A Message from the Editor
The massacre of Muslims in New Zeeland, the shooting at the Perrysburg synagogue, the continuing rise of Islamophobia, antisemitism, and white supremacy are all interrelated. The failure of governments to understand hatred of “the other” and the reasons for this hatred must share responsibility for the violence that is a hallmark of contemporary society. When governments have anti-Muslim, anti-immigrant policies, and directly or indirectly support white supremacy in any form must share in the moral culpability of the consequences of these hate crimes.
Social media organizations must also share in responsibility when any form of hatred of “the other” is permitted on their platforms. There are numerous hate organization recruit that thousands of people daily via social media.
While we need to pray for the victims and their families, we cannot be silent on the causes and language of hate.. We must speak out to those responsible to combat this hated of “the other”...
Prayer of the Month
A Prayer for Those Who Were Massacred in New Zealand and their Families
"Lord God, we pray that those who have lost their lives in New Zealand through Islamophobia and white nationalism may find deep peace in the God of Abraham whom we both honor.
We pray that their families be comforted as they grieve the loss of cherished parents, children and siblings.
We pray that these families know that they do not stand alone in this time of their profound distress, but are receiving support by the faithful believers of all faiths throughout the world.
We pray that all of us at this time of mourning may have the inner strength to recommit to concrete efforts to strike the forces of racism and social hatred from our common home on the earth we have received as a divine gift.
by Rev. John T. Pawlikowski, OSM, Ph.D
Professor Emeritus of Social Ethics
Catholic Theological Union Chicago, In residence at Assumption Catholic Church
Quote of the Month
“States kill when they apply the death penalty, when they send their people to war or when they carry out extrajudicial or summary executions. They can also kill by omission, when they fail to guarantee to their people access to the bare essentials for life. … On some occasions it is necessary to repel an ongoing assault proportionately to avoid damage caused by the aggressor, and the need to neutralize him could lead to his elimination; this is a case of legitimate defense. However, the presuppositions of personal legitimate defense do not apply at the social level, without risk of misinterpretation. When the death penalty is applied, it is not for a current act of aggression, but rather for an act committed in the past. It is also applied to persons whose current ability to cause harm is not current, as it has been neutralized -- they are already deprived of their liberty.”
by Pope Francis
Interviews
General Articles/Commentaries
Capuchin Superior assassinated in Cameroon by Fides News Independent Catholic News
Catholic Priest Kidnapped in Nigeria found Dead - RIP Fr. Clement Ugwu by Abuja/Catholic News World Link to Murdered Priests
Pope Francis remembers 40 missionaries killed in 2018 by Inés San Martín Crux
Rector of Montreal’s St. Joseph’s Oratory stabbed during televised Mass by Francois Gloutnay Catholic News Service/Crux
134 People Killed in Mali by Fulani - Including Women and Children - Please Pray by Jesus Caritas Est Catholic News World
10 Catholic Churches Attacked in France in One Week by Deacon Greg Kandra Patheos
Pope sends aid to southeast Africa after cyclone by Catholic News Service/Crux
Racist graffiti on Gisborne church hits raw nerves after mosque attacks by Radio New Zealand
Civil disobedience is a fundamental right, says Venezuelan cardinal by Catholic News Agency/Angelus
The blessing of humiliationh by Michael Kelly SJ La Croix International
Bishop criticizes ‘faith-filled’ Catholics who spread fear of Muslims by Catholic News Service/Crux Link to Fear, Hate, Prejudice, and Discrimination against Others
5 Signs of Hope in the Bishops’ Letter on Racism by Ángel Flores, SJ The Jesuit Post Link to Racial Challenges
Bruce Springsteen and the Our Father by Aleteia
How three US cities are using data to end homelessness by Douglas Broom World Economic Forum
