St. Bridget's holiness makes her "an eminent figure in the history of Europe," Benedict XVI said in 2010. "Hailing from Scandinavia, she testifies that Christianity has deeply permeated the life of all the peoples of this continent," he added. St. John Paul II declared her co-patroness of Europe in 1999, along with Saints Catherine of Siena and Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein).
Francisco Otamendi-July 23, 2025-Reading time: 2minutes
Benedict XVI dedicated a General Audience in October 2010 to St. Bridget of Sweden, co-patroness of Europe, solemnly canonized by Pope Boniface IX in 1391. In his own wordsThe then Pope referred to "the holiness of Bridget," which "makes her an eminent figure in the history of Europe. Coming from ScandinaviaSt. Bridget testifies that Christianity has deeply permeated the lives of all the peoples of this continent.
Pope Benedict XVI pointed out that "in declaring it co-patron saint of EuropePope John Paul II wished that St. Bridget - who lived in the 14th century, when Western Christianity was not yet wounded by division - would intercede effectively with God to obtain the long-awaited grace of the full unity of all Christians.
"For this same intention," he added, "so important for us, and so that Europe may always know how to nourish itself from its Christian roots, we wish to pray, dear brothers and sisters, invoking the powerful intercession of St. Bridget of Sweden, faithful disciple of God, co-patroness of Europe."
Marriage, "the path to sanctity".
"We can distinguish two periods in the life of this saint. The first is characterized by her status as a happily married woman," Benedict XVI said. Her husband's name was Ulf and he was governor of an important province in the kingdom of Sweden. "The marriage lasted twenty-eight years, until Ulf's death. Eight children were born, the second of whom, Karin (Catherine), is venerated as a saint." This reveals, in the opinion of the Germanic Pope, an "educational commitment of Brigida towards her children".
This first period of Brigida's life "helps us to appreciate what today we could define an authentic 'conjugal spirituality': "Christian spouses can walk together a path of holiness, sustained by the grace of the sacrament of Matrimony," he said at the Audience.
"May the Spirit of the Lord also stir up today the holiness of Christian spouses," the Pope said, "to show the world the beauty of marriage lived according to the values of the Gospel: love, tenderness, mutual help, fruitfulness in the generation and education of children, openness and solidarity towards the world, participation in the life of the Church."
The Disclosures
When Bridget became a widow, she began the second period of her life. She renounced other nuptials to intensify her union with the Lord through prayer, penance and works of charity, Benedict XVI explained. "Christian widows, too, therefore, can find in this saint a model to follow."
"Brigida, after the death of her husband, after distributing his goods to the poor, although she never acceded to religious consecration, settled in the monastery Cistercian monastery of Alvastra. It was there that the Disclosures divine, which accompanied her throughout the rest of her life". She is known for her messages to the Popes to return from Avignon to Rome, as she did. St. Catherine of Siena. In 1391, Pope Boniface IX solemnly canonized her.
Andrés Esteban López: "The New Age has also affected Christian communities".
Priest and exorcist Andrés Esteban López talks about the New Age, its origin and impact on today's society, clarifying some concepts of this movement that, as he states, has also affected Christian communities.
Father Andrés Esteban López Ruiz is an exorcist of the Archdiocese of Mexico. He is part of the International Association of Exorcists and, in addition to being a member of the Spanish-speaking secretariat of this association, he is in charge of the ongoing formation of other priests. exorcists.
In this interview with Omnes, he explains in detail the origins of the New Age, the deceptions to which it leads and the reasons for hope that Catholics can have in the face of the expansion of this spiritual movement which, says Father Andrés, "has also affected Christian communities".
How would you define the New Age?
- It is, in principle, a spiritual movement that emerged in the 1970s, which has a common system of beliefs and practices, but which admits a large number of variations in each place, in each person, in each time and in each group.
It can be placed in the field of a certain "esoteric religiosity", but more appropriately, according to its own self-understanding, as an "esoteric spirituality". It is not a "movement" in full terms because it is a non-unified, decentralized, diffuse and informal cultural phenomenon.
Some refer to the New Age as an "environment" in the social sense, as a certain cultural environment that implies some conditions of beliefs, practices and customs that influence the lives of different people, mainly in the spiritual, religious and moral aspects.
What are your main beliefs?
- The New Age belief system is a complex, non-unified system that has different sources and expressions. These are some of its main beliefs:
The New Age is a syncretic spirituality that combines elements of various religions and spiritual traditions with an emphasis on subjective experience in terms of enlightenment and divinization. In this sense it can be seen as a type of neo-gnosticism, where Christ, Buddha, Confucius and other enlightened masters have the same relevance.
On the other hand, the New Age involves a foundational and operative spiritualistic element; communication with spirit guides and ascended masters, sometimes in the guise of angels or beings of light, is believed in and frequently invoked.
The New Age has as its central point the belief that everything is composed of energy and that one can interact with it, God being the cosmic energy that constitutes the world. It is therefore a pantheistic spirituality. The spirit guides are mediators of wisdom and energy in this cosmic system that is always presented as holistic.
The New Age is esoteric, seeking occult knowledge and enlightenment through ascetic and initiatory practices of enlightenment in which guides, masters, gurus, etc. are always involved. The connection with cosmic cycles and revelation through the stars or other cosmic aspects is sought. The energetic interaction with the cosmos in terms of manipulation through rites and elements is the basis of its magical component.
The New Age has, then, a strong component of magic practice, seeking healing and wellness through occult practices such as energy manipulations, but also seeking access to occult knowledge through ritual practices.
Finally, although the New Age is eclectic and integrates elements of various religions, it understands itself as an overcoming of Christianity, which has been incorporating from its origins diverse religious elements, mainly from Buddhism, Hinduism and, later, from some indigenous and shamanic religions. In this sense, it is common to find ideas such as "karma" or reincarnation within their beliefs. This element of overcoming Christianity was expressed as the axiom of the end of the Age of Pisces, which represented Christianity, and the beginning of the Age of Aquarius, which would represent a new spiritual awakening of humanity.
How did the new Era come about?
- The New Age has its roots in the esoteric and eclectic spirituality of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Authors such as Emanuel Swedenborg, Franz Mesmer and Allan Kardec influenced the New Age spiritual perspective.
Helena Blavatsky, founder of the Theosophical Society, is considered one of the main ideologists of the New Age. Her work "The Secret Doctrine" (1888) establishes a cosmic unity between the stars, the universe, the human soul and nature. In addition, she laid the foundations for an eclectic and syncretic Gnosticism where diverse religious expressions are incorporated, which she called theosophy.
Blavatsky also promoted the practice of yoga, meditation and the invocation of spirit guides. In fact, much of her work was inspired and written through the mediation of spirit guides. Although we recognize Kardec as the father of modern Spiritism, Blavatsky was the great promoter of a new spirituality integrating magical, ancestral and mystical elements in the West, as well as one of the main promoters of bringing the ascetic practices of Buddhism to Europe.
Alice Bailey, a disciple of Blavatsky and Besant, is considered the "mother of the New Age". Her work "A Treatise on the Seven Rays" (1936-1951) establishes the basic principles of the New Age, including cosmic unity, energetic communication between body and soul, and the possibility of manipulating divine energy for healing and enlightenment. There is, for her, a communication or connection between the body and soul of man and the physical universe, through the 7 rays that are universal divine forces associated with the human body and different energetic zones called "chakras".
The expression New Age is attributed to Alice Bailey, who used it in some of her works, such as"Discipleship in the New Age."(1944-1955), and who in 1937 founded an association called the "Lucis Trust" in order to prepare humanity for radical change through the great invocation of light. Indeed, previously Blavastky, Besant and then Bailey had expressed a fundamental role of Lucifer in their cosmic understanding, as an angel of light who sacrificed himself to become enlightenment for souls in their spiritual awakening.
Their Christological perspective, on the contrary, is that of "Maitreya" according to which he is the highest being of cosmic energy who has manifested himself in the form of Christ and also of Buddha, and who will come again to continue manifesting himself. In this sense, taking the Gnostic perspective, they consider that Lucifer is the mediator of spiritual wisdom and Christ his manifestation in the flesh.
Is the New Age compatible with Christianity?
- New Age beliefs are incompatible with the Christian faith founded on the divine Revelation that recognizes God as the only Creator and Lord of the Universe, His Son Jesus Christ as the only mediator of salvation and the Holy Spirit as the giver of life. Syncretism, pantheism and belief in energy are opposed to the truths of faith that we profess, as well as the esoteric and magical practices mentioned are opposed to the virtue of religion.
In this way, people who begin to move in the New Age environment experience a change of mentality that gradually makes them lose the Catholic faith and become involved in a series of practices that end up leading them to serious sins against the first commandment such as spiritism, idolatry, magic, witchcraft, etc.
Do you believe that New Age magical practices open the door to the devil?
- These practices constitute objectively grave sins that injure the believer's relationship with God. Therefore, they signify by themselves always regrettable facts in the order of grace, faith and charity. Moreover, they imply a darkening of conscience and the acquisition of a magical mentality with grave psychic and moral repercussions. As to whether, in addition to these damages, a spiritual problem can be caused in which the devil could exercise an extraordinary action on the person, such as vexation, obsession or possession, it is possible to answer in a general sense as follows:
The main cause of the extraordinary action of the devil is the sin against the first commandment, specifically, the practice of occultism in its different forms. Therefore, the magical practice of the New Age, such as energetic healings, invocations of spirits or angels, magical rituals, spells, divination, among others, can be an occasional cause for a person to be subjected to a particular domain of the devil in which he suffers an extraordinary action on his part.
In any case, in general, it is necessary to evaluate the practice itself, the degree of involvement of the person, the frequency and time of the practice in order to be able to respond more accurately in each case. Normally, the risk for those who are already operators of these occult techniques is not the same as for those who have participated occasionally.
It must be said that one of the main problems we face in this field because of the New Age is precisely the fact that the cultural influx of the New Age has come to normalize esoteric practices.
Has there been an increase in possession cases due to New Age trends?
- New Age beliefs and practices are a widespread phenomenon that unfortunately has also affected Christian communities. In this sense, the number of people who suffer different affectations, in different degrees because of their participation in these environments, has increased more and more. Mainly we have numerous testimonies of people who, having been intensely immersed in these practices, have suffered in various ways from some kind of extraordinary action of the devil, including possession.
What role does the exorcist play in the face of the dangers of the New Age?
- The exorcist priest has a specific ministry to attend to people who think they may be suffering from the extraordinary action of the devil. His first task is to welcome these requests with charity in order to accompany the faithful spiritually through discernment, prayer and the teaching of the faith.
When he verifies with moral certainty the extraordinary action of the demon, he must assist the vexed faithful by celebrating the Major Exorcism for as long as necessary. In this sense, the exorcist priest plays primarily a role of discernment and care for the faithful who have already suffered these unfortunate consequences in order to assist them in their liberation.
However, his role is not limited to this specific attention, but he can also give a balanced and considered testimony of the errors and dangers of the New Age in terms of prevention according to his own experience.
Do you think that many people who follow these practices are seeking the same thing as those who seek the Christian faith: a deeper connection with the divine?
- Although we are living a change of epoch, we can hardly define our times as times of atheism. The post-modern era is an era of post-truth, relativism, subjectivism and deep emotivism. However, there is, in general in the West, a search for spiritual elements that has not yet been extinguished in the societies of ancient Christianity. Thus, although it seems that we are entering a post-Christian era, vague, diffuse, eclectic religiosities without serious moral commitments seem to be increasing and captivating large numbers of people, especially the young.
In this sense, we can affirm that many people seek spiritual and profound answers in new ways of relating to the divine and are easily led to the New Age. We could say for these cases that the heart of the man thirsty for God looks for streams of water where to rest and although they do not find the living spring of God in the New Age, this search is a reason for hope.
However, most people who engage in occultism, although also in its New Age expressions, do so in search of a certain well-being that they think these practices can provide them.
Sometimes it is seeking healing or curing physical or psychological illnesses. At other times it is seeking economic benefits or social or amorous advantages. Or they may be seeking information or knowledge that will be useful in foreseeing the future or making decisions. In this sense, we see that the spread of occultism has always been linked to a certain selfishness that disassociates the person from the source of his well-being, which is God.
Moreover, in the New Age, it seems that a precisely opposite path is proposed, although seductive, people seek a spiritual empowerment that makes them dispense with a relationship with God, but rather assume a supposed divine potential with which they do not need God. In other words, the heart of man also hardens and seeks to satiate itself uselessly in its own self-absorption.
How can we differentiate between something that really opens a door to the action of the devil and a deception?
- It is difficult to differentiate between charlatans and true operators of the occult. However, it is not always necessary to make this distinction because both are harmful to people. It is reasonable to avoid these environments and these people in the sense of getting involved with them in their practices.
Even so, I think that a very concrete criterion is to recognize if in the practices involved there are true facts that cannot have a natural explanation, then we find ourselves with probably preternatural or demonic elements, in which possibly the extraordinary action of the demon can be suffered.
What should be the attitude of the Church towards the beliefs and people who practice the New Age?
- The attitude and response of the Church in the face of these beliefs should be first of all the joyful proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the proclamation of the Word of God. This prophetic ministry accompanied by the teaching of the faith and adequate catechesis is the best way to enlighten the people in order to lead them to Christian life and also to warn them of the evils involved in turning away from God in occultism. This teaching must also be able to respond to the ever-changing problems of the times, therefore, it must also discern and illuminate the dangers of the New Age for the faithful.
On the other hand, in the face of the fascination for experiences of the occult and modern mysticism, we must be able to propose the living experience of the encounter with God through Jesus Christ in the Holy Spirit. Teaching the faithful the beautiful way of Christian prayer, the transforming power of the sacraments and the freedom contained in a life of love for God, fruitful in charity, will always be the best way to care for the hearts of the simple.
Moreover, the Church as a compassionate mother must have a merciful and welcoming attitude in order to be able to receive all those who for various reasons have turned away from the Christian life and fallen into the traps of occultism. This attitude requires a proven patience that knows how to explain calmly the various questions in which the conscience of the faithful has been darkened and to gradually accompany a metanoia to bring people back to the spirit of the Gospel.
With regard to people who live immersed in the New Age, convinced of the truth and efficacy of its practices, the Church must also exercise a ministry of intercession, praying for them and giving a beautiful testimony of the reasons for our hope, trusting in the grace that brings about conversion. The testimonies we have of conversions of great leaders in the New Age are also abundant and show us the need to pray always and unceasingly for one another, especially for those who are most lost, most confused and most enslaved by the deceptions of evil.
"Mary was outside, weeping at the tomb," St. John recounts in his Gospel. St. Mary Magdalene, whose feast is celebrated on July 22, is an example of repentance, of love for Jesus. She witnessed his crucifixion, death and Resurrection. At the tomb, two angels asked her: "Woman, why are you weeping?
During the Jubilee of Mercy, the Congregation for Divine Worship, at the indication of Pope Francis, made a "feast" the memory of St. Mary Magdalene, whom the Pope had defined as a disciple "at the service of the nascent Church".
This brilliant definition of the Bishop of Rome is due to what the Gospel tells us. It is she who first sees Christ, it is she who, passing from the sadness of tears to joy, is called by name by Jesus and announces him to the apostles.
The grace of tears
On April 2, which was the Tuesday after Easter 2013, Pope Francis, speaking precisely on the subject of Mary MagdaleneHe had said: "Sometimes, in our lives, the glasses to see Jesus are tears". "Before the Magdalene who weeps, we too can ask the Lord for the grace of tears. It is a beautiful grace...". "To weep for everything: for the good, for our sins, for graces, also for joy. Weeping prepares us to see Jesus".
"And that the Lord gives us all the grace to be able to say with our lives: I have seen the Lord, not because he has appeared to me, but because I have seen him in my heart".
The eyes that announce it
For a priest with intense pastoral activity it is not easy to empathize with the pain of those who come to the parish. Funerals, weddings, baptisms, news of pain, unemployment, tensions, follow one after the other. And they reach the priest's heart in a tumultuous way, one after the other, forcing an emotional alternation that sometimes pushes the priest to protect himself behind an apparent indifference.
The eyes of Mary MagdaleneThe tears of a priest, bathed in tears because they find an empty tomb, can become those of a priest who, after knowing Christ, never cease to look at him and are the first to announce him to the unbelieving apostles.
Church considers exhuming the skull of St. Thomas More for veneration
The Church in England is studying some projects to exhume the skull of St. Thomas More, and place it for veneration. It would be on the 500th anniversary of his martyrdom, in 2035. At present, the head of Sir Thomas is buried next to his daughter Margaret in the Anglican church of Dunstan.
The Church of England is studying plans to exhume, enshrine and place for veneration the skull of St. Thomas More, patron saint of rulers and politicians. The desire is to arrive in time for the 500th anniversary of his martyrdom in 1535.
Years after his beheading, the saint's head was buried in a vault with the body of his daughter, Margaret Roper, in the Anglican church of Dunstan (Canterbury, southeast England).
The parish church council, or PCC, has announced that it wants to exhume the skull so that it can be venerated by pilgrims.
Preserving what remains of the relic
A statement read to parishioners on July 6, the date of St. Thomas More's martyrdom, specified that the objective would be to exhume and preserve the relics. "What the PCC has agreed, subject to all the correct permissions being granted, is to exhume and conserve what remains of the relic. This will take several years to dry out and stabilize."
Where to place it
"We could put it back in the vault, maybe in a reliquary of some kind. Or we could place the reliquary in some kind of shrine or stone pillar carved above the floor in Roper's chapel. That's what many of our visitors have asked for," the release said. "We would really appreciate your ideas and thoughts."
According to 'The Times', the London-based newspaper that broke the story, the church will seek to raise 50,000 pounds, or $67,300, to fund the conservation project. The goal would be to create a sanctuary by 2035.
Among the first steps is obtaining permission from a commissioners court in Canterbury, which issues decisions on church buildings and grounds, according to The Times.
Thomas More and John Fisher did not take the oath of office
Thomas More was a lawyer who became one of Europe's most admired statesmen, gaining international recognition for 'Utopia', his satirical work on a perfect state.
He was appointed lord chancellor of England by King Henry VIII in 1529, but resigned in 1532 in opposition to the king's reforms of the Catholic Church in England.
He further angered the king by refusing to attend the coronation of Anne Boleyn. This was the mistress Henry had married after Pope Clement VII refused to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon. The decision led Henry to lead the church into schism.
Thomas More was interned in the Tower of London after he and St. John Fisher, Bishop of Rochester, refused to take the oath attached to the 1534 Act of Succession to the Crown. This oath recognized the offspring of Henry and Anne to be rightful heirs to the English throne.
Convicted of high treason
More was sentenced to death for high treason at a trial at Westminster Hall in London. He was to be hanged, drawn and quartered, a slow and painful death involving disembowelment.
Henry commuted the sentence to beheading. And on the day of execution on Tower Hill, London, he asked More to keep his last letter.
St. Thomas More famously claimed that he died "in faith and for faith," and that he was always a good servant of the king, but first of God.
The body of the future saint was buried under the altar of the church of St. Peter in chains in the Tower of London, where it remains. The Chapel Royal of San Pedro ad Vincula ('St. Peter in Chains') is the former parish church of the Tower of London.
Head on a spike on London Bridge
They boiled his head, which was placed on a spike on London Bridge, replacing the head of the Bishop John Fisherbeheaded fifteen days earlier, on June 22.
More's daughter Margaret, whom he affectionately called 'Meg', rescued the head and embalmed it. She was buried with her father's head after his death in 1544. The head was moved along with his remains when they were transferred to the Roper family crypt more than 30 years later.
Pope Pius XI declared Moro and Fisher martyrs in 1935. In 2000, St. John Paul II declared St. Thomas More "heavenly patron saint of rulers and politicians".
In a 1991 speech, St. Thomas More was described by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, the future Pope Benedict XVI, as "Britain's other great witness of conscience." In addition to St. John Henry Newman.
The American-born Pontiff said, during the Jubilee of rulers, that "he was a man faithful to his civic responsibilities. A perfect servant of the State precisely because of his faith. This led him to see politics not as a profession, but as a mission for the spread of truth and goodness."
Pope Leo XIV stressed "the courage he showed by his willingness to sacrifice his life rather than betray the truth." "This makes him, also for us today, a martyr for freedom and for the primacy of conscience."
Simon Caldwell writes for OSV News from Liverpool, England.
This information is a translation of the original from OSV News, which you may consult here.
Relying on the Bible, we can recover the peace that is so easy to lose in today's world.
July 22, 2025-Reading time: 8minutes
Human history has not documented even 100 consecutive years of peace. It appears that of the last 3,400 years of written history, only 8 % (268 years overall) have been the sum of periods completely free of war or confrontation. We know that many of the geopolitical conflicts are intergenerational cycles that have not been overcome. Others have more recent economic, ideological, sociological (including territorial disputes), and even ethnic and religious roots.
Psychology helps us to understand the main reasons of how the relationship between emotion and reaction operates: a controversy or disagreement that could have been mitigated or slowed down, awakens the most primitive tendencies and instincts in our collective memory, ignites conflictive feelings until we become hostages of their effervescence, inspiring destructive, social and inter-relational interventions when our sense of threatened survival is over-activated. At this point there is no way to count the human and economic losses, and the emotional crises generated. How is it possible that supposedly intelligent human beings, we have failed every previous lesson and we foolishly repeat what it has already been demonstrated that we should avoid? What madness! How much sadism! How much cruelty!
Not even with these profound experiences of human pain have we been able to notice or renounce so much unnecessary and useless pain. The Bible presents us with how Jesus Christ describes a deeper root: the psychology of personal life and spiritual state of every human being. In Luke 6:45, Jesus says: "A good man out of the goodness he treasures in his heart brings forth good, and an evil man out of the evil he brings forth evil; for out of the overflowing of the heart the mouth speaks".
Only the Gospel of Love helps us to interrupt this circuit to block the flow of the growing destructive currents. In Matthew 5, 38 - 48, Jesus offers a plausible solution: "You have heard that it was said: 'An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. But I say to you, 'Do not deal with the one who wrongs you. On the contrary, if one slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other; to him who would sue you to take away your coat, give him your cloak also; to him who asks you to walk a mile, go two miles with him; to him who begs from you, give; and to him who borrows from you, do not refuse. You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor' and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, who makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward will you have? do not the tax collectors also do the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what reward have ye? do not the Gentiles also do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect".
Sometimes we feel very limited when we want to change some external realities instigated or provoked by social or political forces, or simply beyond our control. But let us understand something very important: each human being does have control over his or her own reasoning, feelings, perceptions, reactions and decisions. This is how the external conflict should not be transferred to our inner self until it becomes our personal internal conflict. Let us not allow ourselves to be persuaded by the collective hysterias of fears, hatreds and senses of revenge. These are the ones that drag multitudes and peoples to their great downfalls and processes of self-destruction.
The destructive power of hate
On a personal level I have to understand that my hatred does not destroy my enemy: rather it destroys me. Hatred is an emotional cancer that eats away at the heart and metastasizes in my body and mind. There are even several physical illnesses associated with strong experiences of resentment by triggering high levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) which suppresses the immune system contributing to cardiovascular, digestive, inflammatory, and chronic pain conditions, among other conditions. Hate is also a major player in well-known psychological conditions such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, sociopathic personality, etc.
On a spiritual level, hatred is the thief of states of grace and inner peace. My enemies will arm themselves with my hatred to consume me day by day and to deform my integrity and spiritual nature. When I hate and seek revenge I am further empowering my enemies, giving them sovereignty over my feelings and my decisions. And worse, I am giving them the power to rob me of my salvation, for with hatred in my heart no one will enter Heaven, the dwelling place of the God of love.
Perhaps we think that there are human reasons to hate because of injustices, outrages, threats; but we do not have spiritual permissions. Although Psalm 97, 10 says, "Hate evil, you who love the Lord", it is not a feeling directed to another human being, but a decision to abhor and repudiate the evil that so much divides and harms human beings who should love and respect each other.
The beautiful Psalm 23 includes in verse 5 a quote that we often lose sight of: "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies". What table is that? The table where peace treaties are signed. Because only by walking in peace and unifying ourselves in solidarity, will we be able to find those green pastures, still waters and places of provision that the same psalm offers us.
Peace treaties
Human coexistence and above all Christian brotherhood is sustained by treaties of peace and covenants of mercy between people who eradicate their selfishness and narcissism to recognize that we live not only with others around us but that they dwell in our hearts.
True and authentic love is the one that responds to the proposal of the supreme commandment pronounced by Jesus in Matthew 22:37: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind". Love has been the reason for the survival of humanity, which faces so many threats to its survival. Human beings tend to ally in natural disasters and universal threats. When we live in love we make alliances of peace because we want to preserve the integrity of people and our human relationships with them because we need them in our lives for our physical and psychological survival.
Healthy relationships based on that love will seek to preserve peace by keeping in mind that there is no substitute for respect, consideration, sincere dialogue, mutual support, and the recognition that we are all children of God and heirs of His equal love. The person who is truly converted to Jesus and convinced of His teachings can opt for no other condition of life except peace in the heart and peace around him.
Romans 14:19 tells us to live not only in peace, but to edify one another. In other words, eradicating from our vocabulary and conduct that which hurts us, defames us, dishonors us or makes us feel like emotional orphans because no one cares about us. How different it would be to live edifying each other with words of affection and with demonstrations of mutual trust, sincere understanding and unconditional support!
We build ourselves up when we transmit kindness and mercy. We are edified when we dispose our minds and senses to listen, attend and understand the needs of others.
We are edified when we pause the hustle and bustle of life to console and heal ourselves, as in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37).
We are edified when we recognize the gifts of others, and instead of being filled with envy and desires of usurpation, we exalt, celebrate and dimension them.
