Pope Francis proclaims the Gospel after describing why many don't hear it
Before proceeding with “Proclaiming the Gospel” in his apostolic exhortation, Pope Francis explains the current social, political, cultural and economic situations that prevent many people from being able to hear the Gospel of Jesus. In Chapter Two of “The Joy of the Gospel,...Read full story »
Monday, February 02, 2015
Pope Francis lives 'The Joy of the Gospel' by example
Pope Francis realizes that he must also put into practice what he asks of others since he is the first among the bishops. He must think about the conversion and changes necessary to the papacy. We have seen some of them in his personal life of simplicity. Choosing not to live in t...Read full story »
Monday, January 19, 2015
Pope Francis sets evangelization as a parish priority
In quoting John Paul II, Pope Francis (in his apostolic exhortation “The Joy of the Gospel”) states, “All renewal in the Church must have mission as its goal if it is not to fall prey to a kind of ecclesial introversion” (E.G. 27). It is quite easy for a parish t...Read full story »
Monday, January 05, 2015
Pope Francis calls us all to help with 'missionary transformation'
Pope Francis states in his Introduction to “The Joy of the Gospel” that 1) the joy of Christians attracts others to Christ and His Gospel, 2) all Christians are called to hand on the faith, and 3) the three areas where we are called to transmit our faith – namely, those faithful t...Read full story »
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Pope Francis reaffirms our responsibility to transmit our faith
Three years ago, in October 2012, another Synod of Bishops gathered in Rome to discuss “The New Evangelization for the Transmission of the Christian Faith.” The gathering bishops agreed that the transmission of the faith is the responsibility for all Christians and not just...Read full story »
Monday, December 01, 2014
We all should be living as 'people of joy'
Pope Francis wants Catholics to become aware of how important it is for us to be joyful. Thus, the entire introduction to “The Gospel of Joy” – 18 paragraphs – recalls persons among God’s People who were people of joy. The Holy Father claims it was p...Read full story »
Monday, November 03, 2014
The Joy of the Gospel and consumerism
In the last article, we spoke about consumerism meaning that we try to find our happiness by buying more and more “things” or accumulating more and more wealth. Consumerism is a struggle between our “needs” and our “wants.” Consumerism also ma...Read full story »
Monday, October 27, 2014
'We are to be joyful witnesses to Christ….'
In the introduction to “The Joy of the Gospel,” Pope Francis’ first words reflect the fact that by our very nature Christians are joyful people because we have been “set free from sin, sorrow, inner emptiness and loneliness” (Paragraph 1). This freedom has...Read full story »
Monday, October 13, 2014
'Evangelii Gaudium' reminds us that Jesus call us to discipleship
Pope Francis’ recent Apostolic Exhortation, “Evangelii Gaudium” (The Joy of the Gospel), is truly a living symbol of his life. Since his election, he has brought a spirit of joy to the Catholic Church. Even Christians of other traditions and non-Christians speak...Read full story »
Monday, September 29, 2014
Sister Maria one of many who have served our diocese for generations
Having Sr. Maria Tasto as my retreat director was always an inspiring experience, which did not mean she would not challenge me to look at things in my life and ministry when necessary. A director attempts to listen to God’s Spirit working in the retreatant’s life, helping...Read full story »
Monday, September 15, 2014
