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…
I am receiving my King
Gabrieli was one of the first catechists of the country (Zambia). Being old, he now remained in the village. I often went to visit him, to talk and improve the language I was learning. I always found him sitting in his lounge chair made with animal skin, praying the rosary … If he was absent, it meant that even in a village far away … someone was sick, often very ill. So Gabrieli took his stick and went to see him, to help him in his suffering…or dying. He had always kept his Shepherd’s heart. One day I found him lying down, with a high fever … He told me: “Go and tell the Father to bring me communion!” When Father arrived he was kneeling down. Father tried to tell him to stay in bed but … “No, I am receiving my King!” Every day the father…
God calls … How do I respond?
I will try to share with you something of God’s call in my life. How I heard God’s call, how I responded and how I continue to respond every day in the daily events of my life. My name is Mia. I am a Missionary Sister of Our Lady of Africa and I am from Ghent, Belgium. Here are some signs to help discern a call to a religious missionary vocation Listen to testimonials: Since I was very young, in primary school, I loved listening to the testimony of the missionary sisters who came to speak in our classrooms during their home-leave in Belgium. I thought to myself: When I grow up, I want to be like them, go to Africa, especially where people do not yet know God. I also loved watching on TV reports and documentaries about Africa. Listen to the Word of…
The Sancta Maria prayer
The Sancta Maria prayer.This is a very ancient hymn sung by the sisters, Fathers and Brothers the Missionaries of Africa – White Sisters and White Fathers,during our family celebrations. This hymn is from the time of St Augustine. A hundred and fifty years ago the Christians of Algeria sang it; Cardinal Lavigerie loved it and he shared it with his missionaries. Since the beginning of the Congregation, Sisters entrust their mission to Mary,singing this hymn. Formerly at the mother house in Algiers sisters met every evening around the statue of Mary to sing the Sancta Maria. Today, this hymn is fervently repeated by all generations of Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa during our family celebrations: religious profession, jubilees, gatherings … Holy Mary, Help the afflicted Aid the faint-hearted Comfort the sorrowing Pray for the people Intercede for the clergy Plead for women consecrated to God May all…