We are edified when we recognize that we are all sinners and no one is in the place or position to cast the first stone at the adulterous woman of John 8, or as in Mark 14, those who entered into moral judgment of the woman of the fine spikenard perfume.
And above all, we build ourselves up when we fulfill the conditions for entering the Kingdom of Heaven, as Matthew 25:34-36 says: "Come, you blessed of my Father; inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, sick and you visited me, in prison and you came to see me".
To edify one another is to promote all that makes us brothers and sisters, that shows solidarity, and that builds bonds of peace among us. 1 Thessalonians 5:11-15 says, "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as you are already doing. We urge you, brethren, to appreciate the efforts of those who labor among you in caring for you for the Lord's sake and admonishing you. Show them all esteem and love for their work. Keep peace among yourselves. We exhort you, brethren, admonish the undisciplined, encourage the apathetic, support the weak, and be patient with all. See to it that no one repays another evil for evil; always strive to do good to one another and to all".
So rightly did Jesus offer to pour out His Holy Spirit upon us because it will be through His Spirit that we will be able to fulfill His superhuman and sanctifying proposals! Galatians 5:22-23: "the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control".
What should coexistence be like?
1 John 2, 4: He who says he loves God and does not love his brother is a liar. That love must be legitimate and genuine, not feigned or forced. It must be inspired by the ways in which the Bible explains how God loves each one of us.
Philippians 2:2-5: "Give me this great joy, that you may be of one accord and of one mind and love. Do not act out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Do not close yourselves up in your own interests, but seek the interests of others. Have among yourselves the sentiments proper to Christ Jesus".
2 Timothy 2:24: "One who serves the Lord must not quarrel, but be gentle to all, able to teach, long-suffering."
1 Peter 3:8-9: "Finally, all of you be of the same mind, be in solidarity with one another in suffering, love one another as brothers, have compassionate hearts and be humble. Do not return evil for evil, or insult for insult, but on the contrary, respond with a blessing, for to this you have been called, that you may inherit a blessing."
Ephesians 4:30-32: "Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God with whom he has sealed you for the day of final deliverance. Banish from you bitterness and wrath and anger and insults and all malice. Be kind, understanding, forgiving one another as God forgave you in Christ."
John 17:21-23: "That they all may be one, as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be one in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one, as we are one; I in them, and you in me, that they may be completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them as you have loved me."
How do we calm the anxieties of the mind?
Let us not get carried away by the currents of the world, collective hysterias created by people who do not know how to regulate their emotions and drag the rest of the world into their own little hells. The "firearm" that political and social seducers, destroyers of the world and their societies, have known how to handle best, has been the emotional manipulation of vulnerable beings. We must take control of what wants to control us and dominate what wants to dominate us, to feel and decide to be more spiritual than carnal and slow down the growth of evil in today's world. To reach inner peace is for strong men and women who resist instincts and orient themselves towards the virtuous and supernatural.
As the Padre PioPeace is simplicity of spirit, serenity of mind, tranquility of soul, the bond of love. Peace is order, it is harmony among us all, it is a continuous joy, born of the testimony of a good conscience; it is the holy joy of the heart, in which God reigns. Peace is the way to perfection, indeed in peace is found perfection; and the devil who knows all this, puts all means to snatch peace from us".
Recovering inner strength
We will achieve and maintain peace with the inner dialogue that will regulate our rushed emotions to help us reach acceptance and reconciliation.
We will achieve and preserve peace by reorganizing life in a truer and more realistic order of priorities; protecting interpersonal relationships by establishing healthy and real boundaries that show human respect, fair, reciprocal and loving relationships.
We will achieve and preserve peace by understanding when to keep fighting and searching, and when to give up with tranquility, adaptability, resignation and gratitude.
We will achieve and maintain peace by always being faithful to our values and identity; with the gift of gratitude, with dialogues of reconciliation, and when we live with a clear conscience for fulfilling what is expected of us.
And especially when we live in a personal and paternal relationship with the God of love and mercy, with an unwavering faith and a life of constant prayer.
Leo XIV reinforces his call for peace in Gaza in conversation with Mahmoud Abbas
The Pontiff was able to speak with Mahmoud Abbas, President of the State of Palestine a few days after his conversation with the Israeli Prime Minister, on the Gaza conflict.
Pope Leo XIV has had a telephone conversation with Mahmoud Abbas, President of the State of Palestine. The call comes in the wake of events in the Gaza Strip conflict and violence in the West Bank and the attack on the only Catholic church in the Strip in which three people were killed.
The press office of the Holy See has reported this conversation in which Leo XIV continues the line of dialogue and promotion of peace, a sign of his pontificate since its beginnings. Two days ago, the pontiff discussed the same subject with the Prime Minister of Israel.
Also in the conversation with Abbas, the Pope has again asked the "respect for International Humanitarian Law, underlining the obligation to protect civilians and holy places and the prohibition of the indiscriminate use of force and the forced displacement of the population" according to the note issued by the Holy See.
The Pope recalled the importance of helping the most wounded and, above all, of "allowing the proper entry of humanitarian aid". In this regard, it is worth noting the visit that several Christian leaders have made to the area in recent days in which they have been able to bring hundreds of tons of food supplies, as well as first aid kits and urgent medical equipment to the area !hundreds of tons of food supplies, as well as first aid kits and urgent medical equipment. In addition, the Patriarchate ensured the evacuation of those injured in the attack to medical institutions outside Gaza where they will receive medical care," the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem said in a statement.
Pope again condemns Gaza attack and calls for an end to "barbarism"
The "barbarism of war" and the forced displacement of people must end, and civilians and places of worship must be protected, Leo XIV pleaded yesterday. at the conclusion of the Angelus with the faithful from his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo. The Pope strongly condemned the Israeli attack on the Catholic parish in Gaza, and called for an end to the "barbarism".
CNS / Omnes-July 21, 2025-Reading time: 6minutes
- Carol Glatz, Vatican City (CNS).
"Tragic news continues to come these days from the Middle East, especially from Gaza," said Pope Leo XIV after reciting the Angelus with those gathered outside the papal palace in Castel Gandolfo yesterday, Sunday, July 20. "I again call for an immediate end to the the barbarity of war and a peaceful resolution of the conflict," he added painfully.
Last Friday, the Pontiff had asked the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, for an immediate cease-fire, negotiations and the end of the war.
"I renew my appeal to the international community to observe humanitarian law and respect the obligation to protect civilians, as well as the prohibition of collective punishment, the indiscriminate use of force and the forced displacement of the population," said yesterday.
The names of the three fatalities
The Pope expressed his "profound sadness for the attack of the Israeli army on the Catholic Church of the Holy Family in Gaza City", on July 17, 2009.who killed three Christians and seriously injured others.
"I pray for the victims: Saad Issa Kostandi Salameh, Foumia Issa Latif Ayyad and Najwa Ibrahim Latif Abu Daoud, and I am particularly close to their families and all parishioners," the Pope said.
"Regrettably, this act adds to the continuing military attacks against the civilian population and places of worship in Gaza," the Pope said.
"The world can't stand war anymore."
Before praying the Angelus, the Pope spoke to reporters waiting near the entrance of the papal villa after celebrating Mass in nearby Albano Laziale.
He was asked about the conflicts in the Middle East, particularly in the Gaza StripHe said that it is necessary that the parties "come to the table to dialogue and lay down their weapons, because the world can't take it anymore".
"There are so many conflicts, so many wars; there is a need to really work for peace, to pray with trust in God, but also to really work for peace: to pray with trust in God, yes, but also to act."
To Netanyahu: leave so much violence behind
When asked about your phone call with the Prime Minister of IsraelBenjamin Netanyahu on July 18, the day after the attack, the Pope said: "We insist on the need to protect the holy places of all religions" and to work together in this regard.
But he added that it is necessary to "truly respect people, sacred places and try to leave behind so much violence, so much hatred, so many wars".
"You are in the heart of the Pope and of the whole Church."
After praying the Angelus, the Pope addressed all "our dear Christians in the Middle East."
"I deeply understand your feeling of helplessness in the face of this grave situation," he said. "You are in the heart of the Pope and of the whole Church. Thank you for your witness of faith."
He prayed that Our Lady would intercede to "protect you always and accompany the world towards the dawn of peace".
Greeting pilgrims and visitors from different parts of the world gathered in the small square, the Pope thanked the International Forum of Catholic Action for promoting the "Prayer Marathon for Leaders".
"The invitation, addressed to each one of us, is to pause today between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. to pray for one minute, asking the Lord to enlighten our leaders and inspire in them projects of peace," he said.
Summer: time with God and caring for others
Summer should be spent cultivating time with God, relaxing and caring for others, Pope Leo XIV said at Mass celebrated yesterday in the cathedral of St. Pancratius Martyr in the town of Albano Laziale, southeast of Rome.
"During the summer, we have more free time to collect our thoughts and reflect, as well as to travel and spend time with others," he said in the homily at the Mass, which was celebrated before the Angelus at Castel Gandolfo.
"Let us take advantage of this to leave behind the whirlwind of commitments and worries and savor a few moments of peace and reflection, also taking time to visit other places and share the joy of seeing others, as I am doing here today," he added.
"The Holy Spirit did something else."
The cathedral of Albano had been named the titular church of the future pope on February 6, and the then Cardinal Robert F. Prevost was scheduled to take possession of it on May 12, the feast of St. Pancrazio.
"But the Holy Spirit did something else," Pope Leo said, smiling, in his homily, referring to his election as pope. May 8.
The diocese of Albano presented him with the same silver tray they had prepared for him as cardinal, adorned with his coat of arms, during a brief presentation of gifts in front of the cathedral's main entrance. However, "we had to fix the coat of arms," Bishop Vincenzo Viva of Albano told him, referring to the slight changes needed to make it a papal emblem.
The Pope had walked toward the cathedral from a back exit of the papal villas and gardens near the Vatican Observatory led by the Jesuits, which opens to the city of Albano Laziale. He greeted the hundreds of people who lined the streets and watched on giant screens in the square. Pope Leo then visited the Vatican Observatory to help commemorate the anniversary of the first moon landing, which took place on July 20, 1969.
After greeting a group of residents and shaking hands with local mayors, he blessed the cathedral with holy water before entering and concelebrating Mass with the bishop, Cardinal Michael Czerny, U.S. Father Manuel Dorantes, administrative and management director of the nearby Vatican-run Laudato Si' Center for Higher Education, and others.
Martha and Mary: service and listening, two dimensions of hospitality
In the homilyreflecting on the Gospel reading of the day (Luke 10:38-42) about Martha and her sister Mary, the Pope said that "service and listening are, in fact, two twin dimensions of hospitality".
It would be a mistake, he said, to see Martha's focus on serving Jesus and Mary's desire to sit at the Lord's feet to listen to him "as mutually exclusive or to compare the merits of the two women."
While it is true that we must live our faith through concrete actions, faithfully carrying out our duties according to our state in life and vocation, it is essential that we do so only after meditating on the Word of God and listening to what the Holy Spirit is saying to our hearts," he said.
Christians "must make room for silence."
Therefore, Christians "must make space for silence" and prayer, away from noise and distractions, to "recollect ourselves before God in simplicity of heart," he said.
"Summer can be a providential time to experience the beauty and importance of our relationship with God, and how much it can help us to be more open and welcoming to others." "Let us make summer an opportunity to care for others, to get to know one another and to offer advice and to listen, because these are expressions of love, and that is something we all need," the Pope said.
"Promoting a culture of peace"
"Let us do so with courage," the Pope said, "So through solidarity and the sharing of faith and life, we will help to promote a culture of peace, helping those around us to overcome divisions and hostility and to build communion between individuals, peoples and religions."
"We need to take some time to rest."
The Pope arrived at the papal villas on July 6 for a two-week stay, and was scheduled to return to the Vatican on the evening of July 20. But after reciting the Angelus to those gathered in the main square of Castel Gandolfo, the Pope said he would return to Rome "in a few days," specifically on the evening of July 22.
In comments after the AngelusThe Pope reiterated: "We need to take time to rest and try to learn better the art of hospitality.
"To be a home open to all"
"The vacation industry wants to sell us all kinds of 'experiences,' but maybe not the ones we're really looking for," he said. "Every genuine encounter is free; you can't buy it, whether it's an encounter with God, with others or with nature."
The vocation of Christians and of the church, he said, is "to be a home open to all" and to welcome the Lord, "who knocks at our door and asks us for permission to enter."
—————–
Carol Glatz is a senior correspondent for Catholic News Service Rome.
This information is a translation of the original, published earlier by OSV News, which you can find at here y here.
After praying the Angelus on Sunday, July 20, Pope Leo XIV visited the Vatican Observatory located in Castel Gandolfo. The Pontiff's presence was motivated by the anniversary of the first manned mission to the moon in 1969.
The Holy See Press Office expressed in a note the closeness of Pope Leo XIV to those affected by Typhoon Danas in Taiwan.
There are hundreds of injured and at least two dead after the typhoon hit, in addition to thousands of evacuees. In view of this situation, Leo XIV asked the Apostolic Limosnery to send "concrete aid" to the population.
Now you can enjoy a 20% discount on your subscription to Rome Reports Premiumthe international news agency specializing in the activities of the Pope and the Vatican.
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St. Lawrence of Brindisi, austere and indefatigable preacher
Born in Brindisi, Kingdom of Naples (1559), St. Lawrence of Brindisi (or Brindisi), whom the Church celebrates on July 21, belonged to a renowned Venetian family. He became Minister General of the Capuchins and was an eloquent and indefatigable preacher. Austere, he slept on boards, fasted frequently, fled from honors, and went to Christ crucified.
Francisco Otamendi-July 21, 2025-Reading time: < 1minute
The liturgy today welcomes St. Lawrence of Brindisi, who entered the Capuchin Order and studied in Padua. He was a gifted person to whom God granted extraordinary intellectual qualities, according to the Franciscan saints. An indefatigable and eloquent preacher in various European nations, teacher of his brothers, erudite writer, he also held numerous positions in his Order, including that of Minister General.
Because of his great gift, while he was a deacon, he was commissioned to preach the 40 days of Lent in the cathedral of Venice for two consecutive years. The people vibrated with emotion when they heard his sermons, and there were many conversions.
At the age of sixteen he entered the Capuchins in Verona. When he asked to be admitted, the superior warned him that it would be a life of tough and austere. The young man asked him: "Father, will there be a crucifix in my cell? "Yes, there will be," replied the superior. "That is enough for me. When I look at Christ crucified I will have the strength to suffer for love of Him any suffering". He received the name Lorenzo with the religious habit.
Simple and humble
The Roman Martyrology summarizes: "St. Lawrence of Brindisi, priest and doctor of the Church, of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin, tireless preacher in various European nations".
"Of simple and humble character, he faithfully fulfilled all the missions entrusted to him, such as the defense of the Church against the Turks who were trying to dominate Europe, the reconciliation of warring princes and the government of his religious Order. He died in Lisbon, Portugal, on July 22, 1619". Pope Leo XIII canonized him in 1881, and St. John XXIII gave him the title of 'Apostolic Doctor' in 1959, for his profound knowledge of the Word of God.
Allies without Barriers: The Road to a More Inclusive Society
Aliados por la Integración is an entity that wants to promote a truly inclusive society, in which people with disabilities are not only assisted, but can fully develop their potential.
In Spain, more than 4.38 million people live with some type of disability. disabilityThe social inclusion of people with disabilities, representing a significant part of our society, continues to face important challenges for their full inclusion. Despite legislative advances and the notable increase in public investment in universal accessibility policies, true social transformation requires a deeper and more generalized commitment, involving a strategic decision based on the recognition of the value of diversity.
On this path towards a more inclusive society, entities such as Allies for Integration do their bit by generating job opportunities through the provision of services to companies and institutions. These organizations act as bridges between people in vulnerable situations and a labor market that still presents significant barriers, demonstrating that inclusion through employment is the best way to promote equal opportunities and build a fairer and more egalitarian society.
"The collective challenge we face is to profoundly transform our perception of disability, moving from a welfare model to one based on rights and opportunities, where each person can fully develop their potential and actively contribute to the construction of a society richer in diversity," explains Almudena Fontecha, president of Aliados por la Integración.
Reality in figures: a panorama of contrasts
Statistics reveal a reality that still requires important transformations. According to the latest data from the National Institute of Statistics, the employment rate of people with disabilities stands at just 27.8 %, a gulf compared to 68.1 % for the non-disabled population. This difference of more than 40 percentage points reflects the structural barriers that persist in our society. When we focus specifically on people with intellectual disabilities, the situation is even more worrisome, with only 23.8 % in employment.
"These data are not mere numbers; they represent lives and dreams postponed, talents wasted and a human potential that our society is not knowing how to fully integrate," says Almudena Fontecha.
In addition, one of the most difficult obstacles to overcome is prejudice and lack of knowledge. A recent study reveals that 43 % of Spaniards admit to feeling some discomfort when interacting with people with disabilities, mainly for fear of saying or doing something inappropriate.
Even more revealing is that 63 % of respondents acknowledge "not being able to avoid" treating people with intellectual disabilities as if they were children, an infantilization that constitutes a subtle but real form of discrimination. In addition, 75 % state that they have never had a co-worker with a disability, which reinforces the lack of knowledge and the persistence of stereotypes.
Allies for Integration: more than two decades building bridges
In this context, organizations such as Aliados por la Integración play a transforming role. This entity has been promoting the social and labor inclusion of the most vulnerable people, including people with disabilities, for more than 20 years. Its mission is based on a clear principle: inclusion through employment is the best way to promote equal opportunities.
Aliados por la Integración develops its work through collaboration with different social entities, companies and administrations, generating job opportunities through the provision of different services. This model of strategic alliances allows multiplying the impact of its actions and creating a favorable ecosystem for inclusion.
The Special Employment Center that is part of the project is a key piece in its strategy to specifically address the labor inclusion of people with disabilities. Through this resource, they facilitate the transition to the labor market and generate spaces where diversity becomes an added value.
But inclusion is part of the entire Aliados support network. An outstanding area where it generates inclusion is the Religious Institutions sector, where it has become a national reference with presence in 116 centers that serve more than 2,000 users, collaborating with 57 religious institutions between bishoprics and congregations of different charismas. Through social and health care services for the elderly (geriatric nurses, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, etc.), general services (cleaning, maintenance, kitchen) and administrative management, the entity not only optimizes resources but also creates job opportunities for people in vulnerable situations, always respecting the charisma of each institution.
As Carlos Buerba, director of the Religious Institutions Area, points out: "We are not just an entity empowered to provide services in the social sphere. Our success lies in the fact that we adapt to the circumstances of each congregation and get involved in resolving the common challenges we face, but above all in fulfilling the social mission that gives meaning to everything we do, which is none other than helping people who, like everyone else, deserve the opportunity and know how to take advantage of it, to build their life project".
The value of diversity: an incalculable contribution
The inclusion of people with disabilities is not only an act of social justice, but also an opportunity to enrich our coexistence and work spaces. The experience of Aliados por la Integración confirms that companies and entities that bet on diversity experience tangible improvements: greater communication in teams, more positive work environments, a boost to creativity and innovation, and increased productivity.
Beyond the workplace, the presence and active participation of people with disabilities in all social spaces contributes to building a more empathetic society, aware of human diversity and better prepared to respond to the needs of all its members.
Disability on the horizon: a collective challenge
Disability is not an alien or distant reality, but a condition that will become a more intense part of our lives in the coming decades. The accelerated population aging that Spain is experiencing is closely linked to the increase in situations of disability. According to INE demographic projections, by 2050 more than 30 % of the Spanish population will be over 65 years of age, which will mean a significant increase in the number of people with age-related functional limitations.
This imminent reality places us before a scenario in which disability will cease to be perceived as a circumstance that affects "others" and will become an experience shared by a substantial part of society. The data are revealing: while at 65 years of age approximately 20 % of people have some kind of disability, this percentage rises to 70 % among those over 85 years of age. With life expectancy continuing to rise - currently 83.3 years and expected to reach 86 years in 2050 - we face a future where disability will be an increasingly present reality.
This demographic scenario requires coordinated and common action on the part of society as a whole. According to Almudena Fontecha, "we can no longer consider the inclusion of people with disabilities as the exclusive responsibility of public administrations or specialized third-sector entities. A social pact involving all agents is essential: from education to business, from the media to cultural and leisure spaces. Universal accessibility and design for all must become guiding principles for any urban, technological or service development".
The path towards a fully inclusive society requires the commitment of all social actors. Entities such as Aliados por la Integración demonstrate that it is possible to generate real opportunities for people with disabilities when there is a clear vision and systematic work.
The challenge for the coming years is not only to continue improving access to employment and training, but also to profoundly transform the social perception of disability. We need to move from an approach based on compassion or heroism to one based on the recognition of diversity as a value and rights as a non-negotiable principle.
The Netflix miniseries that combines history and fiction with complex characters and light moments amidst the darkness.
Pablo Úrbez-July 21, 2025-Reading time: 2minutes
Series
AddressMark L. Smith, Peter Berg
DistributionTaylor Kitsch, Betty Gilpin, Kim Coates
PlatformNetflix
Country: United States, 2025
Once upon a time the west - Netflix: Utah, United States, 1857. Sara and her son are waiting for a guide to move westward, where she hopes to rejoin her husband at Crooks Springs. Pratt and Abish, on the other hand, are two newly married Mormons on their way to the settlement of Brigham Young, governor of the state and president of the Mormon Church. Two Moons is an Indian girl who escapes from her tribe; Isaac a famed hunter who lives in the forest; and Dellinger the captain of the only Union regiment deployed in those lands. The lives of all these characters will intertwine in an adventure of epic dimensions.
This six-episode Netflix miniseries is a colossal western, unfolding in front of the viewer a pharaonic universe of settings and characters. The result is a deep immersion in the historical reality of Utah in 1857, alternating historical events with fictional plots, showing the illusion of building the future in a frontier land, but also with all its rawness and drama. Once upon a time in the West is a raw, heartbreaking work, with a high dose of physical violence and unpleasant situations. And, at the same time, it has enough intelligence not to be morbid or sensationalist; it renounces to wallow in violence and sordidness, using them only as a resource to reflect the harsh reality demanded by the story, without turning them into a visual spectacle.
The characters have their edges, their lights and shadows, they hide their past and disguise their intentions, which makes them tremendously attractive and plausible. They evolve, sometimes modify their perceptions, and it is clear that they are not the same as they were at the beginning of the story. In this sense, the series is not relativistic, but optimistic; it exudes an optimism inexorably anchored in weak human nature. Thus, every heroic action, perhaps minimal and marginal, is a light in an environment of evil, pain and cynicism. There are questions about the origin of evil and transcendence that are difficult to answer, and that is why sometimes actions elucidate the mystery better than words. The performances are fabulous, both Taylor Kitsch and Betty Gilpin in the leading roles as well as the supporting actors who represent the perverse side.
Pope Leo XIV's cry and dialogue for peace intensifies
The first message to the world from the new Pope Leo XIV, on May 8, after the 'Habemus Papam', was "Peace be with you all!". Since then, papal hammering and dialogue for peace and unity have intensified. In the wake of the bombing of the Catholic parish in Gaza, the Pope urged an "immediate ceasefire." And on Friday he called directly on Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu for "an end to the war."
Francisco Otamendi-July 20, 2025-Reading time: 10minutes
The new Pope Leo XIVOn May 8, visibly moved, he addressed the faithful in St. Peter's Square and the expectant world and said: "Peace be with you all. Peace, an immediate cease-fire, negotiations, and even a cease-fire, he said. the end of the waris precisely what the Pope has asked fortwo and a half months later, to the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu.
The trigger has been the attack on the catholic parish of the Holy Family in Gaza by an Israeli tank. Meanwhile, with his mind on the war in Ukraine, Leo XIV has been in dialogue with Zelenski, with Putin, and asks for prayers and involves everyone.
The Vatican City flag flies on July 18, 2025, at the Holy Family Church in Gaza City, hit by an Israeli attack on July 17. (Photo by OSV News/Khamis Al-Rifi, Reuters).
First peace greeting, May 8th
On May 8, from the Central Lodge of St. Peter's, the newly elected Pope He said: "Dear brothers and sisters, this is the first greeting of the Risen Christ, the Good Shepherd, who gave his life for God's flock. I would also like this greeting of peace to enter your hearts, to reach your families, to all people, wherever they are, to all peoples, to the whole earth. Peace be with you!".
"A disarmed and disarming peace."
Then the new Pope, "son of St. Augustine," gave some adjective: "A disarmed and disarming peace," he said. "This is the peace of the risen Christ, a disarmed peace and a disarming peace, humble and persevering. It comes from God, God who loves us all unconditionally."
Commenting on these words, and those pronounced by the new Pope in his homily at the Eucharist at the beginning of his Petrine ministry on May 18, Archbishop Luis Marín de San Martín, an Augustinian, highlighted in Omnes some of the main lines that can be nuclear, and are already beginning to be so, in the Pontificate of Leo XIV.
"Serene shepherd for a troubled world".
"The first is the centrality of the Risen Christ: 'We want to say to the world, with humility and joy, look to Christ, draw close to him, accept his Word that enlightens and consoles! Listen to his proposal of love to form his one family: in the one Christ we are one". This leads him to take special care of unity, indeed, communion in the Church, which is his first great desire. A united Church, a sign of unity and communion, which becomes a leaven for a reconciled world. This will only be possible if we take love as the axis of our life. He also indicated this in his first greeting (...)".
Shortly thereafter, in a text entitled significant title The Augustinian Archbishop went on to comment on the first words of the new Pope from the central balcony, the balcony of great occasions: "We want to be a synodal Church, a Church that walks, a Church that always seeks peace".