Jim Caviezel gave what may be the greatest Catholic address of the 21st century by J-P Mauro Aleteia’
Catholic Youth Minister Leads Teens Closer To Christ by Melissa Enaje The Tablet Link to Youth Outreach/Protection
Do Italian Lives Matter? by William Kilpatrick The Dispatch
Blaise Pascal and one reason for believing by John Burger Aleteia
Work Together on Gun Violence by Jack Hartjes Patheos Link to Gun Violence
9 People with Down syndrome who are changing the world by Aleteia Link to Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Bishops decry border 'emergency' as locals step up for migrants by Pauline Hovey National Catholic Reporter Link to Migrants, Refugees, and Immigrants
Support lacking for acid attack survivors in Cambodia by UCANews.com
Catholic charity in Colombia reports surge in suicide attempts among Venezuelan refugees by John Burger Aleteia
Catholic social teaching’s message to the national budget by Tony Magliano Association of U.S. Catholic Priests
On Suffering: How I Stopped Asking ‘Why’ and Started Asking ‘How’ by Mary Anne Steutermann Busted Halo
Catholic parents should vaccinate their children, Vatican academy says by Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service/America
Bishop Campbell elected president of the National Black Catholic Congress by Richard Szczepanowski Catholic Standard
Why forgiveness is the hardest part of faith by Elizabeth Kirkland Cahill America Link to Forgiveness
Featured Report
Called to Learn and to Teach A Presentation by Dr. Carol Rittner, RSM Stockton University
Cardinal Marx: Church must have serious debate on celibacy, role of women by Zita Ballinger Fletcher Catholic News Service/National Catholic Reporter
We Must Resist Trump’s Attack On The Poor by Henry Karlson Patheos
Inside China’s Plan for Global Supremacy by David P. Goldman Tablet
Pope Francis "Athletes have this extraordinary opportunity to communicate to everyone, especially young people, the positive values of life ..." by Jesus Caritas Est Catholic News World Link to Sports and Spirituality
More than 1,000 people feared dead in southern hemisphere’s “worst” cyclone disaster by Anglican Communion News Service
Archbishop outlines major challenges for the Irish Church by Sarah Mac Donald CatholicIreland
Bipolar Disorder and Promises to Theresa by Birgit Jones Catholic Stand
Address of His Holiness Pope Francis at the Conference on the Sustainable Goals (SDGS):"Listening to the Cry of the Earth and the Poor" by Pope Francis The Holy See
Why Do People Refuse to Believe Victims of Abuse? by Rebecca Bratten Weiss Patheos Link to Sexual Violence Against Minors
Pittsburgh Jewish Group Creates Fund to Support New Zealand Muslims by Deacon Greg Kandra Patheos
More help needed for those who feel cursed, possessed, says exorcist by Carol Glatz Crux Link to Exorcism and Satanism
U.S. bishops back Dream and Promise Act to legalize Dreamers and T.P.S. recipients by J.D. Long-García America
What Kids (and Parents!) Can Learn from Dorothy Day by Barbara Allaire with contributions by Jerry Windley-Daoust Peanut Butter & Grace
Catholic social teaching guides advocates in push for a 'moral' budget by Dennis Sadowski Catholic News Service Link to Catholic Social Teaching
In Nigeria, Daughters of Divine Love give hope to abandoned children by Patrick Egwu Global Sisters Report
Bishop’s phone porn didn’t involve minors, but questions remain on move to Vatican by Inés San Martín Crux Link to Pornography Challenges
Horn of Africa: Millions suffering due to prolonged drought by Will Baxter Aljazeera/Angelus
Archbishop witnessed dark and light sides of the Vatican by CathNews New Zealand
Catholic groups decry Trump's proposed cuts to foreign aid by Chris Herlinger Global Sisters Report\
Easter and Trauma; A Catholic Perspective by Dr. Gregory Bottaro Mind and Spirit Link to PTSD
The Massacre in New Zealand, White Nationalism, and The Christian Response by Henry Karlson Patheos
Jewish Groups Around Globe Express Solidarity With Muslims After Christchurch Attack by Algemeiner Staff Algemeiner
Pope expresses ‘heartfelt solidarity’ with NZ Muslims after mosque attacks by Crux Staff Crux
by Tannenbaum
Myanmar nuns give hope and healing to those with leprosy by John Zaw La Croix International Link to Leprosy
