Pope Francis published a letter addressed to all parish priests in the world with his advice for building a missionary Church in which all the baptized share in the mission of proclaiming the Gospel.
“Parish communities increasingly need to become places from which the baptized set out as missionary disciples and to which they return, full of joy, in order to share the wonders worked by the Lord through their witness,” Pope Francis wrote in the letter published on May 2.
The pope presented the letter to 300 priests participating in the Synod on Synodality’s “World Meeting of Parish Priests” during an audience at the Vatican, saying that their meeting is “an opportunity to remember in my prayers all of the parish priests in the world to whom I address these words with great affection.” “Before all else, I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation for the generous work that you do each day, sowing seeds of the Gospel in every kind of soil,” Pope Francis wrote. “It is so obvious as to sound almost banal, but that does not make it less true: the Church could not go on without your dedication and your pastoral service,” he added.
In the letter, Pope Francis offered three suggestions to parish priests for building “a synodal and missionary Church.” The first is for priests to live out their “specific ministerial charism in ever greater service to the varied gifts that the Spirit sows in the people of God.” He said that by nurturing the many and varied charismatic gifts of the laity, priests will “feel less alone in the demanding task of evangelization” and “will experience the joy of being true fathers, who do not dominate others but rather bring out in them, men and women alike, great and precious possibilities.”
Category Archives: International
Christians And Buddhists Must Walk Together ‘For The Sake Of Peace’
In a message entitled “Christians and Buddhists: Working together for Peace through Recon-ciliation and Resilience” released on 6 May, Cardinal Ayuso, the Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, reflected on how the teachings of both traditions highlight the need for collaborative efforts in healing the wounds of humanity and the earth.
Quoting Pope St. Paul VI’s timeless plea, “Never again war, never again war,” the Cardinal said it serves as an urgent reminder of how “the continuing escalation of conflicts worldwide calls for renewed attention to the critical issue of peace and deeper reflection on our role in overcoming the obstacles standing in the way of its growth.”
Noting that pursuing peace demands “vigorous efforts” on the part of all, Cardinal Ayuso pointed to the need “to strengthen our commitment to work for recon-ciliation and resilience.” The Cardinal remarked on how the quest for lasting peace requires acknowledging that true recon-ciliation cannot occur without addressing the underlying causes of conflicts and he emphasized the importance of equity and justice in political, economic, and cultural spheres.
Czech Theologian Says Catholicism Must Rid Itself Of ‘Heresy Of Triumphalism’
Catholicism must rid itself of the “heresy of triumphalism” if it is to become more synodal and better able to evangelise in a secular age, according to noted Czech theologian and philosopher Msgr Tomas Halik.
“We see ourselves as a soci-etes perfecta,” or a perfect soci-ety, that is too self-sufficient, said Msgr Halik, who was recently chosen by the Vatican’s Synod office to help lead an April 29-May 2 gathering for some 200 parish priests from all over the world. The gathering was orga-nised in response to concerns that Pope Francis’ Synod on Synodality included only a few parish priests among the more than 400 delegates that participated in the first session of the assembly in October 2023. Msgr Halik praised Francis’ synodal efforts and his commit-ment to root out a culture of cleri-calism, where priests see them-selves as more powerful than the laity.
But, he said, he would also point to “ecclesial triumphalism,” which he said is a prideful, wide-spread attitude defined by a Catho-licism that is closed off from the world around it. In an address to the parish priests in attendance at the Synodal gathering, Msgr Halik lamented that “some Chri-stians, alarmed by the rapid changes of the world, want to make the Church an island of unchanging certainties.” “There are still places where the parish priest sees himself as the pope of his parish. But the Church confers the gift of infallibility on only one of its members, and then only under strictly limited conditions,” he continued. “And if even a Pope relies on several consultative councils to help him make his decisions, how much more should a parish priest listen to those he has been sent to serve?” Msgr Halik said he was encouraged by the open and frank discussions that took place during the gathering.
Nigerian Nun Organizes Yak Iyamma Team To Fight Human Trafficking
Trafficking in persons has been a cruel reality in Nigeria since the 1980s, one that is un-fortunately still present. In response to an appeal made by the Bishops of Nigeria and Major Superiors to join in the fight against human trafficking, Sister Anthonia M. Essien, HHCJ, and her team have launched awareness raising programs in rural villages in Akwa Ibom State.
Sr. Anthonia M. Essien is a member of the Congregation of the Handmaids of the Holy Child Jesus in Nigeria. She is a Professor of Sociology of Religion and the current Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Uyo, Nigeria. Despite her busy schedule as a university Professor, Sr Anthonia responded to the plight of trafficked victims by whole-heartedly joining in the fight against human trafficking, through awareness and skills acquisition programs. “I was moved by the stories of the victims. I could not sleep. I had to do something for them,” said Sr. Anthonia.