Address to the diplomatic corps
Archbishop Luis Marin, who has known "Robert Prevost for many years, with whom I share an Augustinian vocation and charism", notes "the commitment to peace" of the new Successor of Peter, "which has been a constant in the Pope's texts". "For example, the demanding and clear speech of May 16 to the diplomatic corps, which I invite you to read in its entirety".
The canonist and writer Rafael Sanz Carrera has highlighted, in a text with another significant title -'Leo XIV, a bridge to peace'-, his opening greeting. "In his first public appearance, the new Pope Leo XIV needed no grand gestures to make clear the direction of his pontificate. One word was enough: peace. That was the first one he uttered in addressing the world, a deliberate choice that did not go unnoticed."
"Shepherd of bridges" with open arms
In his analysis, Rafael Sanz believes that in this way Leo XIV wanted "to emphasize from the outset that his mission would be that of a shepherd of bridges. His vision is that of a united Church that goes out into the world to heal wounds, serve the most needy and build common paths based on faith and reason".
In his opinion, "one of the most significant moments of his first speech was the image of St. Peter's Square with open arms: this is how Leo XIV understands the role of the Church in today's world. A Church that resembles that square, where everyone can fit, and that knows how to receive with tenderness those who arrive wounded, confused or excluded (...). the new Pope proposed a missionary, dialoguing, profoundly human community, where Christian love is not only an ideal, but a real experience".
Ask everyone to help in the dialogue, as Francis did
In his opening address, Pope Leo XIV, referred to his predecessor, Pope Francis. "We still preserve in our ears the faint but always courageous voice of Pope Francis blessing Rome. The Pope, while blessing Rome gave his blessing to the world, to the whole world, that Easter morning."
"Let me continue that same blessing: God loves us, God loves you all, and evil will not prevail. We are all in God's hands. Therefore, without fear, united, holding hands with God and with each other let us go forward."
"We are disciples of Christ. Christ precedes us. The world needs his light. Humanity needs him as a bridge to be reached by God and by his love," he continued. "Help us also you, then help each other to build bridges, with dialogue, with encounter, uniting us all to be one people always in peace. Thanks to Pope Francis!" he concluded this part of his opening remarks.
Constant hammering for peace
Since then, Pope Leo's messages for peace have been constant, and his efforts are intensifying. The most recent ones have concerned the attack on the Catholic parish in the Gaza Strip, as we have recalled.
Facts and words of the work for peace of Leo XIV
Here is a part of Pope Leo XIV's work for peace, the public part, the part that has transcended the most:
- 8 May.Speechafter being elected Popefrom the central loggia of St. Peter's Basilica. Greetings of peace to all the Earth. "Peace be with you all.(discussed above).
"Never again war!"
- May 11. First Regina coelifrom Central Loggia of St. Peter's Basilica: "Never again war!"
The Pope remembers the anniversary of the Second World War. It ended 80 years ago, on May 8, after having caused 60 million victims. And he says:
"As Pope Francis has affirmed on more than one occasion, I too address the great ones of the world, repeating the ever timely appeal: 'Never again war!'
The Pope referred to the "beloved Ukrainian people," the prisoners, and "that the children may return to their families."
Humanitarian aid
"I am deeply saddened by what is happening in the Gaza Strip - cease fire immediately! Humanitarian aid be provided to the exhausted civilian population and all hostages be released."
"I have welcomed the announcement of the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, and wish that through the upcoming negotiations a lasting agreement can be reached soon."
-May 12. Meeting with communicators.
He recalls the imprisoned journalists, calls for their release, and urges unarmed and disarming communication.
- May 12. Conversation with the President of Ukraine.
Volodimir Zelenski makes public on the X network that he has invited the Pope to Ukraine: "Such a visit", the message said, "would bring true hope to all believers and to all our people".
Pope Leo XIV meets with Ukrainian President Volodymir Zelenski at the papal villa in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, July 9, 2025. (Photo by CNS/Vatican Media).
- May 16. Hearing with the Diplomatic Corps.
He encourages ambassadors to work together to build a world of truth, justice and peace.
- May 18. Audience with the President of Ukraine, Volodimir Zelenski, after the Mass for the inauguration of the Pontificate.
After the meeting, Zelenski wrote in X that he had thanked the Pope for his words on Ukraine at the Regina Coeli the previous Sunday. In particular, "on the need for a just peace". The Pope also greeted presidents and heads of state from different countries.
- May 21. General Audience
Appeal for Gaza and promotion of peace based on dialogue.
A Church that builds bridges, that engages in dialogue
- May 24. Address to the Curia.
"Missionary Church, Church that builds bridges, dialogues, always open to welcome with open arms all, all those who need our charity, our presence, our dialogue and our love".
Conversation with President Putin
- 4 June. Conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the phone
Pope Leo XIV and Russian leader Vladimir Putin held a first telephone conversation on June 4. The leader of the Catholic Church encouraged the Russian president to make a gesture of peace with Ukraine, the Vatican press office reported.
- June 22nd. Angelus. May weapons not stifle the cry of humanity.
The Pope launches a urgent appeal the international community to put an end to the conflicts in the Middle East, with special concern for the situation in Iran, Israel and Palestine. In his message, he warned about the suffering of the civilian population, particularly in Gaza and other affected territories.
Condemnation of the attack in Damascus
- 25 June. Condemnation of the attack on an Orthodox church in Damascus (Syria).
Leo XIV urges the international community not to abandon Syria, and calls for dialogue, diplomacy and peace for the entire Middle East. Pope Leo addresses all Christians in the Middle East saying, "I am close to you, the whole Church is close to you." "We follow closely and with hope the events in Iran, Israel and Palestine", he said.
Again with Zelenski
- July 9. Second visit of the President of Ukraine to Leo XIV.
The Pope received in audience Zelenski on July 9, and reaffirmed his readiness to host Russian and Ukrainian representatives for negotiations at the Vatican.
"It seems that there is still no awareness that destroying nature does not harm everyone in the same way: trampling on justice and peace means affecting above all the poorest, the marginalized, the excluded. In this context, the suffering of indigenous communities is emblematic". This is the denunciation made by Pope Leo XIV in his message for World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creationwhich will be held on September 1, 2025.
- July 13. First Angelus of Leo XIV at the residence of Castel Gandolfo.
"Let us not forget to pray for peace and for all those who, because of violence and war, find themselves in a situation of suffering and need."
- 16 July. Promoting peaceful societies in the service of human development.
Message of Leo XIV, signed by Secretary of State Parolin, on the occasion of the XX National Congress of the Italian Confederation of Workers' Trade Unions (CISL) inaugurated in Rome. The common objective is "a more humane order of social relations" in order to contribute to the "tranquility of order" so dear to St. Augustine. With that expression, St. Augustine refers to peace as a state of harmony and equilibrium that arises when each thing and each person occupies its proper place in a just order.
The heart's match
- 16 July. Sport transforms conflict into encounter
In a video message for the Partita del Cuore (The Party of the Heart), which took place in L'Aquila, the Pope recalled that "the greatest challenge is to unite us," especially in these times of "divisions, bombs and wars." Playing together, the Pope stressed, is ultimately about coming together.
Leo XIV recalls in the video the Truce of 1914 in World War I, which took place at Christmas.
- 17 July. Pope Leo XIV calls for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza.
Following the aforementioned Israeli attack on the Catholic parish in Gaza, the Pontiff "renews his call for an immediate cease-fire, and expresses his deep hope for dialogue, reconciliation and lasting peace in the region."
To Netanyahu, "the end of the war".
- July 18 Pope Leo XIV calls on Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to cease hostilities and end the war.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See, in an interview with Tg2 Post (RAI), described Prime Minister Netanyahu's call to the Pope as "timely" and "positive," Vatican News reported. "It was not possible not to explain to the Pope, not to inform the Pope directly of what happened, which is of absolute gravity," Cardinal Parolin said.
The Vatican Secretary of State called for clarity on the assault on the Holy Family Church in Gaza, describing the conflict as "a war without limits".
Other reactions: Cardinals Parolin, Chomalí...
In addition to the Cardinal ParolinCardinal Fernando Chomalí, Archbishop of Santiago de Chile, who has described the situation in Gaza as "unsustainable", has been one of the ecclesiastics who has been most vocal in his assessment.
"I express my solidarity and my total and clear rejection of such an act that left two dead (there were finally three, and several wounded, some seriously), the wounded parish priest, Fr. Gabriel Romanelli, and a Church, which hosted hundreds of Gazans displaced by the war," he said in a press release on July 17.
"When an attack is made against the house of God, it is an attack against the most sacred thing that a human being has, his faith, source of hope and charity," the Cardinal added. In his opinion, "this inhuman act" must be condemned transversally by all people of good will and "must deeply challenge those who still believe that with violence they will achieve their political objectives".
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Father Gabriel Romanelli, pastor of Holy Family Church, and Greek Orthodox Patriarch Theophilos III pose in front of St. Porphyrius Greek Orthodox Church on July 18, 2025, as they visit refugees in churches in Gaza City following the Israeli attack (CNS photo/courtesy of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem).
Pope's closeness to Patriarch Pizzaballa
Following the attack on the Gaza parish, Pope Leo XIV contacted the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbatista Pizzaballa, who was attending the parish of the Holy Family, the Vatican agency reported, accompanied by Greek Orthodox Patriarch Theophilos III.
Leo XIV expressed his "closeness, concern, prayer, support and desire to do everything possible not only to achieve a cease-fire, but also to put an end to this tragedy".
"The Pope repeated several times that it is time to stop this massacre, that what happened has no justification whatsoever, and that we must ensure that there are no more victims," Patriarch Pizzaballa said on statements to Vatican News.
On behalf of the Latin Patriarchate and all the Churches of the Holy Land, Pizzaballa thanked the Pope "for his solidarity and the prayers he had already assured us of", expressing also the gratitude of the entire Catholic community of Gaza.
Moreover, amid growing international concern, leaders from around the world have condemned the July 17 attack on the Holy Family parish in Gaza City.
A woman lives in St. Peter's Monastery, the oldest monastery in Malta, and a long tradition of Benedictine nuns stretching back in history to the 15th century. However, that centuries-long continuity is now in jeopardy, as she is the only one left to walk the corridors of this beautiful monastery in Mdina, the "City of Silence" that was once the capital of the country.
Blessed Mary Adeodata Pisani
These are the same steps taken by Blessed Maria Adeodata Pisani. This nun, who received the name Maria Teresa at baptism, lived from 1806 to 1855. Daughter of a marriage turbulent, she refused to integrate into the life of society that her mother wanted to impose on her and entered the monastery of St. Peter in Mdina on July 16, 1828, at the age of 22. There she took the name Maria Adeodata and, just two years later, made her solemn profession.
Blessed Pisani held various positions: sacristan, nurse, porter, novice mistress and abbess. During her time at the head of the monastery, she stood out for her fidelity to the Rule of St. Benedict and for her tenacity in helping the nuns of the entire community.
On February 25, 1855, he went to receive Holy Communion, indicating to the nurse who cared for him that this was the last time he would go down to the chapel. After receiving the sacrament, he suffered a heart attack and died a few hours later, having received the Anointing of the Sick.
Saint John Paul II beatified Maria Adeodata Pisani on May 9, 2001, saying that her life was a "splendid example of Benedictine religious consecration". The Polish Pope, referring to the Blessed, stressed that "with her prayer, her work and her love she became a source of spiritual and missionary fruitfulness, without which the Church cannot preach the Gospel according to Christ's command, because mission and contemplation absolutely need each other."
An octogenarian nun
Today, the only person who carries on the legacy of that blessed woman is an octogenarian nun. Her home, this hidden convent in the Maltese City of Silence, is open for those who want to visit it. However, they will not see her.
Those who enter the grounds will first encounter the smile of a volunteer working at the door, offering guides to the museum-monastery in different languages. Then, as they walk through the rooms, contemplating the multitude of works of art hanging on the walls, they may hear a dog barking in the distance. As you peek into the garden that serves as an orchard for the only guest of the place, you may see the little animal playing in the dirt, while a woman tends to the plants that grow there. The two of them are the only company for the only Benedictine nun left in Malta.
What happens next?
At the end of the visit to the monastery, it is impossible not to wonder what will happen to all that spiritual and artistic heritage when there are no more nuns there. If someone asks the volunteer at the entrance, he will just shrug his shoulders with a smile, implying that this is the same question asked by everyone who passes by.
Will the legacy of the Benedictine nuns pass into the hands of the government? Will another religious order begin its life there? Will some of the remaining Benedictine nuns in the world move to the monastery?
Perhaps some young Maltese girl will respond to a call from God, inviting her to recollect herself and meet Him in this monastery, which, by a beautiful coincidence, is located precisely in the City of Silence.
Saint Aurea of Cordoba, virgin and martyr in the persecution
On July 19, the Church celebrates St. Aurea of Cordoba, whose father was a Muslim and mother a Christian, in the 9th century. She entered a monastery in Cordoba, and in a context of persecution of Christians, her relatives denounced her. At first she hesitated, but she was martyred for not abandoning the Christian faith.
Francisco Otamendi-July 19, 2025-Reading time: < 1minute
Saint Áurea de Córdoba was born in Seville into a well-to-do family. Most of them were Mohammedans, but her mother, Artemia, was a Christian. She educated her in the Christian faith and the Gospels. She was the sister of the martyrs Adolphus and John, and retired to the monastery of Cuteclara after the death of her brothers. There she lived in peace until she was denounced for her faith. In one of the persecutions under the Muslims, was brought before the judge and denied the Christian faith.
But she repented, presented herself to the same magistrate and, after the trial was repeated, she remained firm in her faith, for which she was beheaded. We know her life and martyrdom from the testimony of St. Eulogius of Cordoba. The Roman Martyrology confirms that the first time she was frightened before the judge, but then she stood firm (year 856). She is remembered for her courage and unshakable faith in times of persecution.
Saint Macrina, Saint Epaphras
Today, the Catholic liturgy also commemorates Saint MacrinaShe was the elder sister of Saints Basil the Great and Gregory of Nyssa, Cappadocian fathers, and of Peter of Sebaste, bishop. Together they formed a family of saints with a profound influence on Christian doctrine and spirituality.
St. Epaphras also appears in today's saints' calendar. He was from Colossae and was a disciple of the Apostle Paul, who, during his stay in Ephesus, converted him to Christianity. The Apostle mentions him in the letters to the Colossians and to Philemon, in which he calls him "our dear companion and faithful minister of Christ", "my companion in captivity". He evangelized Colossae and other cities.
From 'The Wanderer' to 'The Thunderer', musician Dion's journey of faith
What's a veteran musician, troubadour, rock and roll hall of fame inductee and contemplative Catholic doing in an encore? If you're Dion DiMucci, you're still writing new music and singing the praises of a Christ-centered existence. From 'The Wanderer' to 'The Thunderer. From the wandering wanderer, to the thunderer, to the thunderer.
OSV / Omnes-July 19, 2025-Reading time: 6minutes
- Mike Mastromatteo
DiMucci, known throughout his nearly 70-year recording career by his first name, Dion, distinguished himself from many rock and roll peers in the late 1960s by publicly recommitting himself to his Christian faith.
Dion's return to faith came as the singer struggled to overcome drug dependencies that developed shortly after his first commercial and popular success. Dion had recorded several hit songs in the late 1950s, and landed a lucrative recording contract before he was 21.
After a dry period musically and emotionally, Dion returned to the charts in 1968 with the hit recording 'Abraham, Martin and John', a lament about the assassinations and political turmoil in the United States in the wake of the civil rights struggle.
Addiction recovery program
It was at this time that Dion entered an addiction recovery program and took the first steps on the road to sobriety and inner fulfillment. One of the lasting lessons for Dion on the road back was understanding the difference between commercial success and personal fulfillment.
Dion's return to wholeness and spiritual tranquility is a key feature of his new memoir 'The Rock 'N' Roll Philosopher,' a series of conversations about life, recovery, faith and music.
Bishop Barron forewords his new book
In the preface of the new book, the Bishop Robert Barron of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota, and head of the Catholic Ministries of Word on Fire.reflected on the "breakthrough of divine grace" that helped Dion recover from debilitating addiction.
"Dion placed great emphasis on the four main temptations that spiritual teachers have identified as substitutes for God: wealth, pleasure, power and honor," Bishop Barron said. He added that detachment from material things is key for anyone seeking to follow a Christ-centered path.
Faith commitment: 57 years of sobriety and clean living
In a series of interviews with OSV News, Dion reflected on how recommitment to faith has sustained his 57 years of sobriety and clean living. He also shared his thoughts on the fallen nature of man.
"I'm a trusting person, but I never expect too much from people nowadays," Dion said. "We're born fallen, and when people come up to me and ask me if we're good or bad, I still believe we're basically good. But it's always 'uncertain' because we're fallen. There is something very good in us, but we have to cultivate it and carry it forward. If you don't, things can go awry."
Italian-American Fathers, Our Lady of Mount Carmel parish in the Bronx
These are humble but powerful words from the son of working-class Italian-American parents who, despite being registered at Our Lady of Mount Carmel parish in the Bronx, New York, were not particularly fervent in their practice of the Catholic faith.
Dion said growing up in the Bronx was not particularly difficult. But that it was sometimes complicated to avoid the street gang culture, which often required young people to prove their worth through rebellion and rejection of most forms of legitimate authority. He also recounted how a lack of confidence in his own worth led him to constantly seek approval from others.
Cover of "The Rock 'N' Roll Philosopher," a series of conversations about life, recovery, faith and music by Dion DiMucci and Adam Jablin (OSV News photo/courtesy of Dion DiMucci).
He continues to record with Springsteen, Clapton, Simon
Although Dion first rose to fame more than 60 years ago with hit recordings such as 'The Wanderer', 'Runaround Sue', 'Ruby Baby' and 'Lovers Who Wander', he refuses to rest on the laurels of the past. He continues to record blues-based albums alongside beloved musical colleagues such as Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton and Paul Simon.
Bible and Christ-based lyrics
Some of Dion's recent albums have a gospel music flavor, but she doesn't pretend to preach with her contemporary music. However, the lyrics of some of Dion's blues-based songs are unmistakable in their messages focused on the Bible and in Christ.
His song 'The Thunderer', for example, is based on the life and work of St. Jerome, the fourth-century saint who first translated the Bible to Latin.
The song juxtaposes Jerome's prickly personality with his passion for making the Scriptures the language of the common man. As the lyrics warn us, "[You] can't go through life just being nice / Ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ / Love without truth is just sentimental / Truth without love is barren."
Mike Aquilina: friendship, key to evangelization
More information about Dion's attitude toward faith, music and life in general comes through his mentor and songwriting partner, Mike Aquilina. The co-founder of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology in Steubenville, Ohio, and author of several books on the patristic era of the church, Aquilina, cites the positive effect Dion has on his listeners and fellow musicians.
Aquilina said Dion was a 'colossal figure' for Italian-Americans as they still assimilated to the America of the 1950s and 60s.
"A key part of evangelism is friendship, and Dion's career has placed him in the lives of great artists," Aquilina told OSV News.
"Look at the list of people he has worked with on the last few albums. These men and women have been his friends for many decades. That means he's been in their lives and has exerted some influence. Dion has a great sense of humor, but he doesn't have superficial conversations, and these people know that. He remains their friend because they value his spirituality."
Music, also a form of evangelization
Aquilina also said that some of the "explicitly religious" content of Dion's more contemporary music can be seen as a form of evangelization.
"[The song] 'Angel in the Alleyways,' for example, is about guardian angels," he said, "'Can't Go Back to Memphis' is really the story of Adam's expulsion from Eden. But I think everything he does reflects a Christian perspective. Even the songs that reflect the stark realities of addiction, like 'Cryin' Shame,' show how we are punished for our own sins."
When she's not performing or preparing new recordings, Dion devotes several hours each week to helping people recover from addictions and substance abuse problems. "This is a big part of his life, and it's a religiously motivated mission," Aquilina said. "Dion knows he has been saved from death and misery and wants to help others find that salvation."
Humility
Although by no means a theologian, Dion has helped draw attention to a lesser-known element of the church's teaching on sin and punishment. In interviews and in his impromptu remarks to friends and followers, Dion promotes the idea of humility as "the healer of pain."
As Bishop Robert Barron has noted, "[Dion] explains that we are punished for the [sinful] act, not because of it. I don't think the Doctor of the Church St. John of the Cross could have said it better."
Broadway show
Despite turning 86 in July, Dion has no plans to slow down. He divides his time between Boca Raton, Florida, where he is a member of St. Jude Parish, and New York, where he maintains an apartment.
He will soon release an album to accompany the book 'Rock 'N' Roll Philosopher', and is overseeing the production of the Broadway show 'The Wanderer', a musical loosely based on his early days as a rocker and doo-wop pioneer. The show has already played in smaller theaters in New Jersey, but its Broadway premiere will undoubtedly bring Dion's story to a new generation of music fans.
Dion says the show has strong, obvious, transformative and redemptive components. "But she does it in a very beautiful, good and true way, using the language of the heart in the songs and lyrics."
"He has a plan for your life."
Whatever the success of 'The Wanderer' on Broadway, Dion has no intention of rearranging his priorities in life. Nor does he plan to stop producing music. He remains grateful for the discernment long ago that allowed him to understand the difference between success and fulfillment.
"I think without God in my life, all the pressure of life falls on me to figure it all out [and] take a stand on everything," he said. "When you have faith in God, [you know] He has a plan for your life and you have moral clarity. Having His security, serenity, peace and freedom is a beautiful way to go through this life. His friendship is paramount, and I thank God for giving me this energy. He has been good to me.
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Mike Mastromatteo is a Toronto writer, editor and book reviewer.
This story was originally published in OSV News. This item is a translation of the original in English, which you can view at here.
Rebeca, a Salvadoran mother, businesswoman, and marathon runner, turned running into a "dialogue with God" by offering every effort for her family and the souls in purgatory.
Rebeca, or Rebe as many know her, is a whirlwind of energy and faith. Wife, mother of five, businesswoman and Salvadoran marathon runner, her life is a testimony of how the multiple facets of the contemporary woman can converge in a path of encounter with God. "Like so many women of this century, I live each day with my heart divided between multiple facets, trying to give the best of myself in each one," confesses Rebe. For her, this intricate tapestry of life is woven, as she says, "always with the invisible thread of faith".
His relationship with the faith was nurtured in the warmth of a Catholic home, marked by simple and profound examples."I remember my two grandmotherseach one with her rosary between her fingers," she recalls. Her paternal grandmother instilled in her devotion to the blessed souls in purgatory and trust in divine mercy. However, it was love that would propel her to an even deeper connection.
Running for love
In her youth, she prayerfully asked to "find a boyfriend who would love God and help me walk toward Him." Her prayer was answered with the arrival of her husband, who not only taught her to pray the Salve, but, years later, would be the inspiration for Rebe to put on running shoes.
Family life, with the arrival of five children, became a real "long-distance race". After the birth of their fifth daughter, medical advice led her husband to take up running for health reasons. Rebe, "seeking to share time with him and rekindle the flame of love," decided to join him. The start was not easy. "I remember the first day: I could barely breathe trying to keep up with him, while he came and went by my side," she says. The anecdote that marked a before and after, and forged her spirit as a runner, came when, in a moment of desperation during those first jogs, he blurted out: "Rebe, I didn't come here to walk". That phrase was the starting signal for her determination. She began to train alone during the week, alternating walking and jogging, until the day came when, in the shared runs, it was she "who was now setting the pace".
Long distances soon became his new horizon. She would get up at dawn to accumulate kilometers and return in time for the family's morning routine. In "that deep silence of the early morning, between the sound of my footsteps and the beating of my heart", Rebe found a "sacred space: my dialogue with God".
She discovered that, "in the solitude of the road, I could talk to him, thank him, ask him for strength". Although she sometimes escapes to the Tabernacle, she acknowledges that on her morning runs, "God gives us unique sunrises, each sunrise with its own palette of colors, reminding me that his love is always new and impressive."
Praying and running
For Rebeca, faith is lived "in everyday life. Together with her husband, they are convinced that "example is the best way to bring our children closer to God". But they do not hide their own struggles and frailties, because they know that "it is important to show them our falls, our struggles, and how we get up again and again, knowing that we are beloved children of a merciful Father".
Running taught him a valuable lesson: "A runner always moves forward with pain". This maxim became a fundamental pillar. "As in life," Rebeca reflects, "if we want to reach our goals we must move forward despite the pain, despite our fears, knowing that we are not alone in every step."
She learned to offer that effort, "that tiredness, for the souls in purgatory, for my family, for the intentions of those I love". An illusion constantly accompanies her: "to think that, perhaps, one day I will meet in heaven those souls for whom I ran an extra mile or offered a kilometer at a suicidal pace".
Running has also become a family activity. They have entered several races together, celebrating every goal they reach and learning that "spiritual life, like sports, is a constant struggle, but also a shared celebration".
Today, Rebeca looks back and sees that "every step, every race, every prayer, has been part of the same journey: that of seeking God in the ordinary, of finding Him in love, in effort and in the joy of living. Because, in the end, running and believing are, for her, two ways of always moving towards Him.
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The Pope was able to speak by telephone with the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, following yesterday's attack by the Israeli army. against the Holy Family Church of Gazawhich caused the death of three people and injured others, some seriously. This was reported by the Holy See Press Office in a communiqué.
In this conversation, according to the note, the Pope reiterated his call for an immediate ceasefire and the reactivation of a peace negotiation process for the area.
Leo XIV conveyed to the Israeli leader his concern for the humanitarian situation of the people of Gaza and stressed "the urgency of protecting places of worship and especially the faithful and all people in Palestine and Israel".
Conversation with the Patriarch of Jerusalem
This conversation with the political authority was not the only one that the Pope has had in recent hours to learn about and show his willingness to help in the situation of the war that has been ravaging the Holy Land for more than a year.