US priest aids Cambodia's deaf by Ate Hoekstra UCANews.com
How one migrant family got caught between smugglers, the cartel and Trump's zero-tolerance policy by Jay Root The Texas Tribune
Old guard looks to new generation of voices on nuclear disarmament by Dennis Sadowski Catholic News Service/Angelus Link to Nuclear Challenges
Andrea Bocelli: “In my case, not having faith would mean living in despair” by Matthew Green Aleteia
Cardinal confirms, no one to appoint as Parish Priest by CathNews New Zealand
Pius Knew Hitler Planned to Invade the Vatican by New Evangelization Television (NET)
Anti-Semitism and Orthodoxy in the Age of Trump by Eliyahu Stern The Tablet
Human rights and Catholic social teaching by Jesuits in Ireland Link to Catholic Social Teaching and to Human Rights
Philippine Catholic priests make death threats claim by Joe Torres UCANews.com Link to General Violence Challenges
Bishops ,Bransfield, Bennett restricted from exercising ministry by JD Flynn Editor-in Chief Catholic News Agency
Renown reformer: 'Church has 5 years for a complete turnaround or it's over, 'Father Helmut Schüller of Austria says the sex abuse crisis shows urgent need to 'desacralize' the Catholic priesthood and empower the laity by Christa Pongratz-Lippitt La Croix International
Court rules asylum seekers who fail ‘credible fear’ test have a right to appeal by J.D. Long-García America
Trócaire backs UN treaty bid to stop corporations “making a killing” in drive for profit by Cian Molloy CatholicIreland
Jailed Brazilian official accuses cardinal of participating in corruption scheme by Eduardo Campos Lima Crux
Nigerian sisters take on the fight against human trafficking by Linus Unah America Link to Human Trafficking
Catholics must do more to accompany people with mental illness, says this deacon by a U.S. Catholic interview US Catholic Link to Mental Health/Illness
Bonfires of the Humanities; The Moorings of Academy Adrift by Anthony E. Clark, Ph.D. The Catholic World Report
How Do You Feed a Million Children? by Ian Peoples, SJ The Jesuit Post Link to Children Outreach/Protection
SVP report finds greater poverty among lone parents by Ann Marie Foley CatholicIreland.net Link to Poverty
Hundreds Sign Useless Petition After Catholic School Bans Child of Gay Parents by Sarabeth Caplin Patheos Link to Catholic Schools
Academics must move out of theological ‘comfort zones’ by Charles C. Camosy Crux
Racism in America by Margaret O'Brien Steinfels National Catholic Reporter Link to Racial Challenges
In memory of Jakelin and Felipe, we must have justice at the border by Arturo J. Bañuelas National Catholic Reporter
Former UN envoy’s tenure described as ‘horror story’ for staff by Christopher White Crux
Women of Courage honoree Sr. Orla Treacy is a beacon of light in South Sudan by Callista L. Gingrich National Catholic Reporter
Irish priest to challenge diocese in US Supreme Court by Sarah Mac Donald - CatholicIreland.net
Pope Condemns Spread of Anti-Semitic Attacks in Various Countries by Deborah Castellano Luvov Zeni Link to Antisemitism
Women and overcoming poverty: stories that matter by Poverty Stoplight Team Link to Poverty
Pope Francis in Arabia by Massimo Faggioli Commonweal
Welcoming Children with Disabilities in Jordan by International Catholic Migration Committee
“The Roots of Jews and Christians are the Same, Our Future lies in recognizing this”. A personal interview with Dr. Etienne Vetö, the priest who directs the Cardinal Bea Centre for Judaic Studies by Lisa Palmieri-Billig Vatican Insider
As debate on married priests reignites, ordaining ‘viri probati’ faces hurdles by Charles Collins Crux
Franciscan parish helps people 'nobody wants to know' by Independent Catholic News
Cardinal Timothy Dolan Celebrates Mass at Riker's Island. by Emily Drooby Net TV Link to Prison Challenges
Care Not Killing welcomes judicial review into 'sham' assisted suicide poll by Independent Catholic News Link to Suicide/Assisted Suicide/Euthanasia
The radical call of Lent by Tony Magliano US Catholic Priests
Abused nuns: 'The training of priests must be addressed'. The most complicated cases are those in which the bishop always tends to side with the abusive priest, says a professor of theology at the Gregorian by Nicolas Senèze La Croix International Link to Sexual Violence Against Women
