Timeline of the Church’s response to Medjugorje1981: Apparitions of Medjugorje begin 1984: Local bishop, diocese of Mostar forms a commission to investigate the events in Medjugorje. 1986: Bishop submits a negative decision about Medjugorje to the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith (CDF), which at the time was led by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (later, Pope … Read More
Print out this list of 54 Ways to Be Merciful During the Jubilee Year of Mercy
(Aleteia) The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” He heard this and said, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ I did not come … Read More
Pope Francis: Vatican to announce decision on Medjugorje
(OSV) — Pope Francis said the Vatican was ready to make an announcement concerning the alleged Marian apparitions in Medjugorje, Bosnia-Herzegovina. The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith met recently to discuss the issue and “we’ve reached the point of making a decision and then they will say,” he told journalists on the flight … Read More
Pope Francis: Pilgrimage is a symbol of life
(VIS) – As in previous years, the Pope has sent a message to participants in the 37th nocturnal pilgrimage on foot from Macerata to Loreto, Italy, gathered in the Helvia Recina stadium of Macerata during the night of 6 June to attend the opening Mass celebrated by Cardinal George Pell. This time, due to his … Read More
With Pope as spiritual director, here are 10 things he suggests for Lent
Every year Catholics try to answer the age old question: What should I do for Lent? Well, who better to pick for as your Lenten spiritual director than Pope Francis? He has some great ideas for you! Here we selected 10 of his best tips: 1. Get rid of the lazy addiction to evil “[Lent] … Read More
Pope Francis and priests that leave, marry and desire to come back
(CNA/EWTN News).- While addressing the priests of the Diocese of Rome on Thursday, Pope Francis also responded to a question about married priests, underscoring that the Church has great concern for priests who leave ministry to get married and later want to return, but that on the other hand he does not know if the … Read More
Pope modifies Pallium Investiture ceremony
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has made changes to the public ceremony of investiture of the Pallium on Metropolitan Archbishops emphasizing that the investiture is an ecclesial event of the whole diocese, and not merely a juridical or ceremonial event. Speaking to Vatican Radio, Monsignor Guido Marini, Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations, says that from now … Read More
Ratzinger’s Request: Simply call me ‘Father Benedict’
According to the journalist, Benedict explained that when he initially stepped down he wanted to be called “Father Benedict” rather than Pope Emeritus or Benedict XVI, but “I was too weak at that point to enforce it.” At least part of the reason for wanting his new title to simply be “Father” rather than Pope … Read More