The pontiff was able to converse with the Cardinal Pierbattista PizzaballaThe Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem shortly before he arrived at the attacked church.
The Cardinal went to the area of the attack together with His Beatitude Theophilos III, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, "as part of an ecclesiastical delegation, expressing the shared pastoral solicitude of the Churches of the Holy Land and their concern for the Gaza community," as reported by the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.
Cardinal Pizzaballa thus wanted to assess "personally the humanitarian and pastoral needs of the community, to help guide the Church's ongoing presence and response."
In addition, in the last few hours, and at the request of the Latin Patriarchateand in coordination with humanitarian partners, "ensured access for the delivery of essential assistance not only to the Christian community, but also to as many families as possible. This includes hundreds of tons of food supplies, as well as first aid kits and emergency medical equipment. In addition, the Patriarchate ensured the evacuation of those injured in the attack to medical institutions outside Gaza where they will receive medical care."
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A study conducted by Georgetown University's Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate shows that devotion to the Virgin Mary has a significant impact on vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life.
Devotion to Mary is a significant factor in discerning and maintaining a call to priestly and religious life, according to a new study.
"As religious women, Mary has played a very important role in our religious life, and I am excited to see the report as a kind of confirmation that Mary is indeed our model," said Sister Thu T. Do, a Sister of the Lovers of the Holy Cross and research associate at Georgetown University's Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA).
On July 16, CARA released a report entitled "Impact of Mary, Mother of the Church, on Church Vocations," which Sister Thu and fellow CARA researcher Jonathon L. Wiggins prepared in response to a request from the Diocese of Saginaw, Michigan.
Study the Marian dimension of the Church
Diocesan theologian and coordinator of ongoing diaconal formation, Daniel Osborn, spearheaded that request. Osborn told OSV News that the "primary genesis" of the project was Pope Francis' November 2023 call to members of the International Theological Commission for further study on the Marian dimension of the Church.
"On a personal level," he added, "I owe my own ecclesial vocation as a lay theologian to Our Lady's intercession." So the study, Osborn explained, was also "a way of honoring her and thanking her personally for how she intervened in my own life," which saw him return to the Catholic faith of his childhood after a period of estrangement.
The survey, conducted between March and May using paper forms sent by postal mail and e-mail questionnaires, represented responses from 1,091 respondents, a mix of U.S. Catholic bishops, diocesan priests, permanent deacons, directors of deacons and major superiors of religious men and women.
Vocational discernment
Among the six groups surveyed, an average of 59 % said that Marian devotion had had a "significant" or "great" impact on their discernment of a vocation to serve Jesus Christ and the Church. Of the groups, religious priests (71 %) cited Marian devotion the most, while deacon directors (49 %) cited it the least.
The majority of respondents (92 %) claimed to have learned about Marian devotion as children, with family (79 %) being the primary means of introduction, followed by parishes (44 %) and Catholic schools (44 %).
The rosary tops the list of common Marian devotional practices during vocation discernment, with 71 % saying they pray it in private and 52 % saying they pray it with others. Praying before images of Mary-whether icons, statues or paintings-was cited by 40 % of respondents.
Among the participants, the home (80 %) was the main place of devotion during their vocational discernment, followed by the parish (77 %).
Marian apparitions and medals
Respondents also said they "often" or "always" wear the Miraculous Medal (32 %), associated with Mary's apparitions to St. Catherine Laboure in the 19th century; the brown scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel (29 %); or another Marian medal (18 %).
Pilgrimages to Marian apparition sites before coming to their vocation in the Church were also noted by 44 % of all respondents, with Guadalupe (29 %) and Lourdes (28 %) as the most visited sites.
The majority of respondents (74 %) affirmed that devotion to Mary has "strengthened" or "greatly strengthened" the living out of their respective vocations. Bishops (89 %) were the ones who most emphasized the role of Mary in this regard.
Marian devotion also reinforces respondents' current devotion to the Eucharist, with a total of 8 0% stating that Mary has had a "significant" or "great" impact.
The survey's open-ended question on the Marian dogma or doctrine that has most influenced the respondents' vocations elicited 31 specific examples, with the Immaculate Conception, the Mother of God or "Theotokos," the Assumption and the perpetual virginity of Mary being the most frequently cited.
Most significant Marian devotions
Another open-ended question on the most significant Marian titles garnered a high response rate, with 84 % of participants listing a total of 128 different Marian titles. The most popular was "Mary, Mother of God," followed by "Our Lady of Perpetual Help," "Mary, Mother of the Church," "Unbinding," "Our Lady of Guadalupe," "Our Lady/Mother of Sorrows," "Theotokos" ("God-bearer"), "Queen of Peace," "Our Lady of Good Counsel" and "Immaculate Heart."
Among the Marian authors mentioned by the participants in the survey, the first is the French priest St. Louis Marie de Montfort, followed by St. John Paul II, St. Maximilian Kolbe, Venerable Fulton J. Sheen, Father Michael E. Gaitley, member of the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception, and St. Alphonsus Liguori.
Among other findings of the report:
– Saint John Paul II was named the saint who had most inspired the Marian devotion of the respondents, followed by St. Louis de Montfort, St. Joseph, St. Bernadette of Lourdes, St. Alphonsus Liguori, St. Dominic and St. Thérèse of Lisieux.
- The Gospels of Luke and John were the most popular sources of Scripture related to Mary.
- Marian art such as the Pietà, the tilma of St. Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin printed with the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and representations of the Annunciation and Our Lady of Perpetual Help received "a high volume of mentions" among survey participants.
Mary as "companion, friend and guide".
"Most respondents described Mary's presence in their lives using terms such as companion, friend, guide, consoler, model, intercessor, mother, and inspirer of vocations," the report said. "Many also spoke of experiencing her role through Marian devotional practices and being consecrated to Mary."
Mary "meets us everywhere," Sister Thu told OSV News. "Even in the place or at the time when we don't meet anyone, Our Lady, Mary, is there."
This news was first published in OSV News. You can read the original text HERE.
Saint Symphorosa and seven holy children, martyrs on the Via Tiburtina in Rome
On July 18, the Church celebrates Saint Symphorosa and the seven martyred sons, also saints, she had with her husband. saint Getulio, military tribune, who died a martyr at the time of Adriano. All remained firm in the faith, in the III-IV centuries.
Francisco Otamendi-July 18, 2025-Reading time: 2minutes
"Nine miles from Rome along the via Tiburtina, commemoration of Saints Symphorosa and her seven companions (tradition affirms that they were her sons). Crescentius, Julian, Nemesius, Primitivus, Justin, Statius and Eugenius, martyrs, who were martyred in various ways, faithful to their brotherhood with Christ." Thus says the Roman Martyrology about saint Symphorosa and her seven saintly childrenThe saints and blessed, who are commemorated on July 18, together with other saints and blessed, are also commemorated on July 18.
Saint Symphorosa was a Roman matron, mother of martyrs. Her husband, saint Getulio, who was a military tribune, died a martyr in the time of Adriano. This marriage had seven sons whose names we have just mentioned and which tradition preserves. They were a Christian family.
Family of martyrs
Hadrian sent to prison Getulius and his brother Amantius, also a military man, who were beheaded in the Tiber.
Sinforosa spoke to her children about the threat and loyalty to God, the attitude of her father. She had to hide for seven months with her children, hiding in the persecution, and told them about martyrdom. They all said they were willing to die rather than worship idols. The family was arrested. Sinforosa was thrown into the river Teverone, near Tivoli, with a stone tied around her neck. Her children were martyred, and blessed God in the midst of the torment.
"The seven brothers" and other saints
When Hadrian calmed down, the Christians were able to give burial to those they called "the seven brothers", and they built a small church to Symphorosa. Subsequently, her relics were transferred to Rome and placed next to those of her husband St. Getulius.
On the same day, the liturgy commemorates other saints such as Arnulf of Metz, Simon of Lipnica, Bruno of Segni, Dominic Nicholas Dinh Dat, Frederick of Utrecht, Emilianus of Dorostoro, Philastrius of Brescia, Maternus of Milan, Rufilo, St. Theodosia of Constantinople, and the Ukrainian nun Blessed Tarcisia (Olga) Mackiv, murdered in Poland in 1944.
Gospel according to St. John: where the human reveals the eternal
St. John, who wrote his Gospel in his old age, always discovers the same Word, the same timeless, eternal Christ, behind every event of Christ's temporal life.
July 18, 2025-Reading time: 2minutes
Reading these days the Gospel according to St. JohnI was particularly struck by a fundamental aspect that seems to contrast with the general idea that we can have of this Gospel. It would seem that this last canonical Gospel, written at the end of the first century, after the three synoptic Gospels, would be "theological", understanding this concept as being little attentive to the concrete historical data in which the earthly life of Jesus of Nazareth unfolded.
But this general idea about the fourth Gospel contrasts, from the beginning, with the reality of what is concretely written, in conformity with the author's purpose who, from the beginning, makes it very clear that he wants to present what is truly human in Jesus: "And the Word became flesh" (Jn 1:14).
Eternity and humanity
Yes, certainly, he looks at the Word in his eternity, in his pre-temporality, but not separated or pre-temporal without more, but in his union with the "flesh", with his humanity, and, moreover, with his humanity in what is weakest and most fragile.
John, who wrote his Gospel in his old age, intuits and discovers behind every event of the temporal, historical life of Christ, the same Word, the same timeless, eternal Christ, "who is still in the bosom of the Father" (cf. Jn 1:18), working on earth. The human in no way contrasts with the divine in Jesus, but is his transparency and manifestation.
Unity in the Gospel
There is no dualism, no Gnostic docetism, but unity, even in the most painful hours of the passion and death of Jesus. It is precisely in these sufferings that John sees the divinity of Christ, his eternal and definitive Love, shine forth with particular splendor: "And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all men to myself" (Jn 12:32). The miracles, for their part, more than works of power, are "signs", "shining forth" of his Love, of his divinity.
Ultimately, all the facts of Jesus' life, well grounded in earth and history, are placed in the light of the eternal Word, the "only-begotten" Son: "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth" (Jn 1:14).
Catholic parish in Gaza comes under bombardment, Leo XIV calls for immediate ceasefire
The only Catholic parish in Gaza was hit by an Israeli tank and seven parishioners were wounded. The Pope demands in a telegram an immediate cease-fire.
The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem reported in a brief statement the attack on the Holy Family parish, the only Catholic parish in the Gaza Strip, in which seven people were wounded, including two elderly people.
Although the death toll was not yet known at the time of the first announcement, two people were killed in the attack, as has since been confirmed.
According to initial reports, an Israeli tank fired at the church, which serves the approximately 500 Christians remaining in Gaza. The army points to a "shooting error" in which also the parish priest, Gabriel Romanelli, suffered a minor leg wound, but was able to attend to the more seriously wounded before being treated and discharged from the Al-Ahli Arab Baptist hospital.
Pope Leo XIV's request for peace
This attack on the only Catholic church in the Strip adds to the untenable situation of the community.
Pope Leo XIV sent a telegram to the Catholic community in the area, emphasizing his "profound sadness" over the attack and assuring them of his prayers for "the consolation of those who mourn and for the recovery of the wounded."
The pontiff made an "appeal for an immediate ceasefire", as he has been doing since his election, with "hope for dialogue, reconciliation and lasting peace in the region".
Opus Dei launches a healing and listening office in Spain
With members and former members of the Work as interlocutors, the Office aims to "channel these processes in a structured way and better respond to the requests received".
– Supernatural Prelature of Opus Dei has published on its web site the launching of a new healing and listening office to attend to former members of the Prelature or former attendees of its activities who may feel hurt or have complaints of an institutional nature.
The Healing and Listening Office of the Opus Dei in Spain, created by a decree of the Regional Vicar of the Prelature dated May 13, 2025, continues the line of interlocution marked by the protocols that the institution put in place more than 10 years ago to deal with possible cases of abuse and which have been progressing and taking shape over the years.
This type of office already exists in many dioceses and religious institutions in Spain and, according to Opus Dei, this new office aims to "promote healing processes" with former members of the Prelature or former attendees of its activities who may feel hurt or have complaints of an institutional nature.
It is not the first of these offices that Opus Dei has, since 2022, in Argentina, there is the Office of Healing and Resolution, with a similar objective in the American region. Since 2024, the Prelature has also had an Office of Healing and Resolution in Argentina, with a similar objective in the American region. channel to receive requests or complaints related to their time at the Work through an e-mail.
Former members of the listening team
This office is intended to be one more step in the task of "channeling these processes in a structured way and to better attend to the requests received". To this end, the Prelature has formed a team that includes professionals in the fields of psychology, spirituality, education, social work and pastoral accompaniment.
Among these people, there are men and women, some belonging to the institution, some without government positions, and people who previously belonged to the Work in order to offer a "space of trust that allows each case to be attended with empathy and respect".
In fact, the office has operational independence with respect to the government of the Prelature and it is these persons who act as interlocutors between the Work and those affected and who are responsible for "transferring to the Prelature, if necessary, the requests or suggestions for forgiveness or reparation that, in agreement with the claimant, are deemed appropriate." The communiqué does not clarify the type of reparation referred to, or whether the possibility of economic restitution is even contemplated in some cases.
Repair and healing
Through the attention given to the persons who come to the office, this office will gather information "to understand what happened, assess the magnitude of the case and seek the best way to offer assistance and healing". The Prelature itself points out that "the office team can count on external advice - for example, for legal orientation or institutional mediation - always with the express consent of the person attended to."
Preparation for the centenary of Opus Dei
The office was born from a path of work, listening and learning of the Prelature of Opus Dei, together with that of the entire Catholic Church, in dealing not only with cases of abuse (sexual or of conscience) but also in welcoming people who have been wounded or confronted with the religious institution.
In addition to different cases of disgruntled former members that have directly affected the institution founded by St. Josemaría Escrivá, the Work emphasizes its desire to "improve personal attention, especially towards those who have left the Work" and that this type of action will serve to prepare for the centenary of the foundation of Opus Dei, which will take place in 2028.
Saints Hedwig, Queen of Poland and Lithuania, and Theresa of St. Augustine
On July 17, the Church celebrates St. Hedwig, young queen of Poland and Lithuania. With her husband, the king of Lithuania, she had great influence in the evangelization of that country. She founded the Faculty of Theology of the University of Krakow, "the Jaguellonian" (Poland)". The Blessed Teresa of St. Augustine and 15 Discalced Carmelite nuns, martyrs in France, are also commemorated today.
Francisco Otamendi-July 17, 2025-Reading time: 2minutes
The liturgy today commemorates St. Hedwig, or Hedwig, who inherited the throne of Poland (1382-1399) upon the death of her father, Louis I of Hungary. The saint was historical figure important in the union of Poland and Lithuania. She married King Ladislaus Jaguellon of Lithuania, converted to Christianity as Ladislaus II, and her husband, evangelized the country.
The 'Roman Martyrology' defines it this way: 'In Krakow, city of Poland, saint Hedwig, queen, who, born in Hungary, inherited the kingdom of Poland and married Jagiellon, great lord of Lithuania, who received in baptism the name of Ladislaus, and with whom she implanted the Catholic faith in that territory of Lithuania († 1399)'." Jadwiga Andegaweńskain Polish, was noted for his charitable work, founding of hospitals and his role in the Christianization of Lithuania.
Faculty of Theology at the University of Krakow
St. Hedwig took an active part in the life of the huge Polish-Lithuanian state. She promoted culture and founded the Faculty of Theology at the University of Krakow ("the Jaguellonian"), one of the oldest in Europe. Saint John Paul IIwho studied there, would teach that "the real wealth of a country is its universities".
Queen Hedwig, who died at the age of 25, has been admired for centuries. She was beatified in 1987, and canonized ten years later, by the holy Polish Pope. And her relics were transferred to the altar of Christ Crucified in the Cathedral of Krakow.
Martyrs in the French Revolution
Blessed Teresa of St. Augustine, prioress, and 15 Discalced Carmelite nuns of the Carmel of Compiègne, were guillotined in Paris in 1794, during the French Revolution. Therese of St. Augustine was born in Paris in 1752 and entered the Discalced Carmelite monastery of Compiègne, some 65 km north of Paris. Through her inspiration, all the Carmelites offered themselves to the Lord as victims of atonement to ask for peace for the Church and for their country.
Also celebrated today is St. Alexius, 4th century, who left his home to become a beggar who begged for alms incognito. Saint Hyacinth, martyr in Asia Minor (today Turkey). Saints Justa and Rufina, sister martyrs of Seville (Spain), whose memory is recorded in the most ancient martyrologies. O St. Leo IVPope (847-855), buried in St. Peter's.
Bishop Dunia appeals for help in the face of attacks and kidnappings in Nigeria
The Bishop of Auchi (Nigeria), Gabriel Ghieakhomo Dunia, has appealed for national and international help in the face of attacks and attacks in his diocese. A few days ago, gunmen attacked the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Auchi, in the Nigerian state of Edo, killing a security officer and kidnapping three seminarians.
OSV / Omnes-July 17, 2025-Reading time: 4minutes
- Auchi, Nigeria (OSV News)
In response to the attack by gunmen a few days ago at the Minor Seminary of the Immaculate Conception, Diocese of Auchi (Nigeria), Bishop Gabriel Dunia has asked for prayer and help, spiritual or human, to help contain the insecurity. On this occasion, the assailants killed a security officer and kidnapped three seminarians, reported the diocese of Auchi and Aid to the Church in Need (ACN). Help has also been requested from the authorities.
ACN has strongly condemned the attack. And it joins the diocese of Auchi, "in mourning the loss of Mr. Aweneghieme and in fervent prayer for the safe and speedy release of the kidnapped seminarians."
"We stand in solidarity with the families affected and the Christian community, which continues to suffer the consequences of violence and instability," ACN said. This pontifical foundation supports local churches around the world that are struggling with religious persecution.
Diocese of Auchi, in contact with aggressors
Bishop Gabriel Dunia of Auchi has asked all priests in the diocese to celebrate masses, offer blessings, and lead the faithful in the rosary to ask for divine protection for the entire state of Edo.
Describing the attack in a message sent to ACN, he said, "They came in large numbers, and it was impossible for the guards to stop them." He further stated that the diocese is "connected with aggressors through mediators".
The bishop confirmed that the kidnapped seminarians are between 14 and 17 years old. The entire seminary community, students and professors, have been evacuated to nearby parishes until security measures are tightened. There are also plans to erect a protective fence around the seminary grounds.
A high ransom is not feasible
Although there has already been contact with the kidnappers, paying a high ransom is not feasible. "The students and their families live in extreme poverty. And the Auchi diocese itself depends on outside help, including from ACN, to cover the basic expenses of priestly formation," Bishop Dunia said. In addition, church authorities in Nigeria follow an official policy of not paying ransom, in part to avoid encouraging more kidnappings.
The Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary, founded in 2006, has formed more than 500 students for the priesthood, and "continues to be a beacon of hope for the local Catholic community," ACN noted.
Violence in Africa's most populous country
Nigeria, Africa's most populous country, is experiencing deadly violence in various parts of the country. In particular by internationally recognized terrorist groups such as Boko Haram, mainly herdsmen, bandits or Islamic Fulani (ethnic) gangs.
The groups have invaded farmland, threatening farm owners and forcing Christians to leave. Analysts have described this as a slow but silent persecution that, so far, authorities have not classified as terrorism.
Pope Leo XIV prays for the victims
In mid-June, scenes of horror unfolded after some 200 people were "brutally murdered" in Yelwata, Benue State, Nigeria. Pope Leo XIV prayed for the victims, calling it a "terrible massacre". On the occasion of this attack, Omnes denounced the silence of the Spanish general press, which barely echoed the tragedy.
In addition, earlier in the same month, at least 85 people were killed in coordinated waves of attacks in the space of a week in Benue state. The Nigerian church is also experiencing numerous abductions of priests.
Father Alphonsus Afina, assigned to several Alaskan parishes from September 2017 through 2024, was abducted June 1 in Nigeria, his home country, along with an unspecified number of fellow travelers while in Nigeria's Borno state near the northeastern city of Gwoza. Faithful on two continents are praying for his safe return. As of July 15, he was still being held hostage.
Two million sequestered in one year (2023-2024)
In December, Nigeria's National Bureau of Statistics released a report showing that more than 2 million people had been kidnapped between May 2023 and April 2024 alone. Around 600,000 Nigerians have been killed, and around $1.4 billion has been paid in ransom. An average of $1,700 per incident during that period.
Despite ongoing persecution, 94 % of self-identified Nigerian Catholics said in a survey that they attend weekly or daily Mass. The data was published in an early 2023 study by Georgetown University's Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate.
Bishop's Appeal
Speaking to ACN, Bishop Dunia made an emotional appeal for solidarity, both within Nigeria and internationally. "I call on everyone, every person, to come to our aid: to pray for us, to make any effort, whatever it may be, material, spiritual or human, that will help us to contain the insecurity. Our local efforts are being overwhelmed," he said.
The bishop also expressed frustration at the lack of concrete protection from local authorities. "We are asking the civilian government to come to the site," Bishop Dunia added. "They assured us that they would stay to protect the area. But we have not seen any concrete action so far."
Attacks against Christians
Although the exact motives of the attackers are still unclear, Bishop Dunia told ACN that the situation in his diocese, located southwest of Abuja, Nigeria's capital, has been worrisome for some time. This is not the first attack on the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary. In March 2025, the rector of the seminary was kidnapped and one of the seminarians was killed.
These repeated attacks highlight the systematic threats that Christian institutions in Nigeria are increasingly facing. According to the prelate, the attackers come from the north and are believed to be members of the Fulani ethnic group.
"We don't even know for sure what they want. But we see a growing pattern of attacks targeting Christian communities and institutions," said the bishop, who expressed concern that this may be an attempt to occupy land or drive the Christian community out of the area.
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This news is a translation of the original OSV News in English, which can be consulted here. here.
Faith and life: leadership in the Church and in society
Fe y vida does a necessary and commendable work inviting Catholics to know Jesus better, to love Him more and to serve Him better.
July 17, 2025-Reading time: 3minutes
"Strong men create good times, good times create weak men, weak men create hard times, hard times create strong men." The above sentence appears in Michael Hopf's novel "The Remainers". In it, the author reflects on human nature and the cycle of history. His narrative leads us to confirm that difficulties forge character, it is in them that man knows his strength and scope.
And we can recognize throughout history that it is precisely in the storms that heroes emerge. For example, Nelson Mandela, who after living in prison for 27 years, became a symbol of reconciliation and hope. Or Mahatma Gandhi who led the struggle for the independence of his country in a peaceful way. St. Francis of Assisi who "renewed" the decadent Church in its conduct through his witness of holiness. Anne Frank, Malala Yousafzai, Cardinal Van Thuan... there are many examples of heroism arising from injustice and pain.
I think we can agree that we live in difficult times (wars, hunger, drug trafficking, injustices for immigrants, violence, lies...) and that this must motivate us with power to become strong men and women. This is what our times need! May the Church give us Christian leaders!
Rediscovering our value
Certainly, science and faith together provide answers to our deepest questions and are the key that opens the door to the meaning of life. The crisis of today's man is rooted in the lack of meaning. The excess of sensations and the madness of the immediate prevent postmodern man from reflecting and deepening the value of his being and existence. We need a healthy and holy leadership, we need coherent Christians to save the whole world that is going downhill.
I had the grace to be invited by the movement Faith and Life to participate in their annual leadership program. The experience I had was inspiring. I was able to see that our Church is alive and that it wants to go out to the peripheries so that everyone knows they are not alone, that everyone feels relief from their burdens and sees light on their paths.
I was invited to give a workshop with Ferney Ramirez on "mental health". They explained to me that there is a need to give an effective response to this problem that is growing in a palpable way in families. They asked us to equip them with tools for life.
Faith and life
We did a job that gave us a lot of satisfaction. The reasons?
Fe y Vida is an institute that trains pastoral agents, youth leaders and parents for the New Evangelization of Latino youth in the United States.
It promotes the Christian lifestyle, which is based on values made life. The practice of virtues and love as a powerful driving force.
It is not a self-referential institute, it is a coordinated effort that trains leaders from all parishes so that they can carry out their pastoral work with professional preparation, improving their effectiveness for the good of many.
They make a formidable team of laity and religious united for the same purpose, living together as an organized, united family, where each one contributes his or her talent, enriching the work and its fruits.
Integral formation is given to all church leaders in their various ministries: music, catechesis, transmission of the Word, liturgy, prayer and piety, family formation, parenting schools...and on this occasion the work of promoting mental health was introduced because it is considered to be a current and urgent need of young people and their families.
In this way we forge character and wish to make of our life an epic: a long narration of heroic deeds.
I am convinced and hopeful by these words of Alexandre Dumas: "Good is slow because it goes uphill, evil is fast because it goes downhill"; and my ears hear this divine call: "Let us not grow weary in doing good, for if we do not lose heart, we shall reap in due season" (Gal. 6:9).
I thank God because this Church of His is alive and embraces and welcomes every person, from its many initiatives to bring us all closer to Him. Faith and Life does a necessary and commendable work, I invite you to know everything it offers and how you can prepare yourself with them to know Jesus more, to love Him more and serve Him better.
Today's first reading is one of those mysterious Old Testament episodes in which the Holy Trinity is glimpsed, hinted at. The Trinity is only fully revealed in the New Testament, and for good reason. In a world where people worshipped almost anything, God had to make it clear that there was only one God. But once that was done-at least to Israel-he could reveal the Trinity, which he did through Jesus. However, he could still leave some clues along the way and prepare the ground. And that is what we do today.