New ministries for mental health, homelessness and food sustainability by Peter Feuerherd The Field Hospital/National Catholic Reporter Link to Homeless and to Mental Health/Illness
The Thrill — and Fear — of Free Falling by Leanna Cappiello Busted Halo
Number of priests declined for first time in decade, Vatican says by Carol Glatz Catholic News Service/National Catholic Reporter
The Price of Doing Business in Russia: Prison by Amy Knight NYR Daily
Exclusive photos: On exorcisms and excommunications in New York City by Aleteia Link to Exorcism and Satanism
Bullied, sexually abused kids more likely to smoke, drink by CathNews Link to School Bullying
Vatican-China deal must be implemented, Parolin says by Catholic News Agency/The Catholic World Report Link to Catholicism and China
Church must reaffirm its moral intransigence, says African priest by Juste Hlannon La Croix International Link to Human Trafficking
9 gravestones vandalized in Jewish cemetery in Argentina by Jewish Telegraphic Agency/Times of Israel
Opening archives won’t settle debate over Pius XII and the Holocaust by John L. Allen Jr .Crux Link to The Holocaust Link to Children Outreach/Protection
Oceania Fijian priest Fereimi Cama elected Archbishop of Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia by Anglican Communion News Service
The wisdom of ‘The Work’: self-discovery inside a prison’s walls by Gregory Mellor America Link to Prison Challenges
Vandalism at Brooklyn parish being investigated as hate crime by Catholic News Agency/The Catholic World Report
Pope Encourages Joint Community Service By Rabbis, Parish Priests by Carol Glatz Catholic News Service/The Tablet Link to Catholic/Jewish Challenges
Our Pentagon spending is a moral scandal by Kevin Clarke US Catholic
On ‘gay lobby’ debate, Pope again offers critics the sound of silence by John L. Allen Jr Crux
Pope says Church’s teaching on death penalty has ‘matured’ by Inés San Martín Crux Link to Death Penalty
Is the church doing enough to welcome its neurodiverse members? by Amanda Hendler-Voss US Catholic
Man who spat on priest as orange walk passed church is jailed by Nick Benson CathNews
D.C. bishop to Congress: Pass a permanent solution for Dreamers and T.P.S. recipients by J.D. Long-García America
The Welcome Outreach of Perinatal Hospice by Father Tadeuscz Pacholczyk Echoes/The Boston Pilot Link to End of Life Challenges
How to mobilize Christians against anti-Semitism? by Anne-Marie Pelletier La Croix International
ACN Interviews Bishop Adriano Langa of Inhambane. ‘The wounds of the civil war are still pen’ by Zenit Staf Link to African Challenges and to War/Terrorism/Genocide
The cancer of anti-Semitism must be excised from the Left by Michael Sean Winters National; Catholic Reporter
Mercy Ship volunteering – tears, laughs and ‘blimming’ hard work by CathNews New Zealand
Archbishop Lori restricts ministry of former head of West Virginia diocese by Catholic News Service/ Christopher Gunty The Pilot
Aging onto the street by Kevin Fagan San Francisco Chronicle Link to Homeless
Understanding the power of love by Brother Jess Matias UCANews.com
The Seven Deadly Sins in the Digital Age by Michael Rossmann, SJ The Jesuit Post
In divisive times, Chesterton inspires unity among Catholics, author says by Junno Arocho Esteves Tne Pilot
The (holy) ghost in the machine: Catholic thinkers tackle the ethics of artificial intelligence| by Jack Jenkins Religion News Service/Crux Link to Artificial Intelligence
Why paint the saints? An interview with Carlos Vega by Ciaran Freeman America Link to Spirituality and Art
Advocacy
Please support one of our organizations and people who need help
Please send a donation for help save the life of my close friend Alwin Rex in India. . Please read the article How do we love our neighbor as ourselves? and send a donation of $10.00 or more to help cover his healthcare costs to Father Thomas Ayyaneth, Syro Malankara Catholic Eparchial Chancery,1500 DePaul Street, Elmont, New York 11003, USA with a notation that the donation is for Alwin Rex. Father Thomas will process donations and send them to his pastor.
