World Migrant and Refugee Day
Pope Francis chose as his theme of reflection and prayer: “Migrant minors, vulnerable and voiceless.”. Prayer proposed by the Conference of the Bishops of France: Lord, God of the universe You are the Father of all the children of the earth. You know each one. You look at us not as nameless beings But as persons, with a face, a story. Each one is for you a beloved child! Teach us to look at one another as you look at us. Teach us to dare to look into another’s eyes. Open our eyes to meet You in our brothers and sisters. You have a preference for the little ones. Like Jesus, you turn toward children and youth. We give thanks for their energy And for the hope which they bear. They remind us that the future lies ahead of us: A future to be built together, in…
Message of Pope Francis for the 90th world mission sunday 2016
MESSAGE OF POPE FRANCIS FOR the 90th WORLD MISSION SUNDAY 2016 23 October 2015 Missionary Church, Witness of Mercy Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – “Today, on the occasion of Pentecost, my Message for World Mission Day, which is celebrated every year in October is published. May the Holy Spirit give strength to all the missionaries ad gentes and support the mission of the Church throughout the world. And may the Holy Spirit give us strong young people – boys and girls, who want to go and preach the Gospel. This is what today we ask the Holy Spirit”. On Sunday, 15 May, on the Solemnity of Pentecost, the Holy Father announced the publication of his Message for the 90th World Mission Day, which will be celebrated on Sunday, October 23. Below is the full text of the Pope’s Message. Dear Brothers and Sisters, The Extraordinary Jubilee…
World Day of Prayer for Creation
An initiative of Pope Francis It was Pope Francis who took the initiative in his message of August 6, 2015, to establish this world day in line with his recent encyclical Laudato Sì. “I wish to communicate to you my decision to also establish in the Catholic Church a “World Day of Prayer for the Protection of Creation. Starting this year, the day will be celebrated on September 1, as already happens in the Orthodox Church. Our common vocation, guardians of creation The annual World Day of Prayer for the Protection of Creation offers each believer and every community a valuable opportunity to renew their personal commitment to their vocation as stewards of creation, giving thanks to God for the wonderful work that He entrusted to our care and invoking his help in the protection of creation and mercy for the sins committed against the world…
Does my life help others to hear the Good News?
I read the text from the Acts of the Apostles 2: 6-11: Everyone heard them speak in his own language. They were amazed, and they said: ‘These men who are speaking, are they not all Galileans How is it then that each of us hears them in his own native language? Parthians, Medes and Elamites and people of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the part of Libya near Cyrene, Romans living here as well as Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs; we hear them in our own languages proclaiming the wonderful works of God. All were amazed and said to one another: ‘What does this mean?’ I listen to the text of Cardinal Lavigerie “I wish that as soon as possible, and no later than six months after their arrival in the mission, that all the missionaries no longer speak…
Martyrdom of Saints Perpetua and Felicite
“One day” says Perpetua, “while we were having lunch, they suddenly took us for questioning. We arrived at the forum. The rumor soon spread to neighboring districts and there was a huge crowd. We were mounted on the platform. My companions, interrogated first, made their confession. When my turn came, my father was there with my son. He pulled me from the stairs begging: ‘Have mercy on your son.’ Hilarianus, the procurator said: ‘Spare the gray hairs of thy father, spare the tender age of your son; sacrifice out of reverence for the emperors.’ I said, ‘I will not do it.’ Hilarianus asked: ‘Are you Christian?’ I said, ‘I am.’ When my father came up close to convince me, he was chased away by order of Hilarianus and struck with a rod. I felt the blow to my father as if I myself had…
Come mix your colors with me
Around the theme of peace and living together, the library of the Palmiers in Algiers, organized for the first time a summer camp from 20 to 25 July 2015 for neighborhood children. A dozen facilitators (seven young Algerians, two Congolese Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa and Marion French DCC) prepared singing workshops, crafts (origami, painting, salt dough …), theater and magic for children from 6 to 10 years. We began with an educational game in the morning, where even the most timid children got involved! Each day, a group of children was responsible for preparing the tea. The last day, parents were able to admire the works their children had done during the workshops. The children presented a show with little theater skits about living together. Each presented the job of their dreams: doctor, architect, pilot, mechanic, cook, teacher, police officer, housekeeper, lawyer. Meriem, aged…