What is striking in this episode is that because Abraham is generous in showing hospitality to these unknown visitors-or was he just a visitor? - God blesses him with the son he and Sarah had always longed for. The Lord leaves telling him that within a year Sarah will conceive, and so she does. His generosity bore fruit, and the best fruit of all, a human being. In a mysterious way, her generosity gave life to a child. Abraham did not know the Trinity, but unwittingly embraced it.
Today's Gospel also speaks to us of hospitality. Jesus goes to the home of Martha and Mary; Martha is busy serving him and his disciples, while Mary merely sits at his feet to listen to him. When Martha complains about her sister's inactivity, instead of Jesus scolding Mary, it is Martha who receives a loving rebuke.
This episode also tells us about the true nature of hospitality, so important in biblical times and in the ancient world. It was considered sacred. Perhaps we have lost some of that in our busy, individualistic Western world. Perhaps we should be more willing to show hospitality to others, generously, not grudgingly. But hospitality is not just about running around doing lots of things for guests, as Martha did, although that can show a lot of love and affection. it is about recognizing the dignity and worth of the one who has come to visit.
In the New Testament there is a text in the letter to the Hebrews that states: "do not forget hospitality: by it some have unwittingly entertained angels." (Hebrews 13:2). It seems to refer to this episode of Abraham welcoming these three men. Sometimes in the Old Testament it is not clear whether it is God or an angel: God seems to speak through an angel, but ends up being Himself. When we welcome others, we are welcoming angels, or even God. Jesus told us: "every time you did it to one of these, my least brothers and sisters, you did it to me.".
The reason he scolded Martha was that she did not really realize whom she had at home. She did not realize, at least not yet, that God himself had come to her house in human form. But perhaps Mary did, and that is why she sat down to listen to Him. She knew He had words of eternal life. She knew that nothing she could do for Christ could compare with what He was giving her in His teachings. True hospitality consists in appreciating the dignity of the visitor and that, in every visitor, we are visited by Jesus, our Lord and God.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Mother and Queen of the Carmelites
A very popular invocation of the Virgin Mary is Our Lady of Mount Carmel, which the Church celebrates on July 16. The Discalced Carmelites of the Convent of St. Joseph (Avila), write for Omnes about Our Lady of Mount Carmel. They address, for example, the vision of St. Simon Stock, and the devotion of St. Teresa of Jesus to the Virgin of Mount Carmel.
Discalced Carmelites. St. Joseph of Avila-July 16, 2025-Reading time: 4minutes
One of the most popular invocations of the Virgin is undoubtedly that of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the motherly and loving Virgin holding the Child Jesus in one of her arms while offering with her hand the holy Scapular.
Patroness of the Sea, of many towns and churches, patroness of the Order of Carmel and special advocate for those who are about to depart for the afterlife. But where did this title come from, this familiar and endearing icon, these ancient promises of salvation and assistance even for those in Purgatory?
Is it just a legend that is represented in so many pictures and images, which depict her among vaporous clouds, angels and flowers, handing the Scapular to an old Carmelite man with a gray beard? Or spreading her white cloak over a choir of friars and nuns dressed as their Queen and Patroness?
The prayer of St. Simon Stock
However, there is nothing more real than this Marian fact around which the whole history and spirituality of the Carmelites revolves. This singular and mysterious medieval Order, which arose, it is not very well known at what time or in what way, from an eremitical movement in the Holy Land, which began to take canonical form in the early thirteenth century, has its crowning moment in this sweetest scene.
A Superior General from England, Simon StockHe is worried and despondent about the future of his Order. He asks and begs the Virgin with a prayer that has become famous, to protect and protect his children:
Flos Carmeli - vitis florigera
Splendor coeli - Virgo puerpera singularis
Mater mitis - sed viri nescia
Carmelitis - da privilegia
Stella maris
What privilege did the venerable Superior ask for? That of being able to continue that profoundly contemplative way of life that existed since the beginnings of the Order. That of being able to remain faithful to the original charism in a canonically very complicated situation, which would have threatened the survival of Carmel. It is then that Our Lady responds, offering more than what was asked of her.
The holy Scapular
One of the best historians of the figure of S. Simon Stock She describes the scene as follows: "... To whom the Blessed Virgin appeared, assisted by a multitude of angels, carrying the scapular in her blessed hands. And she gave it to him saying: "This will be for you and for all Carmelites a grace: whoever dies with it will not suffer eternal fire. Send brothers to the Roman Pontiff Innocent, that I will return it to you favorably, and he will confirm your privileges....". (Ildefonso of the Immaculate, St. Simon Stock. Historical claim, p. 100. Valencia 1976).
But there is more. In the Carmelite Order, especially during the 14th and 15th centuries, there was a growing awareness of being, par excellence, the Order of Mary Most Holy. Great poets like Bautista Mantuano or Arnoldo Bostio. Theologians and writers such as John of Hildesheim, John Grossi, Thomas Bradley or John Paleonidore. Superiors and historians of the Carmelite Carmel put their thoughts and pens at the service of Marian devotion.
The great celebration of July 16
A devotion that little by little was concretized in the great feast of July 16, in which all the great previous tradition was gathered and given a new impulse. The feast of Mount Carmel was initially called the feast of "the benefits of Our Lady for her Order". Later it was called the feast of the Scapular. And finally, as we know it today: "Our Lady of Mount Carmel", whom the religious honored as Mother, Sister, Patroness, model, intercessor and the most precious jewel of their Order.
The multitude of physical and spiritual miracles worked by means of the holy Scapular (devotion that spread very soon and with great acceptance by the faithful people) made of this invocation, as we have said before, not only a beloved treasure of the Carmelites. It was also something truly ingrained in the heart of the People of God.
Devotion of St. Teresa of Jesus to Our Lady of Mount Carmel
There has been little study of the devotion of Saint Teresa of Jesus to the Virgin Mary. We should not be surprised, since in his writings the allusions he makes to Her are very scattered and a careful look is necessary to discover them.
However, the great Reformer of Carmel was not only a profoundly Marian soul, but a true theological place. Where the mystery of Mary is found with such richness, such a variety of nuances and in such a complete way that the Saint deserves a place of honor among the singularly Marian saints.
The recitation of the Rosary and a long etcetera.
The recitation of the Rosary, which he learned from the lips of his mother Beatriz de Ahumada. The mysteries and feasts of the Virgin, which are all related to some important event in her life. To consider Carmel as the Order of the Virgin in every little detail, are already an indication of this tender and deep devotion. In the blue and white shadow of the Immaculate Conception he manages to convert the priest of Becedas. On the day of the Assumption he receives three portentous mystical graces, two of them in relation to the Barefoot Reform; he likes to renew his profession on the feast of the Nativity of the Virgin... And so on and so forth.
The vision of Our Lady's protection
The Order of the Virgin, the houses or dovecotes of the Virgin, the habit of the Virgin or the Rule of Our Lady are habitual expressions in her. The mercy received in the primitive choir of St. Joseph of Avila, in which she sees the Virgin protecting the first community founded by her with her white cloak, is completely emblematic. It is perhaps the only time he refers to the Virgin of Mount Carmel, but not as the Virgin of the scapular. But as the one who guards in a very special way that first convent whose dwellers will have "a high degree of glory" (Book of Life 36, 24).
To cite a particularly expressive paragraph of her writings, this one from the Book of the Moradas can serve as a golden brooch. In it she places before the eyes of her nuns the Virgin as Patroness and ideal of their life:
"For you have such a good Mother."
"Your Majesty well knows that I can only boast of your mercy, and since I cannot cease to be what I have been, I have no other choice but to come to her and trust in the merits of her Son and of the Virgin, his Mother, whose habit I unworthily wear and you wear."
"Praise Him, my daughters, you are truly this Lady's, and thus you have no reason to reproach yourselves that I am wretched, since you have such a good Mother. Imitate her and consider how great the greatness of this Lady must be and how good it is to have her as Patroness, for my sins and my being what I am have not been enough to tarnish this Sacred Order in any way" (Third Moradas 1, 3).
The authorDiscalced Carmelites. St. Joseph of Avila
There is only one mother, and Carmen speaks to us of an absolutely countercultural spousal relationship, but one that is extremely important for the development of the human being.
July 16, 2025-Reading time: 3minutes
Virgin, Mother and Wife: these are by no means the values that are most promoted in today's women. It is striking, however, how thousands of men and women will go out these days close to July 16 to honor the one who best represents them: Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
It seems unbelievable, but it is so. Towns and cities all over the world celebrate patronal feasts, festivals, maritime-terrestrial processions, novenas, triduums and all kinds of religious and civil celebrations to commemorate the feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel, which is its original name.
Moreover, the scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is one of the most popular sacramentals and countless faithful wear it and impose it on themselves every year. Those two small pieces of brown cloth joined by two ribbons or cords that are hung around the neck, symbolize the wearer wearing the habit of Mary and, therefore, the adhesion to her figure not only externally, but also internally.
Wanting to be like Mary and imitate her in her virtues is what is meant when she dresses, although, of course, few people know it and many wear it only as a kind of amulet.
It is curious that the multitudes who admire, according to the "like" counts on social networks, a model of woman totally contrary to the one Maria represents, such as that of the empowered woman, who lives for herself, free from the burden of motherhood and living for others, then go out to cheer her and have her as a reference and support in their daily lives. They remind me of those teenagers who are ashamed of their mother in front of their friends, because of the way they dress or speak, but who, when one of them betrays them, run to take refuge in their mother's comforting arms, which they know never fail.
There is only one mother, and Carmen represents, in the collective subconscious of our people, that mother that from the purest biological sense we have all needed. Someone who has lived virginity, in the sense of consecration and total surrender, because for nine months she consecrated herself totally to us. She was the only person in the world who knew us, who gave us her oxygen, her nutrients, who carried us with her everywhere and who suffered the pains of childbirth to give us life.
There is only one mother, and Carmen is the ancestral image of motherhood that we all need in the depths of our soul to feel protected and cared for. She is that lap in which we feel safe, that inexhaustible ear in which to unload our sorrows, that breast in which to satiate and comfort us, that warm voice with which to calm us...
Motherhood also makes us members of a family, of the great human family. Our Lady of Mount Carmel unites us to our closest brothers and sisters and to the extended family that is the community. Our Lady builds people, city, nation, universality.
There is only one mother, and Carmen speaks to us of an absolutely countercultural nuptiality, but very important for the development of the human being. A spousal relationship like the one the Church proposes to Christian couples, which involves literally giving one's life ("I give myself to you" they both say to each other in the ceremony), as she did, being "the handmaid of the Lord".
Being a wife or husband for life clashes head-on with the narcissism that our society glorifies. Husbands and wives do not look at themselves, but at each other. Just as human mothers break their natural tendency to overprotect their children, allying themselves with an authority other than their own - that of the father - to break the umbilical cord and find a reference that sets the limits; Mary always points to her son, who is God himself, telling us: "Do whatever he tells you".
The feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel reconciles us with the most intimate part of our being human, which is precisely to be divine. Mary is that ideal of Virgin Woman, Mother and Bride, with capital letters, which is so difficult to promote out loud today, because the great dragon of the Apocalypse is determined to persecute her and "make war on the rest of her descendants" (Rev 12:13-18).
Mary, of Carmen or any other invocation with which we address her, is, in short, a woman admired not superficially as the current model of women, but from the depths as will be seen these days in the streets and beaches. Mary is unique, because there is only one Mother.
Journalist. Graduate in Communication Sciences and Bachelor in Religious Sciences. He works in the Diocesan Delegation of Media in Malaga. His numerous "threads" on Twitter about faith and daily life have a great popularity.
Catholic scientists: Guadalupe Ortiz de Landázuri, Ph.
On July 16, 1975, Guadalupe Ortiz, doctor of Chemical Sciences and Spanish professor beatified in 2019, died. This series of short biographies of Catholic scientists is published thanks to the collaboration of the Society of Catholic Scientists of Spain.
Luis Felipe Verdeja-July 16, 2025-Reading time: 2minutes
Guadalupe Ortiz de Landázuri (December 12, 1916 - July 16, 1975) began her studies in Chemistry in Madrid in 1933. One Sunday in 1944, while attending Mass, she felt "touched by the grace of God". She met St. Josemaría Escrivá, founder of Opus Dei, who taught her that Christ can be found in professional work and in ordinary life. He joined Opus Dei a few months later, traveled to Mexico and Rome to help launch apostolic and educational initiatives, and returned to Spain, to Madrid, in 1958. There he taught physics at the Ramiro de Maeztu Institute and also began his doctoral thesis at the CSIC under the direction of Piedad de la Cierva.
His thesis, "Insulating refractories with rice husk ashes", sought to "avoid the useless waste of thermal energy by keeping the temperature high and reducing heat dispersion". Specifically, it was decided to use a product from the calcination of an agricultural residue, rice husks, a more efficient material than diatomaceous earth, the raw material used until then. Moreover, the use of rice husks means giving an industrial use to an agricultural waste, thus closing the rice production circuit in a recoverable and efficient way. It is circular economy and energy saving in the middle of the 20th century.
Guadalupe also wanted to find and develop organic molecule-compounds capable of adhering to dirt (stains on textiles), through one end of the molecule. In this way, stained fabrics could be cleaned and removed, with the corresponding savings in water, detergents and energy.
In 1967, she became a professor at the Escuela Femenina de Maestría Industrial. In addition, she was assistant director and professor of Textile Chemistry at the Centro de Estudios e Investigación de Ciencias Domésticas (CEICID).
Her joy, strength and commitment to all those around her, her strong love for the Eucharist and Our Lady characterized her. She suffered from heart disease for many years and died at the age of 58. She was beatified in Madrid in 2019 and is thus presented to us as a model for lay people in general and scientists in particular.
On July 15, the Church celebrates St. Bonaventure, Franciscan bishop and cardinal, named doctor of the Church by Pope Sixtus V, together with St. Thomas Aquinas. Also commemorated are St. Ansuero and 29 martyrs of the Benedictine community, and Ignatius of Azevedo and 39 Portuguese Jesuit martyrs, killed in 1570 on their way to Brazil.
Francisco Otamendi-July 15, 2025-Reading time: 2minutes
Born in Bagnoregio, near Viterbo, in 1218, John Fidanza, the future St. Bonaventure, who would become a bishop, cardinal and doctor of the Church, was the son of a physician. He did not want to follow his father's path. According to a legend, the decisive factor would have been a meeting with St. Francis of Assisi who, as a child, would have cured him of a serious illness by marking his forehead with the cross and exclaiming, "Oh, good fortune!".
At the age of 18 he went to Paris, studied philosophy and theology, and entered the Order of Friars Minor. After teaching at the same university, he was elected Minister General of the Order in 1257. He governed it with prudence and wisdom, becoming a sort of second founder. Appointed bishop of the diocese of Albano and cardinal, he worked hard for the union of the Eastern and Western Churches at the Second Council of Lyon, where he died on July 15, 1274.
Seraphic Doctor
He bequeathed numerous theological and philosophical, spiritual and mystical works, which earned him the title of Seraphic Doctorfor his ardent love of God. His 'Legenda maior', the official biography of St. Francis, from which Giotto drew his inspiration, has been important in Franciscan history.
In 1588 Pope Sixtus V placed him among the Doctors of the Church - six at that time - together with St. Thomas Aquinas, distinguishing St. Bonaventure as Seraphic Doctor and St. Thomas as Angelic Doctor.
Among its contributionsAccording to the Vatican agency, the need to subordinate philosophy to theology can be emphasized, following the thought of St. Augustine, according to the Vatican agency. And the elaboration of his Trinitarian theology. He was canonized in 1482 by Pope Sixtus IV.
Germanic, Portuguese, Vietnamese Martyrs
The liturgy also celebrates on this day, among others, St. Ansuerus and 29 monks of the Benedictine community of St. Georgenberg, near Ratzenburg (Germany). They were stoned to death by a tribe of the Vendos, pagans, who rebelled against the monks' work of evangelization.
The Portuguese Blessed Ignatius of Azevedo and 39 Jesuit martyrs, killed in 1570 while on their way to Brazil on missionary work, are also commemorated. The Vietnamese saints Peter Nguyen Ba Tuan and Andrew Nguyen Kim Thong Nam, persecuted for evangelizing. And to St. Vladimir the Great or of Kiev (present-day Ukraine), who died in 1015.
Will Robertson, learning God's plan through baseball
Will Robertson, left fielder for the Toronto Blue Jays, now with the Chicago White SoxHe has clear priorities in his life: faith and family. His wife Morgan, and her youngest daughter, Jonnie, travel with him from city to city to watch him play. "We're living the dream with him," she said, and learning God's plan.
OSV / Omnes-July 15, 2025-Reading time: 6minutes
Left fielder Will Robertson (Left fielder), he plays at home wherever he goes. His Loose Creek (Missouri) native wife, Morgan, and young daughter, Jonnie, travel with him to watch him play baseball, and live his dream. With the Toronto Blue Jays, and now the Chicago White Sox, he says "faith and family are No. 1."
On June 11, after playing minor league baseball, Will was called up to the Toronto Blue Jays. But almost a month later, Toronto traded him to his favorite team of the Pope Leo XIVThe Chicago White Sox, according to a July 10 report by Sportsnet, a Canadian news outlet.
Will graduated from Immaculate Conception School in Loose Creek, Fatima High School in Westphalia, Missouri, and Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska.
He was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the fourth round of the 2019 MLB draft. For the past two seasons, he played for the Buffalo Bisons, Toronto's Triple-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays. He got the call "to the bigs" while the Blue Jays were in St. Louis playing the Cardinals.
Debut in the major leagues
"I didn't play in the game, but I was on the active roster," he said in a late June interview with 'The Catholic Missourian,' Jefferson City's diocesan media outlet. "It was a very special moment to be at Busch Stadium.
"I've attended a lot of games at Busch," he noted. "But experiencing it from the opposing dugout is a very different feeling."
Will Robertson made his major league debut two days later against the Philadelphia Phillies, and earned his first big league hit in the less-than-friendly confines of Citizens Bank Park.
Proud Central Missouri Catholics
Will's wife and daughter were in the stands in Philadelphia when he took the field. "When we started going long distance, we said, 'No matter where, we're taking our family with us to these wonderful places we'd never get to without baseball," Morgan said.
"We've decided to make it all about family." she said. "So, home is not just a place for us. It's where we are when we're together." "We're very proud to be Central Missouri Catholics," added Will, who said his faith is paramount: "I wouldn't be here without it."
The couple grew up in an environment of large Catholic families. "Morgan and I were raised very traditionally by our parents," Will said. "The small German towns in central Missouri."
"And with both of us belonging to very large extended families - grandparents, aunts and uncles who grew up in the church - everyone has played a role in our upbringing over the years," he said.
Love of sports in family life
The two first met while in kindergarten. The lesson was, "Teach your children to be kind to other children," she said. "Sometimes, your kindergarten crush could be your wife!".
Will has "something like 18 cousins on my dad's side and about 12 on my mom's side."
"We all play sports," he said. "Baseball and sports in general are definitely deeply ingrained in our families".
He believes his first "home run" (note: 'home run,' a play in which the batter hits the ball and manages to go around all the bases (first, second, third and home) to score a run), came during a family game of 'wiffle ball' in his grandparents' backyard. "Growing up with a bunch of cousins, we played a lot of wiffle ball," he recalled. "Even in the field behind the church on Loose Creek. It was definitely a family affair. That's where it all started." Everyone played for fun.
Will Robertson, a Catholic native of Loose Creek, Missouri, and left fielder for the Toronto Blue Jays, made his major league debut on June 13, 2025, at the plate in Philadelphia against the Phillies. On July 10, he was traded to the Chicago White Sox (OSV News photo/courtesy of Dennis Kennedy).
Baseball and education
Only while playing varsity baseball in high school did he begin to think it might help him further his education, and perhaps turn into a career. His mother and father were around to encourage him. "Growing up, your parents are always on top of you," he said. "They're the ones who help you reach your goals."
Will is convinced that kids learn valuable lessons and forge lifelong friendships while participating in sports together. "I still have a lot of connections with kids I played ball with from the time I was 10 years old."
Robertson went to Creighton on a baseball scholarship, learning to navigate the challenges of balancing school, faith and America's hobbies. "For the first time, you have to fend for yourself," he says. "A lot of your maturity comes from going out on your own and figuring things out for yourself."
Later, he suffered serious injuries after embarking on his professional baseball career. "It was certainly a setback, and I wasn't sure what the future would hold," he recalled. He chose to trust God and keep working at it.
"God has a plan."
Morgan said her husband's mental and emotional strength is one of the things that attracted her to him. "Baseball is not for wimps," she noted, having played softball and basketball. "Until I started traveling with Will, I really didn't understand the magnitude of what he does every day."
"Baseball is a sport where you fail a lot and it's a mental game," he continued. "Most of the time, you get knocked out. And you have to go out on the field and deal with it. It's hard for me just to watch it, let alone have to go through it. But Will always walks off the field with his head held high."
She recalled something Will's father often tells her, "God has a plan." "I think Will takes it seriously," she said. "It's made him the guy he is. How mentally strong he is. That's why I'm with him."
Having a daughter has helped Will reinforce the idea that God has a plan, and it's much bigger than the present moment. "Some days you can hit 5 out of 5 or miss 5 out of 5," he said. "You just have to keep doing your best and focusing on what really matters."
Travel: the challenge of sacramental life
"Whatever happens in baseball, I still have my family and I still have my faith," he said. Will added that participating in the sacramental life of the church can be difficult with all the travel and a 162-game season.
"Sometimes, you have a Saturday night game at 6:30 p.m., followed by a day game at noon, and you have to be at the stadium by 9," he said.
Technology helps the couple find the closest weekend Masses they can attend. When it doesn't work, the couple finds a Mass where it is streamed online, and they make a point of attending Mass the next day. Being in the car gives them time to pray their daily rosary together.
Bearing witness as a baseball family
Morgan said they don't want people, especially the friends they grew up with, to treat them differently. At the same time, Will firmly believes that people in the public eye need to set a good example.
"I think you have a clear responsibility to the next generation," he said. "As an athlete, you have a responsibility to project a positive image."
He said baseball has given him a lot: "the opportunity to meet a lot of incredible people and live experiences that I would never have been able to live. So, you have to give back what you have received."
A good partner
Morgan said the proudest moment so far in her husband's career was an award that his baseball teammates on the Blue Jays' minor league teams voted to bestow on him: for being a good teammate.
"That tells me a lot about him," he said. "And at the end of the day, what people are going to remember is your character and how you treat others and how you stay on the field."
Will wears his gratitude on his sleeve. "I wouldn't be here without my parents, without Morgan, without my grandfather, certainly not without God," he said.
Of all people of faith, he asks for prayers for health and safety on the road, and also for people in central Missouri who are "fighting some tough battles," with hardship and illness.
One thing the couple loves about home is that the major league baseball player is just Will to everyone who knows him.
"We are normal people returning home."
"We're normal people and that's what we love most: coming home and spending time with family and friends, and having stability with our parishes, going to mass at our church on Sundays," Will said.
Morgan said it's good to know that when her husband's career comes to an end, there's a lot waiting for them at home.
Her husband agrees.
"We have a family that loves us, a great community, a great parish," he said. "So, if the worst thing that can happen to us is that my baseball career comes to an end, our worst day might actually be our best day."
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Jay Nies is editor of 'The Catholic Missourian'. This story was originally published by 'The Catholic Missourian', a media outlet of the Diocese of Jefferson City, and distributed through a partnership with OSV News.
This report is a translation of the original OSV News report that you can see here. here.
There is no doubt that we find ourselves in a difficult cultural and social moment for the transmission of the faith in general. Today's culture increasingly leaves aside the anthropological vision of man, where interiority is important, and in social relations the material (what one has, what one produces) takes precedence over the immaterial: who you are, what your dreams and projects are, what makes you happy....
A profoundly materialistic society and culture is compounded by people's inability to think. The loss of values, relativism, the lack of humanistic training in general, technological evolution, the acceleration of the pace of life or social polarization are some of the causes.
In this complex context, it is normal that as a society we have been drifting towards a culture of rapid response where there is almost no room for reflection and dialogue.
And yet in such relevant topics as the transmission of faith, education in values or human formation in general, time, dialogue and reflection are essential.
Researcher and writer Catherine L'Ecuyer, an expert in psychology and education, in the book that made her famous, Educating in awe, speaks of the convenience of children coming into contact with nature, because there they discover and experience the silence, the slow growth of plants, the slow walking of ants or the careful pollination of flowers in spring.
What L'Ecuyer says has a great deal to do with the process of transmitting the faith to our children: when we talk about God to our children or pray with them, we are "sowing" in them small seeds in their hearts, something that undoubtedly requires time and care.
Faced with a social panorama that is not free of obstacles, faith, which fulfills every person's desire for transcendence, can be sown in fertile soil, if we know where and when to sow the seed.
Parents, interpreters of the world for their children
In opening the door to dialogue with transcendence for our children, we parents have a certain advantage: our children, especially in their first years of life, are naturally open to whatever we want to show and teach them. They make us their interpreters of the world. From the age of "why", around the age of 3, our children want to understand what surrounds them and they come to us precisely because we are their parents.
It could be objected, not without reason, that we cease to be true interpreters when our children reach adolescence, and yet, also at that stage, what we say to them is important together with the example we set for them.
It's true that adolescents are always dissenting from our interpretation of the world, and this is a good thing: our teenagers are beginning to develop their own thoughts and it is therefore quite logical that they do not simply accept what we tell them, but that they reflect and develop on their own.
However, following the saying: "two don't argue if one doesn't want to", parents, at this stage, are very necessary for them to elaborate their conception of life and the world; without our interpretation of the world, they would have no one to talk to, no one to talk to, and no one to talk to. against whoconfronting each other.
In this sense, we should ask ourselves what interpretation we want to give them: how we look at the world and people will necessarily influence them.
