greeted the crowds in St. Peter's Square. In fact a pilgrim actually asked the Pope to bless two white doves before setting them free. But it seemed like one of the doves wanted to stay with the Pope.

Next Sunday, exactly 40 days after Easter, the Catholic Church celebrates Pentecost. So during his catechesis, the Pope talked about the power and importance of the Holy Spirit.

POPE FRANCIS
“The Holy Spirit, then, as Jesus promises, guides us 'into all truth.' He leads us not only to an encounter with Jesus, the fullness of Truth, but guides us "into" the Truth.”

The Pope explained that truth is not an idea that everyone agrees with, nor is it a possession, rather he said, it's an encounter that's made possible by the Holy Spirit.
POPE FRANCIS
“Let's ask ourselves: are we open to the Holy Spirit, do I pray to him to enlighten me, to make me more sensitive to the things of God? And this is a prayer we need to pray every day, every day!”

As thousands of people looked on, the Pope announced that in September, he plans to visit the Italian Island of Sardinia, to pray before the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Bonaria. The Pope then talked about the connection between Our Lady and his native city of Buenos Aires.

POPE FRANCIS
“When the city of Buenos Aires was founded, the founder wanted to name the city the Holy Trinity, but the sailors who had took him there were Sardinian and they wanted the city to be named 'Our Lady of Bonaria.' They had their differences, but in the end they compromised. The name of the city was too long, it was 'The City of the Holy Trinity and the Port of Our Lady of Bon Aira.” So because the name was too long, it was just the last two words that stuck. 'Bon Aira' meaning Buenos Aires. But the root of the name honors our Lady.

At least for now, this will be the Pope's second trip outside of Rome. His first trip will be to Brazil from July 22nd to the 29th, where he will lead World Youth Day.

St. Isidore the Farmer

The saint of the day for May 14th is St. Isidore, the farmer.

St. Isidore was born in Madrid, Spain during the latter half of the twelfth century. His parents were pious Catholics, but were very poor. Consequently, Isidore was sent to work for a wealthy landowner, John de Vergas. (whom he remained with for the rest of his life.)

He married a holy woman named Maria Torribia who, like Isidore, became a saint. They had one son who died as a child. They believed their son's death to be a sign from God and consequently vowed to live a life of perfect continence.

Isidore faithfully attended daily Mass every morning. The neighbors accused him, to his employer, of neglecting his work in order to hear Mass, but Isidore replied, "I know, Sir, that I am your servant, but I have another Master as well, to whom I owe service and obedience."

One morning, the employer went to the farm very early. When he found out that Isidore had not started his work until a later hour, he went toward him to scold him. But he was surprised to find two strangers, each with a team of white oxen, plowing, one on each side of Isidore. When he approached them, they disappeared. He said to Isidore, "Tell me, who are these two men who were plowing with you just now?" Isidore said, "I have not seen any person. I ask no help from anyone but God each morning at Holy Mass." The nobleman understood that the two men he had seen were angels sent by God to help His servant, in return for his hearing Mass faithfully.  Late, though he was, his plowing was nevertheless accomplished by angels that resulted in three times more productivity. His co-workers and his boss witnessed such miraculous events and showed him great respect. He often spent holidays on pilgrimage to local shrines.

Isidore was generous to the poor and caring toward animals. The miracle of the multiplication of food occurred when Isidore fed a flock of starving birds and on another time when Isidore shared his food with a large group of beggars.

Isidore died on May 15, 1120 at 60 years of age and was canonized in 1622. His body has been found incorrupt. St. Isidore is known as the patron of Madrid, Spain as well as Leon, Saragosa, and Seville. He is also considered the patron of farmers, peasants, day laborers, and rural communities. In 1947, he was proclaimed the patron of the National Rural Life Conference in the United States.

Pope: Don't forget, life and love are gifts to share, not treasures to keep

May 14, 2013. (Romereports.com) The workings of the Holy Spirit: This was the theme of Pope Francis' homily during his daily Mass at the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta Chapel.  The Pope said the Holy Spirit teaches one to love. He added that to truly be a Christian one should see life as a gift that one gives, and not as a treasure that's kept from others.

Since the Holy Spirit teaches us to love, said the Pope, one must pray and ask for a bigger heart.

POPE FRANCIS
“These days, as we prepare to celebrate the feast day of the Holy Spirit, let us pray: Come Holy Spirit! Come and make my heart bigger. A heart that can love with humility and meekness. Give me a big heart so that I may love. We ask this grace of the Holy Spirit. May the Spirit lead us, so we don't stray on the wrong track of selfishness, which always ends badly. Let's pray for this grace.”

Usually Vatican employees are allowed to attend the Pope's daily Mass. On Tuesday the group included employees of the Vatican Museums. Also there was the Archbishop of Medellin Colombia, Ricardo Antonio Tobón Restrepo.

Abortion Clinic Employees -- "Babies born alive daily."

Life Dynamics Inc. a national pro-life organization located in Denton, Texas, has released an interview with three former abortion clinic workers which prove the Pennsylvania abortion doctor Kermit Gosnell, recently convicted of murder, is not an anomaly.

The interview was conducted on May 3, 2013 with clinic employees located in a different state. Though their descriptions are disturbing, the video images are non-graphic.

Cardinal Burke on global pro-life activism

U.S. Cardinal Raymond L. Burke reflects on the impact of the pro-life movement worldwide.

Pontificate of Pope Francis dedicated to Our Lady of Fatima in ceremony at shrine

Via CWN:

At the request of Pope Francis, Cardinal José da Cruz Policarpo of Lisbon dedicated this pontificate to Our Lady of Fatima, in a ceremony on May 13—the feast of Our Lady of Fatima—at the Marian shrine in Portugal.

Cardinal Policarpo said that the Pontiff had twice asked him to make the dedication. The Portuguese prelate wrote his own prayer for the occasion, saying it at the end of a Mass concluding an international pilgrimage to the Fatima shrine. “Give him the gift of discernment to know how to identify the ways of renewal of the Church,” the cardinal prayed. “Give him the courage not to hesitate to follow the ways suggested by the Holy Spirit; support him in the hard hours of suffering to overcome with the charity the trials that the renewal of the church will bring.”

During the same pilgrimage Archbishop Orani J0ao Tempesta of Rio de Janeiro dedicated this year’s World Youth Day celebration, which will be held in the Brazilian city in July, to Our Lady of Fatima as well.

Related Stories

Catholic Fire: Pope's Pontificate to be consecrated to Our Lady of Fatima on May 13th
CNA: Pontificate of Pope Francis consecrated to Our Lady of Fatima
NCReg.: Our Lady of Fatima, Pope Francis, and Us
The Frame: Annual Pilgrimage to Fatima's Sanctuary (photos of Fatima on May 13, 2013)

The Spiritual Motherhood of Mary

Dr.  Mark Miravalle has written a beautiful piece: The case for defining the Spiritual Motherhood of Mary.
Go HERE to read it.