Since 2021, Sr. Anthonia has carried out several pastoral activities in rural villages in Akwa Ibom State, raising awareness among the people on the ills of trafficking in persons. She works actively in collaboration with local law enforcement agencies to facilitate the arrest of traffickers, and ensuring that they face the law. Her efforts recently resulted in the rescue of several children and teenagers who had been sold to traffickers within the country. “I was shocked to learn that some of the children had been sold by an adult known to them,” Sr. Anthonia said. “My first response, when the father of two of the children told me they were missing, was to get the police and the State anti-trafficking department involved. Their prompt response led to the rescue of the children.” Sr. Anthonia came up with the idea of a Community Action Group – local donors and stakeholders – to involve the local community in the Yak Iyamma project for the prevention of human trafficking.
Vatican To Publish New Document On Marian Apparitions
The Holy See Press Office announced that Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, the prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF), will unveil new norms for discernment regarding “apparitions and other super-natural phenomena” on Friday, May 17.
In an interview with the National Catholic Register Cardinal Fernandez said that the document will provide “clear guidelines and norms” for discernment. The new norms will be the first time that the Vatican’s doctrinal office has issued a general document on apparitions in four decades. Pope Paul VI approved norms on “the discernment of presumed apparitions or revelations” in 1978.
The Catholic Church calls for “great prudence” in examining the facts related to presumed apparitions of revelations. According to the 1978 norms, it is the Church’s responsibility to first judge the facts before permitting public devotion in the case of an alleged apparition.
“Throughout the ages, there have been so-called private revelations, some of which have been recognized by the authority of the Church. They do not belong, however, to the deposit of faith,” paragraph 67 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church states. “It is not their role to improve or complete Christ’s definitive revelation, but to help live more fully by it in a certain period of history. Guided by the magisterium of the Church, the sensus fidelium knows how to discern and welcome in these revelations whatever constitutes an authentic call of Christ or his saints to the Church.”
Under Pope John Paul II, the Vatican Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments issued a lengthy document on popular piety in 2001 that reiterated the Church’s teaching that private revelations do not belong to the deposit of faith.
Vocations Day In Spain: The Church Supports 725 Seminaries In Mission Lands
On Sunday, April 21, in addition to celebrating the World Day of Prayer for Vocations, the Catholic Church in Spain also celebrates what it calls “Native Vocations Day,” to support and provide formation for those who feel called to the priesthood and consecrated life in other countries so that no one is prevented from pursuing a vocation due to lack of resources. The Pontifical Society of St. Peter the Apostle is in charge of this effort, one of the four Pontifical Mission Societies that in different ways provides the resources to maintain 725 seminaries around the world.
In Asia, these seminaries (152 minor, 13 pre-paratory, and 62 major) serve more than 15,000 candidates for the priesthood. In Africa, more than 67,000 seminarians attend the 225 minor, 116 preparatory, and 142 major seminaries. In Asia, thanks to the Pontifical Mission Societies, 112 future priests are undergoing formation in five major seminaries, while in the mission lands of the Americas, 157 seminarians are in formation, distributed across one minor seminary, two pre-paratory, and seven major seminaries, according to data from the Pontifical Mission Societies.
To support these seminaries, in 2023 the Pontifical Society of St. Peter the Apostle allocated more than 16 million euros (about $17 million), which helped support more than 83,000 seminarians and 2,000 formators.
The aid is intended to cover an annual subsidy for living and enrollment expenses, which represents the largest item (78% of the total). The rest is used for the construction and maintenance of the buildings, with means to self-finance, support for formators, scholarships, and to support the first year of formation for the novitiates of religious congregations originating in mission territories.
Over Taxation Of Kenyans: A Matter Of Concern, Says The Kenya Conference Of Catholic Bishops
The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has expressed deep concern over the increasing burden of taxation on Kenyans. Addressing the media, just before the weekend, the Bishops who were meeting for the Plenary Assembly held at Roussel House, Karen Nairobi, raised the issue of taxation, among other pressing matters affecting the nation.
In a statement signed by the Chairman of the Kenya Confe-rence of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) and the Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Kisumu, Maurice Muhatia Makumba, the Bishops emphasised the biblical principle of administering true justice and showing mercy and compassion to one another, as stated in Ze-chariah 7:9-10, adding that over-taxation not only burdens the citizens but also hinders the growth and development of the country.
The Bishops pointed out that the high cost of living coupled with over-taxation has made it challenging for ordinary Kenyans to meet their basic needs. Many are struggling to put food on the table, pay school fees, and cover medical expenses. The Bishops noted with concern that, unem-ployment rates have soared, exa-cerbating the financial strain on families.