If our outlook is pessimistic, they will also have a pessimistic conception of what surrounds them and, even worse, they will distrust the people around them; if our outlook is, on the contrary, positive and hopeful, they will also be able to see the positive in difficulties, they will see opportunities for growth in crises, they will be able to see the Good in the midst of so much evil.
Faith from freedom
As I have already said, the fact that we parents are interpreters of the world for our children does not mean that they will accept our vision just like that, and here we enter into another essential point in the transmission of faith: freedom. The transmission of faith requires freedom. It is useless for us to try to impose it: it will not find fertile ground on which to cling.
We parents must count on the freedom of our children when we speak to them about God, because it is they themselves who have to experience Him, we cannot experiment for them. We can transmit to them how much faith has helped us in our own difficulties, in the pains we have had, in the crises we have gone through, and thus show them how nothing has really prepared us for God's presence in our lives. in full to face life's disagreements.
In a meeting on faith that I attended, the famous Roman priest Fabio Rosini said: "I have never been to a meeting on faith.Many times we think that faith depends on us, on what we do: "I have to have more faith to face this problem" or "I have to pray more or make this or that sacrifice" thinking that perhaps God will reward us with more or less faith according to how we have behaved. No, in that sense, faith is given by God, but how does our faith grow then?
And he continued: "When we take advantage of the occasions that He allows, to trust in Him. God increases your faith from your problems - and frailties - if you let Him, that is, if you take advantage of those difficulties to lean on Him. It is God who gives us faith but man has to be willing to accept it."
It seemed to me a necessary reflection: faith becomes, then, not a set of contents and dogmas but an experience, a letting God do, a leaning on Him when the legs falter.
It is absurd to think of leaning on God when difficult moments arrive if we do not establish a personal relationship with Him beforehand.
Sowing deep in the heart
All of the above corresponds to a dimension of the transmission of faith that we could call "active", where we parents manage to sow that faith in their young hearts.
Sometimes it will be the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesusa family visit to the cemetery on All Saints' Day; a daily offering to Our Lady, prayers before bedtime recited with great attention, teaching them to recite the Rosary...
Obviously, the more seeds we sow, the more likely it is that faith will take hold in the soil. On the other hand, as our children grow, that seed can be something more intellectual: it can be teaching them that there is something beyond the material, that we must always do good and love and respect everyone, that God loves them like a mother and a father, that he cares for them, that he protects them.
Our role, in short, is to open a door to faith as an experience of God, which is both an instrument on which to rely and a source of happiness, because we cannot forget that our relationship with God gives meaning to our existence: feeling that we are his children fills our lives with color, strength, self-esteem and purpose.
The seed that we can sow must take root in the hearts of our children, not in their behavior. To put the focus of the transmission of faith on external behaviors is in a way equivalent to saying that faith is only something external: a series of things to do in order to feel satisfied and to make God "happy" with us.
The parable of the sower speaks of this superficial sowing: "(...) some of the seed fell by the roadside, and the birds came and ate it up. Another part fell among the stones, where there was not much earth, and soon sprouted, because the earth was not deep; but as soon as the sun rose, it was burned and withered, because it had no root."
Faith must be "buried" in the deepest part of our children's hearts, where they are formed as persons and where they unconsciously store memories and experiences that shape their innermost being and from where they will draw water as adolescents or adults when they feel the aridity of the world and its difficulties.
As Pope Francis wrote in his latest encyclical, Dilexit us, to speak to the heart is "point to where each person, of all kinds and conditions, makes his or her synthesis; where concrete beings have the source and root of all their other powers, convictions, passions, choices, etc.."
Saying without saying
The second dimension of the transmission of faith to children, which we will call the "passive" dimension, has much to do with the example we give, because children watch everything we do and are able to grasp the depth of our actions.
In this dimension, we parents will tell without telling, we will show our children how and with what intensity we pray and live our faith. This dimension is undoubtedly the most important because what is the point of telling stories of Jesus' life to our children if we do not bring the Gospel to life? How will they learn to pray if they do not see us do it? How will they understand that our relationship with God is our strength if we do not show it to them?
I remember that once, when I was 21 years old, I confided to my father a situation that was causing me a lot of anguish. He, after listening to me, did not propose a solution to the problem, but told me about a complicated situation at work that made him suffer and told me how he prayed and how he spoke to God about that difficulty. His words touched my heart and I still remember them many times today and they help me to pray.
Like this anecdote, I could tell many others. For parents, reaching the hearts of our children should not be so difficult. What helped me from what my father told me that day was not the situation he was going through or knowing that my father is a person of faith who prayed for the situation to be resolved. What helped me was that my father opened his intimacy to me and showed me his fragility and how he was leaning on God from that fragility of his. What my father did that day was to let me see a little piece of his relationship with God, a relationship that I understood to be real, strong, deep, virile.
And yet, there is nothing more powerful than a mother or father who speaks to their children from their most intimate experience, even if it reveals them in all their nakedness.
It would definitely be worse for our children to perceive that we block our intimacy -also spiritual- behind a wall and from which we only show what is good and right in our actions. Is that what we want our children to perceive of us: perfect parents who do not make mistakes, who are clear about everything and whose faith does not waver?
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Despite his vacation period, Pope Leo XIV celebrated in Castel Gandolfo the first Mass for "the care of Creation".
The ceremony took place in the gardens of the papal residence and was attended by approximately 50 people, including workers who assist the Pontiff during these weeks and some officials of the Curia.
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Caring for others is the "supreme law," Pope says at Angelus
Serving life by caring for others is "the supreme law" that comes before all norms of society, Pope Leo XIV said before reciting the Angelus with thousands of visitors gathered outside the papal summer villa at Castel Gandolfo on July 13.
CNS / Omnes-July 14, 2025-Reading time: 4minutes
- Carol Glatz, Vatican City, CNS
"To live eternally, it is not necessary to cheat death, but to serve life. That is to say, to care for the existence of others in the time we share. This is the supreme law, which is above every social norm," Pope Leo XIV said yesterday in the Angelus in front of thousands of people at Castel Gandolfo.
"Imitating the example of Jesus, the Savior of the world, we too are called to bring consolation and hope, especially to those who are experiencing discouragement and disappointment," added Leo XIV.
The human longing for eternal life
Pope Leo arrived in the small town on the hilltop south of Rome on July 6 for a brief vacation until July 20. He celebrated Mass in the church of St. Thomas of Villanova yesterday, July 13, and then recited the noon prayer from the steps in front of the papal villa under a sky that swung between dark clouds and bright bursts of sunshine.
In his reflection before the prayer, Pope Leo spoke about the human longing for eternal life, that is, "for salvation, for an existence free from failure, evil and death."
"What the heart of man hopes for is described as a good that is "inherited". It is not a matter of conquering it by force, nor of imploring it as servants, nor of obtaining it by contract. Eternal life, which God alone can give, is transmitted to man in inheritance as from father to son."
Doing God's will
"That is why Jesus tells us that, to receive God's gift, we must do his will," the Pope said, which is to love "the Lord your God with all your heart" and "your neighbor as yourself."
"God's will is the law of life that the Father himself was the first to follow, loving us unconditionally in his Son Jesus," Pope Leo said.
Jesus "shows us the meaning of authentic love for God and for others," he said. "It is a love that is generous, not possessive; a love that forgives without question; a love that reaches out and never abandons others."
"In Christ, God became a neighbor to each and every man and woman. That is why each of us can and must become a neighbor to everyone we meet," he said.
By opening our hearts to God's will, he said, "we will become artisans of peace all the days of our lives".
Numerous groups in the square
After greeting the many groups present in the square, including members of the pastoral community of Santísimo Agustín de Tarano from Colegio S. Augustin in Chiclayo, Peru, the Pope shook hands with several special guests who were standing by the wooden barricades between the entrance of the villa and the square.
It was the first Angelus address at the summer villa of Pope Leo, who returned to the tradition of taking a summer break at the villa of Castel Gandolfo.
Pope Francis, on the other hand, had spent his summers residing in the Vatican and had addressed only one Angelus from the papal villa on July 14, 2013.
Instead of giving the blessing from the villa's balcony, like his predecessors, Pope Francis had addressed the crowd at street level from the villa's open front door.The PopeLeo did the same.
"Dear brothers and sisters, I am pleased to be with you here in Castel Gandolfo," Pope Leo said to great applause. He greeted those present and thanked "everyone for your warm welcome."
After the Angelus: praying for those affected by the war
During the summer months, numerous initiatives are carried out with children and young people, and I would like to thank the educators and animators who dedicate themselves to this service, the Pope said. In this context, he recalled "the important initiative of the 'Giffoni Film festival', which brings together young people from all over the world and which this year will be dedicated to the theme 'Becoming Human'".
"Brothers and sisters," the Pope appealed, "let us not forget to pray for peace and for all those who, because of violence and war, find themselves in a situation of suffering and need."
Beatification of a Marist Brother in Barcelona
Yesterday, in Barcelona, was beatified Licarione May (whose given name was Francesco Beniamino), a friar of the Institute of the Marist Brothers of the Schools, killed in 1909 for hatred of the faith, the Pope said.
"In the midst of hostile circumstances, he lived his educational and pastoral mission with dedication and courage. May the heroic witness of this martyr be an encouragement to all, particularly to those who work in the education of young people."
Jesus did not ignore the needy, and neither did Christians.
Prior to the Angelus, Pope Leo XIV celebrated Massin the small church of St. Thomas of Villanova, just across the main square of the papal villa in Castel Gandolfo.
In its homily the Pope focused on the day's Gospel reading from the parable of the Good Samaritan. The Good Samaritan met the wounded man who had been walking along the road from Jerusalem to Jericho, Pope Leo said.
Today, that road is "traveled by all those people who are dispossessed, robbed and plundered, victims of tyrannical political systems, of an economy that forces them into poverty and of wars that kill their dreams and their very lives," he added.
To follow Christ is to learn to have a heart that is touched
"What do we do: do we look around and walk, or do we open our hearts to others, like the Samaritan? Are we sometimes content simply to do our duty, or to consider as our neighbors only those who are part of our group, who think like us, who share our same nationality or religion?" asked Pope Leo.
"To believe in and follow a loving and compassionate Christ is to allow him to enter one's heart and take on one's own feelings," Leo XIV explained. "It means learning to have a heart that is moved, eyes that see and do not look away, hands that help others and soothe their wounds, shoulders that bear the burden of those in need."
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This chronicle is a translation of the original information that you can find here. here.
Disability is revealed as a gift that challenges us to rebuild humanity from tenderness and inclusion, in the face of a culture that discards fragility. Testimonies such as those of Andrea and José María show how faith and community transform the way we look at things.
Francisco's kiss on the tumor-covered forehead of Vinicio Riva - the man disfigured by neurofibromatosis - resounded like a silent manifesto. It was not compassion: it was a recognition of human dignity embodied in a historic image. That gesture, which moved the world in 2013, has its roots in the 4th century, when St. Basil founded a large charitable complex on the outskirts of Caesarea, which included a hospital, leprosarium, flophouse, hospice and orphanage.
The Church's work with people with disabilities is not new, but today it is a beacon amidst the fog of a world that idolizes efficiency, bodily perfection and individualistic well-being. The recent Declaration of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, "Dignitas Infinita"(2024) proclaims it clearly: "One criterion for verifying real attention to the dignity of each individual is, obviously, the attention given to the most disadvantaged. Our time, unfortunately, is not distinguished by such attention".
True stories
In a world that often marginalizes frailty, the Catholic Church deepens its commitment to people with disabilities, recalling that dignity does not depend on utility.
Andrea, 29, was born with Down syndrome and severe heart disease. Baptized in the barracks of the Santa María de Caná parish in Madrid, her name included "María" as a supplication: "We were aware that she was going to need a lot of help from the Virgin". Today, Andrea is the first woman with Down syndrome to obtain a black belt in karate in Madrid (2019), Spanish champion in 2022 and 2023, and bronze medalist in European championships. After graduating from the Autonomous University of Madrid thanks to the Prodis Foundation, she works at Accenture, where, according to her mother, "she is integrated and valued. She is an important pillar. Her faith is active: she participates in the parish choir and is "a fan of the Caris," as she calls the Charismatic Renewal. "She is cheerful, outgoing, very empathetic. Family life revolves around her," celebrates Beatriz, her mother, who sums up her struggle: "Andrea is a miracle... in the ICU we never imagined this".
Nolan Smitha 25-year-old from Kansas, was part of the group of people who participated in the development of the document "The Church is our Home. This young man with Down syndrome explains that he has helped his church in various ways. "I have served as an altar server, I have helped in teaching religious education with my father, and I serve as a lector at this time. I have also helped with the Christmas Eve children's pageant and have also decorated the church at Christmas and Easter time," notes Nolan.
The power of prayer
José María is the seventh child of Teresa Robles, who also has a son with autistic traits. José María has also been fighting, for years, a leukemia in whose fight he encountered medical prejudice: "We were encouraged to go to palliative care... we appreciate little value for the life of a person with a disability". Teresa founded the Instagram account @ponundownentuvida, which mobilized more than 40,000 followers and a global prayer network. "The best social network is the Communion of Saints," she says. Teresa describes the "José María effect:" "They transform hearts without violence. One day, an angry driver saw José María smiling... and his face changed." For her, her son came "to change people's look, to make a better world".
The power of prayer and community are pillars: Teresa Robles experienced "the power of prayer, which is physically noticeable". When José María could not receive the transplant, "I noticed a superhuman strength". This network included ecumenical gestures: two Muslim women wrote to her: "They were going to pray for José María because they prayed to the same God... That touched me very much".
Making the difference visible
Initiatives such as the Cafés Joyeux in Paris, employing people with disabilities just a few meters from the Arc de Triomphe, demonstrate that inclusion in the workplace is possible. Its founder, Yann Bucaille-Lanrezac, received the Boston Consulting Group's Social Entrepreneur Award.
Cilou, a French artist who composed a song and choreography for Louis, a child with trisomy 21, points out that "the joy of Down syndrome leads us to be authentic". This authenticity is what Pope Francis promoted under the so-called "revolution of tenderness": an antidote to the throwaway culture. Healthy societies integrate everyone into the "we". Cilou, for example, felt the desire to compose a song inspired by Louis, called "Viva la difference".
Pastoral care for the disabled
Following the guidelines of the bishops' conferences, parishes are beginning to adapt the rites and spaces so that children and adults with intellectual disabilities can experience the sacraments in a way that they can better understand them. For example, for catechesis, pictograms are used to explain the rite in a visual way, allowing a better understanding of gestures, symbols and words. The celebrations are intimate, with reduced seating capacity, to avoid sensory over-stimulation.
The sacrament of penance is also transformed. In some parishes, confessions include drawings that help to understand concepts such as sin, forgiveness or reconciliation. There are support guides who mediate communication, and silent spaces have been created, free of luminous or sound stimuli, to favor an atmosphere of recollection. "It is not enough to set up ramps. We need to change the way we look at church life," says the mother of a disabled son.
Maria Callas was a great woman and a great artist, but she dreamed of being a wife and a mother. She was not given to be everything she wanted to be, but perhaps we can venture that hers is a motherhood that has given many artist children.
A few days ago I saw the film "Maria", directed by Pablo Larrain and starring Angelina Jolie, centered on the last days of Maria Callas' life: an intimate portrait of the sad and lonely end of one of the most iconic and talented personalities of the 20th century, a great woman, "divine", as she was called, who clings to her memories and searches, without ever finding it, that immensity that made her the most famous opera voice of all time.
Between New York, Athens and Italy
Larraín's film makes no shortage of references to specific episodes in the life of the artist, who was born in New York on December 2, 1923, the second child of Greek immigrant parents. The family spent her early years in Queens, later moving to Manhattan. There were frequent disagreements between Callas' father and her mother, always hard and controlling with her youngest daughter.
With her mother and sister, Maria returned to Greece at the age of 13 and at the Athens Conservatory began her musical training in earnest, studying singing with the great Spanish soprano Elvira de Hidalgo. Already at an early age, her voice was distinguished by its power, extension and color, able to move naturally from dramatic to operatic or light registers.
He had the opportunity, during the Nazi occupation, to perform several times in Greece, but returned to his father, in New York, to look for scripts, before arriving in Italy, where his career could definitely take off, with his decisive debut at the Arena di Verona in 1947, under the direction of Tullio Serafin, who would become one of his mentors.
In the meantime, she met her manager and later husband, the Veronese businessman Giovanni Battista Meneghini, who was many years her senior.
Her debut at the Maggio Fiorentino was also memorable, and then she went on to the Fenice in Venice, the San Carlo in Naples and, above all, to La Scala in Milan, where she became the undisputed queen (her rivalry with the Italian Renata Tebaldi, who preferred to leave Italy and settle in New York to escape from her, is well known).
Maria Callas, the diva
In the 1950s, at the height of his career, he starred in operas such as Standard and La Sonnambula (Bellini), Tosca (Puccini), Lucia di Lammermoor (Donizetti) La Traviata (Verdi), returning in many cases to the Scala repertoire and other masterpieces that had ceased to be performed for lack of interpreters capable of enhancing their vocal technique and dramatic quality. In this, in fact, Callas was even chameleonic: capable of tackling a vast repertoire, from Bellini to Verdi, from Puccini to Wagner, with a powerful vocal instrument combined with an unparalleled stage presence and interpretative ability.
She was also chameleon-like in her physical transformation throughout her career, which led her to lose 36 kg and to have the graceful and ethereal figure with which she is also remembered in the fashion world: she lost some 36 kg (from the initial 90 to 54) in a relatively short period, becoming a style icon.
Callas and Onassis
In 1957, when a difficult period was beginning for her due to voice loss and accumulated stress, an encounter took place that was destined to change her life and career forever. A guest on the yacht of another famous Greek, the tycoon Aristotle Onassis, she and her husband took part in a cruise along with other prominent personalities, including Winston Churchill and Onassis' own wife.
From then on, it was not only Callas, but Callas and Onassis: a stormy relationship developed between the two, always at the center of the society news, which led the singer to leave her husband, and neglect her career for Onassis, with whom she remained until 1968, when he left her to marry (out of interest) Jacqueline Kennedy. Maria found out from the newspapers and was devastated.
The last few years
Meanwhile, her career faded, as did her voice and her happiness: she made few public appearances (the last and memorable Tosca directed by Franco Zeffirelli, in London, in 1964; a film with Pasolini, Medea, in 1969; a master class in New York between 1971 and 1972; and a last and troubled world tour with tenor Giuseppe Di Stefano, with whom she had also fallen in love, in 1973-74).
A period of isolation followed, locked up in her apartment on Avenue Georges Mandel in Paris, accompanied only by her dogs and servants, well documented in Larraín's film. Even more alone than the heroines she had played, such as Violetta Valéry, Tosca, Mimì, in 1977, Callas died at the age of 53, officially of a heart attack, but many spoke of a slow and conscious agony, of a broken heart. Today it is known that, in addition to her unhappiness, what caused her death was atherosclerosis, a degenerative disease of the arteries that also causes damage to the vocal cords and that would affect, and hasten the end, of another great voice of the twentieth century: Whitney Houston.
The work and legacy
Opera is a complete art form: it combines music, singing, theater and scenography to tell universal emotions and stories. Born in Italy at the end of the 16th century, it is one of Italy's most typical cultural elements.
Unfortunately, today it is in decline, but I remember that, when I was a child, it was very often broadcast on radio or television and so many people, from all cultural and social strata, were enraptured by the music of Verdi, Rossini, Puccini and so many others. In fact, practically every family had its own improvised opera singer, gifted with a particularly beautiful voice, who would liven up a dinner party or a village feast with a famous aria.
It was in this context, marked by the postwar period and the subsequent economic boom, that Maria Callas' art found such a favorable humus. Italians, and not only Italians, adored her and, among opera connoisseurs, either loved or hated her: she had a voice that was not exactly perfect by operatic standards, dark in the low tones but capable of reaching the overtones of light sopranos. In addition, Callas had a stage presence and an ability to "act with her voice" that endowed her characters with an unprecedented vitality.
She was also a great professional: she rehearsed for hours and hours, she was never satisfied, but the final result was something that enraptured the audience.
Those who, like me, have not had the opportunity to hear her live, appreciate her video recordings (or the numerous records and performances of operas or entire concerts), including a famous concert in Paris in 1958, in which she performed "Una voce poco fa" from Rossini's Barber of Seville.
Rosina, the protagonist, is a sweet and apparently fragile girl, but very determined, and in fact she sings: "I am docile, I am respectful; I am obedient, sweet and affectionate. But if you touch me where my weakness is I'll be a viper and a hundred traps I'll lay". Callas, firm in her stance, can only move her eyes and hands to bring a character to life, consciously. She herself declared that one movement too many in the theater runs the risk of compromising the entire performance and that one must know how to dose the use of the hands, taking care to always remain faithful to the story and the score as conceived by the composer.
Maria Callas, success and loneliness
As Montserrat Caballé, the great Spanish soprano who adored Callas and was herself admired, said of her, María "had success as her only companion... And when this success was eclipsed, she was left alone".
And Caballé was the opposite of Callas, from certain points of view, because she knew how to find the right balance between art, motherhoodmarriage and work. This helped her, paradoxically, to have a much, much more enduring career than Callas, who would also have dreamed of being a wife and mother (she is said to have become pregnant by Onassis in the early 1960s without being able to carry the pregnancy to term).
Maria Callas was a great woman and a great artist, divine, but she dreamed of being a wife and a mother. She was not given to be everything she wanted to be, but perhaps we can venture that hers is a motherhood that has given many children artists and many people who today, almost 50 years after her death, still love her.
I imagine her still there, greeting us with the words of a famous Catalani aria: "Ebben, I will go far away, as the echo of the pious bell goes away".
WYD 2025 in Covadonga: Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament with young people from 28 countries
The second Eucharistic Marian Youth Day (JEMJ), celebrated in Covadonga at the beginning of July, was "an immense grace," according to the organizers. The response of the thousands of young people (almost 1,700 from 28 countries) to the invitation to Eucharistic adoration was so great that a perpetual adoration chapel had to be set up.
Francisco Otamendi-July 13, 2025-Reading time: 4minutes
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament during the Eucharistic Marian Youth Day (JEMJ) of Covadonga at the beginning of July was "an immense grace. Above all, to see the Lord at work in the hearts of the young people," who this year numbered about 1,700, of 28 nationalities, with 200 volunteers and 40 priests.
WYD 2025 offered participants a novelty that was not available last year: a perpetual adoration chapel.where, "at any time of the day or night, young people could pray before Jesus in the Eucharist".
"The initiative has proved to be a real success," notes the Sister Beatriz Liaño. "The Blessed Sacrament was exposed in the adoration chapel located in front of the Basilica of Covadonga and it was impressive to try to enter and not find material space where to kneel".
The young people wanted to remain close to the Blessed Sacrament
"The young people wanted to remain close to the exposed Blessed Sacrament, to the point that we had to set up a second chapel for adoration (in the early hours of the morning) because there was no room for them in the Holy Cave," he explains.
On the night of Saturday, July 5-6, the Blessed Sacrament was exposed in the Holy Cave at the end of the Adoration Vigil. The young people were invited to spend time, in shifts, throughout the night, adoring the Lord. "The response was so great that the priests who were on vigil, offering the young people the sacrament of confession, had to step out and re-expose the Blessed Sacrament in the Adoration Chapel to welcome the young people who wanted to be with the Lord and could not fit in the Holy Cave."
Sister Beatriz comments: "Contemplating them, one could only say: Blessed be the Lord. Objective accomplished. These young people now know where the source is where they can quench their thirst for love and happiness: in the Heart of Jesus in the Eucharist".
Internet down at startup
In fact, the WYD started on Friday despite the last minute unforeseen events, because the Internet was down. "Minutes before the opening of the reception of the young people, the entire internet of the sanctuary of Covadonga was down, threatening to make it impossible to broadcast the events," explained the organization.
"The night before, an unexpectedly strong storm had forced the cancellation of the final rehearsals of this year's choir and festival. The difficulties did not deter the two hundred volunteers who had been working for days to get everything ready to welcome the 1,700 young people registered from 28 different nationalities", emphasize the promoters. "In fact, the forecasts were exceeded, to the point of exhausting the food packages and almost the capacity of this year's accommodation".
Relic of Carlo Acutis and his legacy
The Holy Mass of opening Juan Carlos Elizalde, Bishop of Vitoria. On the first day, minutes before the start of the solemn entrance of the relic of the Heart of Jesus, Bishop Juan Carlos Elizalde, Bishop of Vitoria, presided. Carlo Acutis on the esplanade, it was possible to listen to the video message sent by Antonia Salzano, mother of the future Italian saint.
In the evening came the JEMJ Festival presented by Catholic Stuff, which featured the premiere of 'A Famous Nun. Clare Crockett, a life put on stage'. The performance "really touched the hearts of the young people who vibrated to the rhythm of the fears, the illusions, the struggles and the victory of God's grace in the heart of the Irish nun".
Marco Gaballo, OFM Cap., Rector of the Sanctuary of Despojo (Assisi) and custodian of the relic of the heart of Carlo Acutis. Friar Marco Caballo spoke to the young people on "The Heart of Carlo Acutis".The Eucharistic legacy of Carlo Acutis"and proposed Carlo "as an example of a teenager with a heart full of light".
Panoramic view at the closing Mass of the 2025 World Youth Day, concelebrated by Archbishop Sanz Montes, Archbishop of Oviedo, with 40 priests, next to the Shrine of Covadonga (@Foto JEMJ).
WYD July 2026: "Do whatever He tells you".
Sunday morning, July 6, 2025, began with a time of Eucharistic adoration. Fr. Alonso helped the young participants of the WYD to place themselves in the presence of the Lord with their prayer points.
