From our Holy Father Pope Francis Pope Francis: Letter to the People of God

“If one member suffers, all suffer together with it”, said Saint Paul.  By an attitude of prayer and penance, we will become attuned as individuals and as a community to this exhortation, so that we may grow in the gift of compassion, in justice, prevention and reparation.  
Mary chose to stand at the foot of her Son’s cross.  She did so unhesitatingly, standing firmly by Jesus’ side. 
In this way, she reveals the way she lived her entire life.  When we experience the desolation caused by these ecclesial wounds, we will do well, with Mary, “to insist more upon prayer”, seeking to grow all the more in love and fidelity to the Church (SAINT IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA, Spiritual Exercises, 319).  She, the first of the disciples, teaches all of us as disciples how we are to halt before the sufferings of the innocent, without excuses or cowardice.  To look to Mary is to discover the model of a true follower of Christ.

Full Letter Here

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"...the joy of love needs to be cultivated." - Pope Francis, Amoris Laetitia
Amoris Laetitia  - on love in the family
Laudato Si  - Joy of the Gospel

The U.S. bishops have called on the faithful to renew a culture of life, marriage, and religious liberty in our country through prayer, penance and sacrifice. To sign up, TEXT "fast" to 99000 or visit www.usccb.org/pray . ~ Anne McGuire, For Full Article Go Here .