“While Kenyans are doing everything possible to adapt to the high cost of living, the Church stands with those who cannot afford to get food on the table, to take children to school, and to pay medical bills. Unemployment also is at its highest. Moreover, we continue to be “heavily taxed” by corruption in our services systems! The issue of over-taxation should therefore be understood within this context,” the statement read.
The KCCB called upon the government to improve public participation in assessing its tax regime.
They emphasised the need for transparency in the use of collected taxes, both at the national and county levels. The Bishops stressed that the benefits of taxation should be evident in the welfare of the citizens and urged the government to avoid raising billions in a short span at the expense of ordinary Kenyans.
Pope Prays For Dialogue Over Conflict In The Middle East
Pope Francis once again turned his prayers to peace in the world. Following the Regina Coeli in Saint Peter’s Square on April 21, the Fourth Sunday of Easter, Pope Francis once again expressed his hope that dialogue, negotiation, and diplomacy might prevail in the Middle East. He urged against succumbing to “the logic of assertion.”
“I continue to watch with concern and sorrow the situation in the Middle East. I reiterate the plea not to yield to the claims of war but rather to prioritize dialogue and diplomacy, which can achieve much. Every day, I pray for peace in Palestine and Israel, hoping these two peoples can soon end their suffering.” Pope Francis then recalled, as usual, the on-going war in Ukraine. He invited the world not to forget the conflict-ridden land “which suffers so much.”
Vatican Diplomacy A Vocation With A Spiritual Mandate: Abp Gallagher
Vatican diplomacy is a voca-tion with a spiritual mandate, Abp Gallagher said in the opening speech at an international confe-rence on “Vatican Diplomacy and the Shaping of the West during the Pontificate of Pius XII,” held at Rome’s Pontifical Gregorian University.
Throughout Western history, “in which spirituality acts as a leaven, the evangelisation activity of the Church’s diplomatic work played an important role,” the former nuncio to Australia said.
Nonetheless, Archbishop Gallagher said, “papal diplomacy, which like any other diplomacy makes use of secular means in order to achieve a political aim abroad, cannot be limited to the propagation of the faith and its success should not be measured in terms of the propagation of the faith.”
In fact, he said, the Vatican’s diplomatic efforts also “must pay the normal costs of all diplomatic negotiations” but without neglecting theological truths which are necessary to ensure the peaceful coexistence of the Catholic Church in relation to the state. No matter the nationality or background of a papal diplomat, the archbishop said, he is there to represent the international position of the Pope, that is, the vicar of Christ, “who came to serve and not to be served”.
Whether it was a temporary envoy, an apostolic legate or a papal nuncio, that is, a permanent diplomatic representative of the Holy See to a nation or an inter-national organisation, he said they all were driven by “the constant prerogative of the Roman Pontiff to express the right of both active and passive legation in order to obey the words of Jesus Christ: ‘Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.’”
‘Get Caught Up In God’s Love,’ Pope Urges Discalced Carmelites
“The path of contemplation is inherently a path of love,” that “makes us witnesses of the love we have received,” Pope Francis observed when welcoming superiors and delegates of Discalced Car-melites in the Vatican on 18 April.
Serving “as a ladder that raises us up to God,” contempla-tion, the Pope said, is not about separating one from the world, but grounding us more deeply in it.
Recognizing that the religious are in the process of revising their Constitutions, the Holy Father acknowledged this ”is a signifi-cant undertaking.” Not only does it respond “to a natural human need and the contingencies of community life,” he said, it also marks “an occasion” to devote themselves to prayer and discern-ment.
By “remaining inwardly open to the working of the Holy Spi-rit,” the Pope continued, “you are challenged to discover new lan-guage, new ways, and new means to give greater impetus to the contemplative life that the Lord has called you to embrace.” In this way, the Holy Father said, they enable the charism of Carmel “to attract many hearts, for the glory of God and the good of the Church.”
As the Pope called their his-tory and past “a source of rich-ness,” he likewise encouraged the nuns to “remain open to the pro-mptings of the Spirit,” “to the perennial newness of the Gospel,” and “to the signs that the Lord shows us through the experiences of life and the challenges of history.”
As cloistered women, the Holy Father acknowledged they live a certain “tension” between separation from the world and immersion in it, clarifying that their reality is “far from seeking refuge in interior spiritual conso-lations or a prayer [that is] divo-rced from reality.”
Rather, Pope Francis marvelled, the Carmeli-tes allow themselves “to be caught up by the love of Christ and union with Him, so that His love can pervade your entire existence and find expression in all that you say and do.”
The Pope said that the light they need to revise their Constitutions and address the many concrete problems of monasteries and of community life is “none other than the hope offered by the Gospel,” which, he said, differs from illusions based on human calculations. This, the Pope said, “entails surrendering ourselves to God, learning to read the signs He gives us to discern the future.”
“May your complete immersion in His presence,” the Holy Father said, “always fill you with the joy of sisterhood and mutual love.”