At 12:00 noon, the holy mass began Closing Mass Jesús Sanz Montes, Archbishop of Oviedo, with more than forty priests in attendance. At the end of the celebration, Rafael Alonso, who was celebrating his 45th anniversary as a priest, announced the date of the next JEMJOn July 10, 11 and 12, 2026, again in Covadonga, under the motto "Do whatever He tells you".
"La Santina has already signed up," said Monsignor Sanz jokingly at the conclusion, after the thanksgiving. To the Brothers and Sisters of the Home of the Mother, to all the volunteers and to the Choir of voices and instruments, with whom "we have been able to pray several times, more than the two that St. Augustine owed". To the priests and deacons, to so many sisters of different charisms, to the abbot, priests of the Chapter and sisters who work in the Shrine. Rafael Alonso, for his birthday as a priest.
Young people carry the Virgin of Covadonga, the Santina, during the JEMJ 2025, in July (@Foto JEMJ).
St. Veronica, woman who wiped the face of Jesus with her veil
The Catholic Church remembers St. Veronica, called 'the Veronica', on July 12. She is remembered for the sixth station of the Way of the Cross, which narrates her encounter with Jesus and the impression of the Holy Face of the Lord on her veil.
Francisco Otamendi-July 12, 2025-Reading time: < 1minute
According to tradition, Saint Veronica was a pious woman who lived in Jerusalem. She was moved by the pains of Christ on his way to Calvary, and came to wipe away the sweat and blood that covered his face. According to tradition, she used her head veil for this purpose, on which was 'imprinted' with blood the face of Jesus, the Holy Face.
After the Passion of the Lord, Saint Veronica went to Rome carrying with her the veil with the 'Holy Face'. This veil would have been exposed for public veneration, and was permeating the faith of the people. Her action was reflected in the sixth station of the Stations of the Crosswhich is read on Good Friday in the Roman Colosseum. This station is usually entitled: 'A pious woman wipes the face of Jesus'.
Veronica's veil
It has been praised the courage of St. Veronica, for her act of love could have caused her danger from the Romans or the people. But she was moved and made her way through the crowd. Despite the saint's popularity, her name is not found in the current Roman Martyrology. Nor was it in the previous one.
The veil of Veronica has attracted numerous pilgrims to Rome. It seems to have been moved over the centuries and had been lost track of. However, in 1999, the German Jesuit Heinnrich Pfeiffer, professor of Art History at the Gregorian University (died in 2001), announced who had found it. The place was the Sanctuary of the Friars Minor Capuchin in Manoppello (Italy). Pope Benedict XVI visited this shrine in 2006.
Custos of the Holy Land leaves with gratitude but a bittersweet longing for peace
Father Francesco Patton leaves his position as Custos of the Holy Land, and takes the opportunity to analyze the situation of the holy places and the importance of the Franciscan presence in the Middle East.
As he prepared to leave his post as Franciscan Custos of the Holy Land after nine years of service, Father Francesco Patton told OSV News that his time in the Holy Land as superior of all Middle Eastern Franciscans and guardian of the region's Catholic holy sites has been the most important "formative" experience of his life, and has "pushed him to dream" of a world without borders.
"They have opened me up in a very significant way on a mental and spiritual level," Father Patton wrote in an email correspondence, as he completed some final tasks before the arrival of his successor, Father Francesco Ielpo, whose election was approved by the Pope Leo XIV June 24.
"Internationality, encounters and dialogue with people of other religions and cultures have changed me profoundly and pushed me to dream of a world where there are no more walls, checkpoints, borders and the like; a world where people recognize and accept each other as human persons, not on the basis of other requirements," he said.
Following the example of St. Francis
His experience also reinforced his commitment to a pacifist interpretation of the Franciscan mission, Father Patton said, acknowledging that those who came to the Holy Land in peace, following the example of St. Francis and his friars have endured, while those who came with weapons have ultimately failed.
Throughout his tenure, Father Patton has faced major challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the virtual paralysis of pilgrimages to the Holy Land and - for the past 20 months - the Gaza war, precipitated by Hamas' attack on communities in southern Israel on October 7, 2023.
According to the latest figures provided by the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs on June 22, 2025, 50 of the more than 250 people abducted that day remain captive, 28 of whom are believed to be still alive. According to the Gaza Ministry of Health, 57,600 Palestinians had been killed as of July 8.
Since July 10, hopes for a U.S.-led cease-fire plan have faded as fighting in Gaza has shown no sign of abating while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with President Donald Trump in Washington on July 8. "Netanyahu is adamant that Hamas must be destroyed, while Hamas wants a complete end to the war after the proposed 60-day truce," The Associated Press reported.
Israeli-Palestinian conflict
Father Patton expressed his hope that a political solution to the 80-year Palestinian-Israeli conflict will be found, and stressed that such a solution requires "mutual recognition of each side's right to exist," the development of a state structure appropriate to the unique circumstances of the region, and full recognition of the civil, political and religious rights of all citizens, including Palestinians, according to the standards of a "truly civilized and democratic country."
He regretted not having been able to carry out several initiatives aimed at promoting peace, intercultural dialogue and interfaith understanding due to the outbreak of war.
"We were on a good path with many initiatives, but what happened on October 7, 2023, unleashed such hatred and created such physical, psychological and spiritual obstacles that many initiatives were put on hold," he said.
He added: "I hope that they can resume as soon as possible and that we can continue to cooperate towards a culture of reconciliation, fraternity and dialogue, according to the indications given to us by Pope Francis in the Abu Dhabi document and in 'Fratelli Tutti'," he said, referring to the 2019 document on "Human Fraternity for World Peace and Coexistence" and the late Pope's 2020 encyclical on human fraternity.
The "great testimony of faith" of the friars
He also regretted not being able to visit the villages of Knayeh and Yacoubieh, in Syria's Orontes Valley, during his visit to Syria in March 2023 after the earthquake - which devastated northern and western Syria, as well as southern and central Turkey - where the friars continue to give a "great witness of faith and pastoral dedication" in a reality affected by the presence of the Islamic State group and Al Qaeda, he said.
On June 22, a deadly shooting and bombing attack on St. Elias Greek Orthodox Church in Damascus killed 30 Orthodox Christians and injured more than 90 others.
Witnessing the dedication and love for the Holy Land shown by most of the friars has been one of his greatest pleasures, Father Patton said. Reflecting on the Custody, he expressed his special joy at its increasingly international character, especially the growing presence of friars and postulants from Asia and Africa, regions previously underrepresented.
Ethnic and cultural conflicts
This diversity, he noted, reinforces its mission to welcome local Christians, pilgrims and migrant workers in a region often marked by ethnic and cultural conflicts.
He recognized the unwavering dedication of the friars, even in difficult times, and praised the growth of the Holy Land schools, which have become a model of coexistence and academic excellence, he said.
Father Patton also highlighted the restoration of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem as a significant achievement during his tenure, made possible through close ecumenical collaboration with Greek Orthodox Patriarch Theophilos III and Armenian Apostolic Patriarch Archbishop Nourhan Manougian.
The "concrete dimension" of the Holy Land
Spiritually, the possibility of praying in the places of the Gospel while touching the "concrete dimension" of the Holy Land allowed him to deepen and reinforce his belief in the mystery of the Incarnation, where the "Son of God became one of us" and shared everything in human existence, he wrote. It allowed him to think of Jesus in a more "personal, concrete and historical" way.
"In particular, the tomb of Jesus has allowed me to reflect deeply on the mystery of his resurrection and ours, as an entry into the very life of God with our humanity transformed by the action of the Spirit, guided by the hand of Jesus who first crossed the border of resurrection," said Father Patton.
He leaves with an overriding feeling of "gratitude and thankfulness", aware that these years have been the "most significant season" of his life, he concluded, although there is also a "feeling of bitterness", as he would have liked to see the Holy Land at peace before ending his service.
This article was originally published in OSV News. You can read the original text HERE.
Alexei Navalny found comfort in the Bible, especially in the Sermon on the Mount delivered by Christ.
July 12, 2025-Reading time: 4minutes
The Kremlin's best known critic, Alexei Navalni, was murdered on February 16, 2024 in the IK-3 prison (also known as "Polar Wolf") in Kharp, Yamalia-Nenetsia Autonomous Okrug, where he was being held, according to Russian penitentiary sources. His death occurred one month before the presidential elections, considered a formality to prolong the government held by Vladimir Putin since 1999.
Assassination of Alexei Navalny
Navalni, who was 47 when he died, had led campaigns against corruption in Russia and led mass protests against the Kremlin. He was serving a 19-year prison sentence on charges of extremism in a remote prison. He went on a 24-day hunger strike in prison to protest against the mistreatment he suffered there. According to the Russian Penitentiary Service, he felt unwell after a walk, lost consciousness and efforts to revive him were unsuccessful.
According to Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta, Navalni's mother, Lyudmila Navalnaya, said on Facebook that she had seen her son in prison on Feb. 12 and that he was "alive, healthy and happy.". Upon hearing the news, several European leaders lamented Navalni's death and blamed the Russian government for the tragedy. Among the leaders were the President of the European Council, Charles Michel; NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg; Joe Biden's National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan; and the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, among others. The UN expressed its outrage and demanded an end to persecution in Russia.
Thousands of people took to the streets around the world to protest Navalni's death, which added to the list of mysterious unsolved deaths in Russia. More than a year after his assassination, there has been silence about this new Putin crime.
In the book of memoirs edited by his family ("Patriot. Memoirs" Alexei Navalni, Peninsula 2024), the Russian dissident states from the prison where he spent the last 3 years of his life: "On my birthday, of course I would like to have breakfast with my family, have my children kiss me on the cheek, unwrap presents and say: 'Oh, that's just what I wanted,' instead of waking up in this infectious hole. But, as life works, social progress and a better future can only be achieved if a certain number of people are willing to pay a price for the right to have their own convictions. The more such people there are, the less everyone will have to pay. And the day will come when speaking the truth and advocating for justice will be the most normal thing in Russia and there will be nothing dangerous about it.".
Origins
Born on June 4, 1976 in Odintsovo (Moscow Oblast, RSFSR of Russia, Soviet Union), Navalni was a Russian lawyer, politician, activist and political prisoner, who in 2011 founded the Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK). Amnesty International recognized him as a prisoner of conscience and he was awarded the Sakharov Prize for his human rights work. He suffered several convictions and imprisonments and a poisoning attempt in 2020, from which he was saved in a Berlin hospital. In the 2013 Moscow mayoral election, he won 27.24 % of the vote and was never allowed to run for election in Russia again.
Married since 2000 to Yulia Navalnya and with two children, Dasha, 24, and Zakhar, 18, Navalni could have chosen to go into exile from Russia with his family and lead a peaceful existence, but he chose in agreement with his wife to get into trouble and - aware of the danger he was running - to risk his life in his fight against injustice in his beloved country. Realizing that, when the USSR collapsed, power in Russia passed from some criminals to others, from Yeltsin to Putin, he decided to confront these criminals by denouncing their practices and conveying the truth to his compatriots.
In one of the multiple pseudo-legal proceedings against him, Navalni stated: "The fact is that I am a religious man, which constantly exposes me to ridicule at the Anti-Corruption Foundation and from the people around me, mostly atheists. I used to be one too, and quite militant. But now I am a believer and I find that it helps me a lot in my work. Everything is clearer to me... For the Bible says: 'Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied'.". For more than a month, the only book he was left with in prison was the Bible. At that time, Navalni decided to memorize the Sermon on the Mount in Russian, English, French and Latin. After doing so, one day the prisoners were offered to attend Mass and our hero was impressed that the Gospel they read there was precisely the Sermon on the Mount.
Alexei Navalny and the search for the Kingdom of God
Navalni ends his memoirs with the following sentences: "I have always thought, and I say it openly, that being a believer makes life easier for you and even easier to be a political dissident. Faith makes life easier... are you a disciple of the religion whose founder sacrificed himself for others and paid for their sins? Do you believe in the immortality of the soul and everything else? If you can honestly answer yes, what else do you have to worry about, why would you mutter a hundred times under your breath something you have read from a voluminous tome you keep on your bedside table? 'Do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worry'. My job is to seek the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and let the good Jesus and the rest of his family take care of everything else. They will not let me down and will solve all my headaches. As they say here in prison, they'll take the hits for me.".
Alexei Navalny knew that he could be assassinated, but he was not crazy or reckless. He tried to minimize the risks for himself and his family, but in his inner self he thought he was doing what he had to do, the purpose of his life was never to live quietly and comfortably but to fight to the death for a Russia where people are not killed for their ideas, a prosperous and democratic country, where the law prevails and not the tyrant of the day to defend his privileges. For this he was assassinated and for this he offered his life in sacrifice.
St. Benedict, founder of the Benedictine Order and patron saint of Europe: desire for peace
On July 11, the Church celebrates St. Benedict of Nursia (Italy), founder of the Benedictine Order and declared patron saint of Europe in 1964 by St. Paul VI. Pope Francis and his predecessors have turned to St. Benedict in search of peace and human coexistence in a wounded Europe.
Francisco Otamendi-July 11, 2025-Reading time: 5minutes
Although the Rule of St. Benedict ['ora et labora', pray and work] does not contain an appeal on the theme of peace, "it is an excellent guide for a conscious and practical commitment to peace". In fact, its message goes beyond the walls of monasteries and shows "how human coexistence, with God's grace, can overcome the dangers arising from disputes and discord".
This was stated by Pope Francis in a Message addressed to participants in an ecumenical symposium at the Benedictine Archabbey of Pannonhalma in western Hungary in September 2023, which emphasized two other ideas.
The first is that the patron saint of Europe knew "the complexity of linguistic, ethnic and cultural traces, which represent both a richness and a potential for conflict". However, he had a serene and peaceful vision, because he was fully convinced of the "equal dignity and equal value of all human beings". This applies especially to foreigners, who should be welcomed according to the principle of "honoring all men".
"Pursuit of peace without delay"
This also means "knowing how to take the first step in certain difficult situations", because "discord must not become a permanent state". Establish peace "before sunset," said St. Benedict. This, the Pope reminds us, "is the measure of the availability of the desire for peace".
And the second, Francis pointed out, is that "the search for peace in justice cannot tolerate any delay, it must be pursued without hesitation." "The St. Benedict's vision of peace is not utopian, but is oriented towards a path that God's friendship towards mankind has already traced out and which, however, must be traveled step by step by each individual and by the community".
The Hungarian ecumenical event delved into many aspects of the theme of peace, at a time when "globalized humanity is wounded and threatened by a gradual world war which, waged directly in some regions of the planet, has consequences that damage the lives of all, especially the poorest," said the Pontiff according to the official Vatican agency, and in which "the war in Ukraine has dramatically called us to open our eyes and hearts to many people who suffer because of the war".
St. Paul VI called him 'pacis nuntius' (herald of peace).
"I believe that St. Benedict, called 'pacis nuntius' (herald of peace) by Pope Paul VI when he was proclaimed patron of Europe, would address us with this word: peace! It is not an obvious word, it is not an abstract concept but a truth to be pursued and lived", he said. Mr. Fabrizio MessinaDirector of the State Library of the National Monument of St. Scholastica [twin sister of St. Benedict].
A library that owes its origins tosaintBenito, because it is, in fact, the library of the Monastery of Santa Scholastica of Subiaco, one of the twelve monasteries that were founded near the city, in the valley of the Aniene, by St. Benedict himself.
"The peace that Benedict brings us is the peace of Christ. It is the peace for which Christ gave his life. If we do not open our doors to Christ, we will remain without peace," Don Fabrizio Messina added to the Vatican agency, which asked him how it is possible, in the current European scenario devastated by the war in Ukraine, to walk paths of peace in the footsteps of St. Benedict.
For Ukraine, for Russia...
The library director's response was as follows. First of all, the historical fact: "St. Benedict, when he began his personal search for God, did so by going up to Subiaco and seeking the Lord. This happens to him in an early hermit-like experience. As St. Gregory the Great reminds us, Benedict lives alone with himself under the gaze of God. It is a search for God which is, therefore, a search for peace".
Then, the illustrious Benedictine entered into the question. "The true search for peace for Europe, for Ukraine, for Russia and for all the countries involved in this senseless slaughter is precisely to find in Christ the source of peace, of light. Just as St. Benedict did. A peace that is not only intimate, but personal. But it is a peace that can truly be given to others because it is the peace of Christ. He himself said it: 'I leave you my peace', not as the world gives it".
Benedict XVI: "From his spiritual leaven Europe was born".
On April 9, 2008, the then Pope Benedict XVI spoke to the faithful of St. Benedict of Nursia in a General Audience. He began by saying. "Today I am going to speak of St. Benedict, founder of Western monasticism and also patron of my pontificate. I begin by quoting a phrase of St. Gregory the Great who, referring to St. Benedict, says: 'This man of God, who shone on this earth with so many miracles, shone no less for the eloquence with which he knew how to expound his doctrine'."
"The great Pope [St. Gregory the Great] wrote these words in 592; the holy monk had died fifty years earlier and was still alive in the memory of the people and above all in the flourishing religious Order he founded. St. Benedict of Nursia, by his life and work, exercised a fundamental influence on the development of European civilization and culture".
A new unit
Continuing with the thread of the argument, Benedict XVI added: "The work of the saint, and in particular his 'Rule, were a true spiritual leaven that changed, over the centuries, far beyond the confines of their homeland and their time, the face of Europe, giving rise, after the fall of the political unity created by the Roman Empire, to a new spiritual and cultural unity, that of the Christian faith shared by the peoples of the continent. Thus was born the reality we call 'Europe'.
Years earlier, in 1999, St. John Paul II wrote a letter to the Abbot of Subiaco, in which he expressed his joy on learning that "the great Benedictine monastic family wishes to remember with special celebrations the 1500 years since St. Benedict began in Subiaco the 'schola dominici servitii', which would lead, in the course of the centuries, countless men and women, 'per ducatum Evangelii', to a more intimate union with Christ".
Heroic virtues of Robert Schumann
On July 11, 2021, Pope Francis, hospitalized at the Gemelli, remembered St. Benedict on social media: "Today we celebrate the feast of St. Benedict, abbot and patron of Europe. An embrace to our protector! We congratulate Benedictines and Benedictine women all over the world." In addition, the Holy Father sent "best wishes for Europe" so that it "may be united in its founding values."
A few weeks earlier, in June, the Pope had recognized the heroic virtues of the French politician and founding father of the European Union, Robert Schuman, by declaring him venerable. On that occasion, the priest Bernard Ardura, promoter of Schuman's cause, gave an interview to the Pope on the occasion. interview to Omnes on his canonization process.
"Europe must cease to be a battlefield on which rival forces bleed out," Schumann had said in a speech. "On the basis of that realization, which we paid so dearly for, we want to go down new paths that will lead us to a united and definitively pacified Europe," words that are considered vital for the reconciliation of France and Germany.
Leo XIV calls for a "revolution of care" for grandparents and elders
In a message to the whole Church for the Fifth World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly, which will be celebrated on Sunday, July 27, the Pope calls on everyone to engage in a "revolution of gratitude and care". Every parish, association, ecclesial group is called to "be a protagonist, frequently visiting the elderly", and thus break down "the walls of indifference".
Francisco Otamendi-July 11, 2025-Reading time: 3minutes
The Holy Father Leo XIV has launched the Church into a "'revolution' of gratitude and care, frequently visiting the elderly, creating for them and with them networks of support and prayer, weaving relationships that can give hope and dignity to those who feel forgotten". The occasion is the V World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly.
The Day will be celebrated on Sunday, July 27, with the motto "Blessed is the one who does not see his hope vanish" (Sir 14:2). These are the words of Sirach.
The Pope states in his Message that "a change of pace is needed, witnessing an assumption of responsibility on the part of the whole Church".
Every parish, association, ecclesial group
"Every parish, association and ecclesial group is called to be the protagonist of the "revolution" of gratitude and care. And he specifies: this can be done "by frequently visiting the elderly, creating for them and with them networks of support and prayer, weaving relationships that can give hope and dignity".
The Jubilee that we are living "helps us to discover that hope is always a source of joy, at any age. Likewise, when it has been tempered by the fire of a long life, it becomes the source of full beatitude. This is how the Pope begins his words.
Christian hope, the Pontiff emphasizes, "always urges us to risk more, to think big, not to be content with the status quo. Specifically, to work for a change that restores esteem and affection to the elderly."
Jubilee can be earned by visiting the elderly
Leo XIV then recalls that the Pope Francis’ wanted the World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly "to be celebrated above all by going to the meeting of those who are alone".
And for this reason, "it has been decided that those who cannot come to Rome this year, on pilgrimage, 'can obtain the Jubilee Indulgence if they go to visit for a suitable time the [...] elderly in solitude, [...] as if making a pilgrimage towards Christ present in them (cf. Mt 25, 34-36)" (Apostolic Penitentiary, Norms on the Concession of the Jubilee Indulgence, III).
Visiting an elderly person is a way of encountering Jesus, who frees us from indifference and loneliness, the Pope points out, and so he emphasizes Vatican News.
To live with them a liberation from loneliness and abandonment.
The Papal message considers the elderly from a jubilee perspective, and states that "we too are called to live with them a liberation, especially from loneliness and abandonment".
"God's faithfulness to his promises teaches us that there is a beatitude in old age, an authentically evangelical joy, which asks us to break down the walls of indifference that often imprison the elderly," he adds.
Our societies, in all their latitudes, are all too often becoming accustomed to allowing such an important and rich part of their fabric to be marginalized and forgotten, reflects Leo XIV.
Love for our loved ones, and transmission of faith
The Pope continues his words by appealing to love and to a vital memory of family members. "Love for our loved ones - for the spouse with whom we have spent a large part of our lives, for our children, for the grandchildren who brighten our days - does not fade when our strength wanes. On the contrary, it is often precisely this affection that rekindles our energies, giving us hope and consolation."
These signs of the vitality of love, he continues, "which have their root in God himself, give us courage and remind us that 'even if our outer man is being destroyed, our inner man is being renewed day by day' (2 Co 4,16). Therefore, especially in old age, let us persevere trusting in the Lord. Let us allow ourselves to be renewed each day by our encounter with him in prayer and at Mass.
Finally, the Holy Father encourages everyone: "Let us pass on with love the faith that we have lived for so many years, in the family and in daily encounters; let us always praise God for his benevolence, let us cultivate unity with our loved ones, let our hearts embrace those who are farthest away and, in particular, those who live in need. We will be signs of hope, at any age".
Proposal of the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life
On the occasion of the Jubilee of Hope, and of this World Day, the Dicastery for the Laity, the Family and Life has prepared a pastoral proposal so that even the elderly who cannot physically participate in pilgrimages can experience the grace of the Jubilee.
In the pastoral kitThe Jubilee celebration, available on the event's website, suggests a Jubilee celebration that can be experienced in the places where the elderly live. The grace of the Jubilee is always for everyone!
Without freedom there is no faith. And if freedom is given by Christ, then that faith is one that trusts fully that everything is in God's hands.
Santiago Zapata Giraldo-July 11, 2025-Reading time: 6minutes
Believing in something that is not perceived with sight may seem illogical to a 21st century society, accustomed to seeking and proving everything through logic, where rational evidence seems to eclipse any belief that cannot be proven. Faith, understood as the ability to believe without having seen, seems to contradict a rationalistic society, where evidence trumps personal convictions. However, these differences do not imply a conflict leading to the destruction of one or the other, but can give rise to a relationship of complementarity.
"I Believe"
Certainly, believing is not simply a passing act. To have the certainty of faith configures the human being, orients him or her toward an ultimate goal, penetrates into the depths of his or her being and it is in this interior that he or she matures. It is not an external act, but something that becomes an essential part of the person. All this must take place in freedom; if the human being is not recognized as having an active role and participation, this freedom would be denied. As far as faith is concerned, without freedom, what is professed loses meaning: it would no longer be faith, but a mere imposed norm.
In relation to freedom, it is often thought that the call to faith implies a total loss of freedom and attacks human dignity, reducing it to a set of norms. However, this vision is a fallacy, since true freedom reaches its fullness precisely through faith.
We see today a struggle for a "freedom" that exalts only the self, and in that individualistic path, authentic freedom is misunderstood or rejected. In contrast to this vision, Christian freedom does not turn people into mere rule-followers, but offers them a goal, a purpose that is a path toward an encounter with the One who is the Way, the Truth and the Life Himself, Jesus Christ, our Lord.
What happens if we do not believe in a supreme good? In fact, if there is no orientation towards God, we are poor men who live without order. The order present in nature is already an evident sign of an omnipotent Creator. We cannot stubbornly deny the action of God in history; to do so implies putting man at the center, displacing God.
However, the relationship between faith and freedom still demands that the person fully assumes his or her own identity. If he does not assume himself, freedom runs the risk of becoming a simple imposition. Leonardo Polo points out: "man has to construct the voluntary act, but he cannot do so without accepting himself in accordance with the understanding of that act" ("Person and freedom", p. 153). The voluntary act requires intelligence: first, to understand who one is; then, to recognize oneself in what one does. In the realm of faith, if we understand ourselves as loved by God and redeemed by Christ, then, with a voluntary act, we can experience that love and freely orient ourselves toward God.
We understand that freedom is something proper to the human being. On the other hand, we recognize the relationship between God and our faith, a relationship that is fully united in the person of Christ. Having freedom does not mean simply having a multitude of paths at one's disposal, where often there is no perceived end, but only means that seek to momentarily satisfy the desire for pleasure. This search, however, is an illusion, since the path to true freedom lies in finding the One who gave it to us.
To completely dissociate the person of Christ as the source of freedom implies denying the action of God in history and the salvation accomplished through the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world (cf. Jn 1:29). It is not a matter of accepting an abstract idea of something unseen, but of living a personal encounter with God, as Christ has revealed him: he has shown the Father so that we may have life in abundance. As Benedict XVI expresses it: "At the beginning of being a Christian there is not an ethical decision or a great idea, but an encounter with an event, with a Person, which gives a new horizon to life and, with it, a decisive orientation" ("Deus Caritas Est", 1).
Without freedom there is no faith. And if freedom is given by Christ, then that faith is one that trusts fully that everything is in the hands of the Father.
The works of God
Secondly, faith is the recognition of God's work in the world. If we have already affirmed that faith implies a personal encounter, this shows that God also acts in human reality. He does so through the Church, the sacraments, the magisterium, as well as through the conversion and sanctification of its members. This reveals a plurality of actions which, nevertheless, respond to a single divine plan: "But while each of these decisions is unique, they all constitute a whole, a divine plan" (Jean Daniélou, "God and Us", p. 113).
The continuous communication of God and mankind is a sign of Love, the Covenant that is Christ assures us of salvation. St. Paul points out the need for both our understanding and our body to be oriented together toward faith in Jesus: "For if you profess with your lips that Jesus is Lord, and believe with your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved" (Rom 10:9).
It is certainly not an easy task to find a meeting point between what I believe and what I profess, especially in an era as rationalistic as the present one. In this context, Benedict XVI's warning during the Mass "pro eligendo Pontifice" in 2005, when he spoke of the existence of a "dictatorship of relativism", resonates strongly. This struggle for coherence of life is not easy, but it is precisely this concordance that authentically manifests the action of the Holy Spirit and assures the path to salvation.
In particular, we find a significant scene of lack of faith in the account of Jesus' appearance to the disciples after the Resurrection (cf. Jn 20:24-25). Thomas did not believe, because the natural human tendency is to trust only what can be demonstrated. To abandon this idea is difficult. This is how the then Professor Joseph Ratzinger in "Introduction to Christianity": "Man tends, by natural inertia, to what is possible, to what he can touch with his hand, to what he can understand as his own" (p. 49). Changing this is a prerequisite for finding faith.
Ultimately, faith is an act that requires grace. It requires a personal - though not visible - encounter with the Creator. The leap into the unknown has always frightened man; that great abyss that is unknown frightens him and makes him recoil. Therefore, this step is not possible without the help of grace. However, this grace does not annul the human being; on the contrary, it elevates and perfects him, directing him fully towards the supreme good, which is God himself. This is reflected in St. Thomas: "Grace does not destroy nature, but perfects it" ("Summa Theologica," I, 1, 8 ad 2).
Much more could be said about faith; it is an inexhaustible subject, because the divinity is inexhaustible. Its grace is perpetual and, therefore, we will never fully understand it. Only in the world can we glimpse what we believe in, but we will know it fully when we contemplate it face to face. That is why "I believe" is not simply an external affirmation, but a profound acceptance, an expression of the longing for eternal life. As Joseph Ratzinger affirms: "Faith is a change that must be made every day; only in a conversation that lasts a lifetime can we grasp what the phrase 'I BELIEVE' means" ("Introduction to Christianity," p. 49).
What a great gift it is to have faith! Often we do not realize it. In a single word is enclosed the passage to salvation. How beautiful it is to share a belief in a new heaven and a new earth; in a faith that changes lives; in a common faith that leads to a shared happiness that is to seek Christ and to be continually a praise to his majesty.
Mary, Mother of faith
One cannot speak of faith without mentioning St. Mary. Let us think for a moment of the scene of the Annunciation, that precious image of a humble woman whose only desire was to please God and fulfill the law, as a good Jewess. But, indeed, the Lord becomes incarnate by means of a "yes"; thus begins the new humanity redeemed in Christ. Mary did not know what would happen to her from now on, but this act of faith in God makes her the purest example: "Blessed is she who has believed, for what the Lord has said to her will be fulfilled" (Lk 1:45). To her, Mater Ecclesiae, we direct our prayers, so that one day, through her intercession, we may attain what we have received by faith.
The image of the "Virgen Dolorosa del Colegio" transcends the mere category of a work of art to become a living testimony of faith, a source of amazement and a focal point of deep devotion for countless believers.
Its presence is not only that of a painting, but of a venerated symbol that occupies a unique place in the hearts of the faithful, particularly in Quito, Ecuadorwhere he is held in deep esteem and veneration.
The mystique surrounding this painting is intensified by the miraculous event associated with it, a prodigy that transformed it from a revered image into a powerful emblem of divine intervention and maternal care. Through its intricate iconography, the painting communicates deep spiritual truths and intense emotions, setting a tone of reverence and appreciation that invites contemplation.
Unwavering faith in persecution
The image of the Sorrowful Mother, representing Mary's profound suffering, serves as a powerful and enduring symbol of the very trials the Church has faced throughout history. Just as Mary remained steadfast at the foot of the Cross, sharing in the Passion of her Son, the faithful are called to unwavering faith and resilience in the midst of periods of intense persecution.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the Catholic Church in Ecuador suffered a violent and relentless persecution, promoted by the government of Eloy Alfaro and accompanied by militant atheism. This offensive manifested itself in various forms, from the expulsion of bishops and religious orders (Salesians, Capuchins, Jesuits, Redemptorists) to the desecration of sacred places and the murder of religious figures and Catholic journalists.
Among the most regrettable events were the assault on the Archbishop's Palace of Quito, the destruction of the library of the Archdiocese, and the brutal murder of Father Emilio Moscoso at the "San Felipe Neri" school in Riobamba. In this last incident, the regime not only assassinated the rector, but also desecrated the Tabernacle and the consecrated forms, shot at the images of saints and simulated an execution of the Virgin Mary, to finally loot the school.
Persecution was not limited to acts of violence. Laws were implemented that diminished the power and influence of the Church: it was deprived of the property tax, the patronage regime was reestablished, submitting the ecclesiastical administration to the State, cemeteries were secularized, official recognition was withdrawn from religious educational titles and an attempt was made to repeal the decrees of Consecration of the Republic to the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary.
Subsequently, the civil marriage law was issued, which disregarded the legal value of religious marriage and established divorce. The "law of cults" prohibited the foundation of Catholic orders and congregations, suppressed novitiates and dissolved cloistered institutes.
Finally, in 1906, the Catholic Church was stripped of its character as a person of public law and a Police Code was promulgated that repressed all external manifestations of worship.
Our Lady wept for her children
In this context of turmoil and confrontation, the miracle of the Dolorosa in 1906, with the Virgin weeping and blinking on the San Gabriel de Quito schoolThe event took on an even deeper meaning for the Ecuadorian faithful.
Our Lady's tears were interpreted as a sign of her maternal sorrow at seeing the suffering of her children in Ecuador, who were facing the threat to their faith and ecclesiastical institutions. This prodigy reaffirmed Mary's presence and consolation in a time of trial, symbolizing that she "did not want to leave her children" in the midst of the adversity and persecution experienced by the Church in the country.
Witnesses, including my great-grandfather and his brother, described how the Virgin opened and closed her eyes, an active movement that added to the unusual nature of the event.
The rapid validation by the Vatican in the same year underscores that the Church perceived this event not only as a local occurrence, but as a divine affirmation of faith and maternal care at a time of growing skepticism.
This event manifested itself as a universal message of hope and consolation from the Mother of God, a tangible sign that she "did not want to leave her children" in the face of the challenges and turmoil of the times, reinforcing the spiritual connection between Mary and the faithful.
Serenity in the face of pain
When contemplating the face of the Sorrowful Virgin, the first impression is that of "deep suffering". This is the most striking expression conveyed by the painting. However, this pain has a paradoxical nature: it is a "serene and strong pain".
It is not a passing sadness or overwhelming despair, but a deep and abiding affliction tempered by acceptance, fortitude and divine will. It speaks of a sorrow that does not annihilate, but uplifts.
The representation of Mary's suffering in the face of the Sorrowful Virgin, characterized by her serenity and strength, goes beyond the mere expression of human affliction.
This iconography underscores a profound theological affirmation: Mary's sorrow is not a sterile sadness, but an act of unconditional and sacrificial love, a perfect empathy with the agony of her Son. Her suffering is presented as salvific, not hopeless, offering a model for believers to embrace suffering with grace and spiritual meaning.
This approach resonates with the realization that "every pain accepted out of love for Him and united with His passion becomes a salvific, meaningful pain." In this way, the representation elevates her pain from a purely human tragedy to a conscious and active participation in the divine plan of salvation.
The distinction between sadness and love is crucial: "it is not sadness but love that accompanies her Son to the end". Her suffering is an act of unconditional and sacrificial love, a perfect empathy with the agony of her Son, persevering with Him to the end.
Despite the immense suffering she represents, "her gaze conveys peace and love". Her eyes, despite the tears, radiate an inexplicable inner tranquility and boundless compassion. This gaze invites contemplation and offers comfort, assuring the viewer of her enduring maternal care.
The pierced heart
A central iconographic element of the "Mater Dolorosa" is the representation of her chest adorned with "seven swords, symbolizing her seven sorrows". This image of Mary with her heart pierced by swords (often one or seven) is a well-established tradition for the Sorrowful Mother. This visual representation is derived directly from the prophecy of Simeon, who foretold that "a sword will pierce your soul."
The Prophecy of Simeon, Mary's first sorrow, establishes a fundamental starting point for her role in salvation history. The prediction that "a sword will pierce your soul" is not only a harbinger of future afflictions, but a spiritual pang that marks Mary's soul from the very beginning of Jesus' life. This prophecy provides the direct theological justification for the visual representation of the seven swords.
This initial sorrow consecrates Mary's unique and active role as the "Mater Dolorosa," whose suffering is intrinsically linked to the redemptive work of her Son. It underscores that her suffering was not accidental, but divinely ordained and integral to the plan of salvation, positioning her as co-redeemer with Christ from her infancy, not only at the foot of the Cross.
The Seven Sorrows of Mary are a set of events in her life that are the object of popular devotion and are frequently represented in art. These sorrows should not be confused with the five sorrowful mysteries of the Rosary.
The widespread devotion to the Seven Sorrows, with roots in the Middle Ages and its expression in the "Stabat Mater" attributed to Jacopone of Todi, as well as its liturgical celebration on dates such as "Friday of Sorrows" and September 15, reveals that the Dolorosa is more than an artistic representation. It is a living devotion that promises tangible spiritual benefits to the faithful.
The iconography of the seven swords becomes an invitation to participation in Mary's sorrows, offering a path to deeper faith, greater understanding and divine consolation. This reinforces Mary's active maternal role in the lives of her "children," demonstrating that her suffering is a source of grace and a model for transforming one's own pain into salvific suffering by uniting it to the Passion of Christ.
Hands that hold out hope
The hands of the Sorrowful Virgin are an element of great expressiveness in the painting, described with deep admiration: "Her hands are beautiful. Hard-working: wide and long. They make me fall in love with them."
This description evokes not only beauty, but also a history of service, care and endurance. These are not delicate or inactive hands, but hands that have actively served, nurtured, comforted and suffered.
They symbolize Mary's constant and active participation in the life of her Son, from his infancy (cradling him) to his death (receiving his body). They are hands that have performed countless acts of maternal care, have endured immense pain and yet remain capable of offering comfort and holding the instruments of salvation.
The depiction of the Virgin's hands as "workers: broad and long" suggests a capacity for service and action, beyond mere passive reception. The act of holding the instruments of Christ's Passion, such as the nails and crown of thorns, is a deliberate iconographic choice found in depictions of lamentation.
This not only illustrates Mary's sorrow, but her active participation in the drama of redemption. Her hands, which once cradled the Child Jesus, now present the symbols of her supreme sacrifice, signifying her complete identification with the mission of her Son and her unwavering maternal love that "accompanies to the end."
In her left hand, the Virgin holds the three crucifixion nails. These are direct, tangible and visceral symbols of Christ's Passion. They represent the brutal instruments of his sacrifice and, by extension, Mary's profound co-redemption in witnessing his agony.
The presence of the nails in her hand connects her directly to the physical reality of her Son's death. In her right hand, she holds a crown of thorns. This symbol of humiliation, unbearable pain and mocked royalty further emphasizes the brutality and indignity of Christ's Passion.
His presence in Mary's hand signifies his intimate connection with her suffering and his willingness to embrace the full scope of his redemptive sacrifice.
A mother who never gives up
The Sorrowful Virgin of the College stands as a beacon of faith, a canvas that tells a story of unwavering love and divine resilience. Through the miracle of 1906, her serene face in the midst of the deepest pain, and the seven swords symbolizing her sufferings, as well as the hands holding the instruments of the Passion, the essence of her motherhood is revealed.
This painting not only commemorates Mary's suffering in accompanying her Son to the end, but also embodies the strength of the Church in the face of persecution.
The Sorrowful Virgin is a perpetual reminder that pain, when accepted with love and united to the Passion of Christ, acquires a salvific meaning. Her gaze, which conveys peace and love, assures the faithful of her constant presence and intercession.
She remains a perfect model of faith and perseverance in suffering, a perpetual source of comfort and strength for those who turn to her. Her image invites contemplation, gratitude and renewed spiritual connection, carrying her message of enduring love and hope in the heart of every believer.
Jean Ramazani Mukwanga: "The future of the Church in Congo is full of hope".
Jean Ramazani Mukwanga is a priest from the Democratic Republic of Congo who is studying Canon Law at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross thanks to the CARF Foundation.
Jean Ramazani Mukwanga was born in Sama (Democratic Republic of Congo) on October 2, 1992. He comes from a family of nine children and was ordained to the priesthood on June 5, 2022. He is studying Canon Law at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross and is currently in his third year of studies. He is currently at the Tiberino Priestly College.
How did you discover your vocation to the priesthood?
-I discovered my vocation just after my baptism, at the age of 12, that is, in 2005. I was baptized as an adult, because my parents had not yet contracted a religious marriage. At that time, in the Kindu diocese, a child could not be baptized if his parents were not religiously married. Right after the baptism, I joined the altar boys' group and, after a month, I started serving at the altar during Mass. As I sat next to the priests and served at Mass, I felt a great desire to be a priest. That was the major turning point in my vocation story, and after a year I enrolled in the vocation group, so in 2006 and 2007 I entered the minor seminary.
What was the reaction of your family and friends when you told them you wanted to become a priest?
-At first, my parents did not want to hear me say that I was going to be a priest. Faced with their attitude, I got angry and did not want to eat or talk to them for three days. When they saw my reaction, they accepted my going to the minor seminary. As for my friends, some were happy, others did not want me to become a priest.
How would you describe the Church in your country?
-The Democratic Republic of Congo is one of the African countries with the largest Christian population. About 80-90 % of the population claims to be Christian, divided mainly between Roman Catholics (~50 %), Protestants (Église du Christ au Congo - ECC) (~20 %), renewal churches (Pentecostal, Evangelical, etc.) (~10-15 %), and other Christian groups (such as Jehovah's Witnesses, Orthodox, etc.).
What are the challenges facing the Church in your country?
-There are several. Lack of resources, since there are few financial means to support parishes, schools and social works; insecurity and conflicts, since in some regions (especially in the east), violence makes pastoral work difficult. Also widespread poverty, the Church often has to make up for the shortcomings of the State (education, health, etc.). On the other hand, the shortage of priests and religious, especially in rural areas, where some communities do not have regular spiritual accompaniment. There is also corruption and political pressures, since in denouncing injustices, the Church sometimes suffers threats. Finally, there are the challenges in formation, there is a great need to strengthen the formation of the laity, catechists and future priests.
How do you see the future of the Church in your country?
-The future of the Church in the Democratic Republic of Congo is full of hope, despite the many challenges. Its future depends on committed Christian youth, growing vocations, closeness to the poor, solid formation and prophetic courage in the face of injustice.
What do you appreciate most about your training in Rome?
-What I appreciate most about my formation in Rome is the care with which the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross teaches me, not only intellectually, but also spiritually and humanly.
How does your vocation as a priest help you in your pastoral work? How does your formation through the CARF Foundation help you in your pastoral work?
-My vocation as a priest today is a call to serve God's people with humility, joy and hope. Thanks to the CARF FoundationI have received a solid intellectual, spiritual and human formation in a universal ecclesial environment. And this can help me to better serve the Church in my country, with competence, love and fidelity. I am grateful for this opportunity, which makes me a more prepared worker in the harvest of the Lord.
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The Pope received the President of Ukraine for the second time in two months. The meeting took place at Villa Barberini, in Castel Gandolfo, where Leo XIV enjoy a few days of relative rest.
The pontiff expressed to the Ukrainian president his sorrow for the victims, encouraging efforts for the release of the prisoners; he also reiterated the Vatican's availability to welcome Russian and Ukrainian representatives to negotiate.
For his part, the president thanked the Vatican for its efforts in the search for peace in a conflict that is now in its third year.
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St. Christopher of Lycia, "Christ-bearer", and martyrs of Syria and Vietnam
The Church celebrates on July 10 St. Christopher of Lycia (Anatolia, present-day Turkey), the place where this "Christ-bearer" (name of Greek origin) was born and martyred. St. Christopher is the patron saint of travelers and drivers. Today we also commemorate two Vietnamese martyrs, and eleven other martyrs, from Damascus, of the Custody of the Holy Land.
Francisco Otamendi-July 10, 2025-Reading time: < 1minute
Tradition places in Lycia St. Christopher, a popular giantess and martyr of Asia Minor. It was a common belief that it was enough to look at his image for the traveler to be free from danger during the day. Many drivers wear a medal of St. Christopher next to the steering wheel. Here can see a thought-provoking story, when one day he crosses the stream loaded with an "insignificant" child.
The martyrology attributed to St. Jerome states that the memory of St. Christopher is on July 25, a feast that the Roman Martyrology preserves. Although it has been moved in practice to July 10, to coincide with St. James the Apostle on the 25th.
It is said that St. Christopher was baptized in Antioch. He went without delay to preach in Lycia and Samos. There he was imprisoned by King Dagon, who was under the orders of Emperor Decius. He resisted Dagon's blandishments to recant. After several attempts at torture, he was beheaded. According to Gualterius of Speyer, the Syrian nation and Dagon himself converted to Christ. His effigy, always gigantic, decorates numerous cathedrals, such as that of Toledo.
Vietnamese and Damascus martyrs
The liturgy of the day also commemorates Saints Anthony Nguyen Hûu (Nam) Quynh and Peter Nguyen Khac TU, Vietnamese lay catechists, who were martyred in Dong Hoi (Vietnam) on July 10, 1840 during the reign of Emperor Minh Mang.
Blessed Manuel Ruiz and companions, eight Franciscans, all Spaniards except one, and three native lay people, were martyred in Damascus for not renouncing Christianity and converting to Islam. They were members of the Custody of the Holy Land and formed the community of Damascus.
Bishop Barron: Washington state abuse law violates religious freedom
A controversial Washington state law that will force priests to violate the confessional privilege to report abuse "represents an egregious violation of the free exercise clause of the First Amendment," Bishop Robert E. Barron has told OSV News. In his view, the law, which goes into effect July 27, violates religious freedom.
OSV / Omnes-July 10, 2025-Reading time: 6minutes
- Gina Christian (OSV News)
The Washington state law that will require priests to violate the secrecy of confession to report abuse is "an egregious violation of the free exercise clause of the First Amendment." So Bishop Robert E. Barron of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota, a member of the U.S. Religious Liberty Commission, has told OSV News.
"That the state (of Washington) can interfere in this most sacred discipline of the church should alarm not only Catholics, but all Americans who revere religious freedom," he said in a statement emailed to OSV News July 7.
Writing against the governor and his administration
Bishop Barron, the founder of the media ministry or service of 'Word on Fire.filed an amicus curiae brief (note: those filed by third parties, not directly involved) on July 4. The case was initiated on May 29 by Archbishop Paul D. Etienne of Seattle and other bishops and clergy.
The action was directed against Washington Governor Bob Ferguson and his administration in connection with the recently passed mandatory whistleblower law. abuseswhich does not provide for exceptions to the confidentiality of confessions.
The Catholic bishops in Washington had supported a version of the bill that included the exception.
Catholic bishops in Washington state asked the federal court to block a new state law that forces priests to choose between breaking the seal of confession or jail terms (Photo by OSV News/Jason Redmond, Reuters).
The law comes into force on July 27
The law, to take effect July 27, would specifically require clergy - defined as "any regularly licensed, accredited or ordained minister, priest, rabbi, imam, elder" or similar religious or spiritual leader - to report alleged abuse based on information obtained "solely as a result of privileged communication."
Under the law, other persons considered mandatory reporters in this case, such as school personnel, nurses, counselors, psychologists, and child social service workers, are not required to disclose such information if it is obtained in confidence.
Challenges to Washington state law: separate lawsuit by Orthodox church
In June, the Orthodox Church in America and several other Orthodox churches filed a separate lawsuit against Ferguson and his administration on the law. They stated that "since at least the fourth century A.D., the Christian Church has consistently forbidden priests from revealing what they hear in confession."
Orthodox: violating the secrecy of confession is a canonical crime and grave sin
"The Orthodox Church teaches today that priests have a strict religious duty to maintain absolute confidentiality of what is revealed in the sacrament of Confession," the Orthodox churches said. "Violating this obligatory religious obligation is a canonical crime and a grave sin, with serious consequences for the offending priest, including removal from the priesthood."
In the brief cited above, Bishop Barron, who as auxiliary bishop in Los Angeles had countered similar proposed legislation, said that by moving forward with the bill, "Washington barely concealed its intolerance of the categorical secrecy of confession, openly attacking this religious sacrament, and trampling on our Constitution's promise of religious neutrality."
Surprise elimination of the exception for members of the clergy
Monsignor Barron has said that the law "is manifestly based on a lack of respect for the secrecy of confession," and is at odds with a ""venerable tradition" of honoring clergy-penitent privilege, which has been widely upheld by the nation's courts.
Specifically, Bishop Barron added, "Washington's reporting requirement for supervisors generally exempts communications covered by Washington's evidentiary privileges, including spousal, attorney-client and clergy-penitent privileges." However, "SB 5375 (Washington law) surprisingly eliminates this exception only for 'members of the clergy.'" (Note: Seattle, the state's principal city, had 755,000 inhabitants in 2023).
The case of the Colorado baker
In his report, Bishop Barron quoted extensively from the case brought by Colorado baker Jack Phillips, a devout Christian whose right to refuse a wedding cake order for a same-sex couple was ultimately upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court for reasons of freedom of religion.
Bishop Barron explains sacramental stealth
The bishop noted that "few religious practices are more misunderstood than the sacred secret of confession in the Catholic Church."
Confession, part of the sacrament of Reconciliation, was instituted by Jesus Christ and given to the apostles. It allows "a sinner" access to "the healing and forgiving grace of Christ", with the priest "operating in the very person of Christ". Thus. "the penitent is speaking and hearing from the Lord himself," Bishop Barron wrote.
"Therefore, absolutely nothing must stand in the way of a sinner seeking this source of grace," Bishop Barron said in his report. "This gives rise to the indispensable importance of secrecy. If a penitent is aware that the priest could (much less should) share with others what was given in the most sacred confidence, he or she would be reluctant to approach Confession."
A confessional in a file photo at the Memorial Church of the Holy Sepulcher, located on the grounds of the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in Washington (OSV News/Nancy Phelan Wiechec photo).
"The secret of confession is inviolable."
Canon Law, the principal legal code of the church, holds that "the sacramental secret" of the confessional is "inviolable." And therefore, "it is absolutely forbidden for a confessor to betray a penitent in any way by words or in any manner and for any reason whatsoever."
Even when there is no danger of such a revelation, canon law forbids a confessor to "make full use of the knowledge gained from confession to the detriment of the penitent."
Canon law: historical clashes with the sacramental seal
In 2019, the Vatican's Apostolic Penitentiary issued a note on the importance of the internal forum and the inviolability of the sacramental seal.
The note affirmed that the "inviolable secrecy of Confession comes directly from revealed divine law and is rooted in the very nature of the Sacrament, to the point of not admitting any exception in the ecclesial sphere, much less in the civil sphere".
As a result, any civil legislation that seeks to repeal clergy-penitent protections faces a head-on collision with canon law, said Father John Paul Kimesassociate professor at Notre Dame Law School, to OSV News earlier this year.
P. Kimes: the secret belongs to the sacrament
Father Kimes, who is also the Raymond de Peñafort Fellow in Canon Law at Notre Dame's Nicola Center for Ethics and Culture, added that civil law would assign the privilege to one of the parties - historically, the penitent who has been accused." However, "in canon law, the secret (of confession) belongs to no one," neither the priest nor the penitent, Father Kimes said. "It belongs to the sacrament."
As a result, "in the end, it is an irresolvable conflict between civil law and canon law," said Father Kimes.
The confrontation has a long history, with the first U.S. civil case to address the issue, People v. Philips, dating back to 1813, he adds. In that case, Father Anthony Kohlmann, who had been subpoenaed by a grand jury, refused to break the secrecy of the confessional by testifying against defendant Daniel Philips. The latter indicated that he had spoken to the priest about receiving stolen goods.
Constitutional guarantees would be violated
The then mayor of New York City, DeWitt Clinton, who presided over the court of general sessions, ruled that "it is essential to the free exercise of a religion that its ordinances be administered, that its ceremonies, as well as its essential elements, must be protected."
Clinton emphasized that condemnation of such disclosures would violate the constitutional guarantees of religious freedom, stating that "secrecy is the essence of penance". To compel priests to reveal the revelations of penitents was, in essence, "to declare that there will be no penance." And if such measures were permitted, "this important branch of the Roman Catholic religion would thus be annihilated."
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Gina Christian is a multimedia reporter for OSV News.
This article is a translation of the original article from OSV News, which you can view at here.
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Giovanni Ziberna: "Our Lady's intercession is fundamental in the fight against the devil".