When Children are Set Free by Shay Cullen, Mssc Preda Foundation
Help International Rescue Committee save lives in Yemen and worldwide.
Help save the lives of people in Kenya who are dying from lack of access to clean water. Please read our interview with Father Joseph Mungai, FMH.
Whether They Are Young or Old, Hungry or Addicted, Homeless or Friendless... Catholic Charities sees the face of God in those in need. By providing food, clothing, shelter and counseling, we bring hope to the hopeless in the city of Chicago and its suburbs. With 150 programs at 153 locations throughout Cook and Lake counties, we serve virtually every neighborhood and parish in the Chicagoland area. Through our broad spectrum of services, we annually assist more than 1 million persons in Cook and Lake counties without regard to religious, ethnic or economic background. For more than 98 years, Catholic Charities has empowered families and individuals of all races and religious backgrounds to realize their full potential. Our services help people from the point of conception through the last stages of their lives. We keep mothers and their babies well-fed, prepare children in low-income families for school, keep youth in school and out of gangs, counsel and give job training to adults with economic troubles, provide affordable housing for seniors, and organize in-home care services for seniors who need help caring for themselves. donations@catholiccharities.net Only 8 cents of every dollar donated goes toward our administrative expenses; the rest goes directly to help clients. While Catholic Charities raises funds separately from the Archdiocese of Chicago, we serve as the social service arm of the church
Support Capuchin Community Services At the Capuchin Community Services, we support those who cannot support themselves. We are grateful to you for your support whether it be through prayer, through donated goods, or through financial donation. Please be assured that we are careful stewards of your trust. We welcome contributions of any size. All are acknowledged and are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Capuchin Community Services is a ministry of the Capuchin Franciscan Province of St. Joseph. Unless otherwise directed, donations support the local ministry and the Province. To donate through the mail: Capuchin Community Services PO Box 05830 Milwaukee, WI 53205-0830
Prayer Requests
Please offer prayers for Jay Mitchell who has severe Emphysema. by Father Bob Johnnene OFM Mission Sts Sergius & Bacchus
Book Reviews/Commentaries
The Holocaust and the Christian World: Reflections on the Past, Challenges for the Future by Carol Rittner, Stephen D. Smith, and Irena Steinfeldt, editors,. Reviewed by Dr. Eugene Fisher Profiles in Catholicism
The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming by Henri J.M. Nouwen Profiles in Catholicism Reviewed by Eileen Quinn Knight, Ph.D. Profiles in Catholicism
The Thrills of 1924: Dorothy Day Encounters the “Underwood Denizens” of New Orleans by Robert P Russo Reviewed by Gordon Nary Profiles in Catholicism
A History of Loneliness by John Boyne Reviewed by Eileen Quinn Knight, Ph.D. Profiles in Catholicism
Republic Of Lies by Anna Merlan Reviewed by Brandon Sanchez America
Run the Race by Tim Tebow Reviewed by Carl Kozlowski Angelus News
American Priest: The Ambitious Life and the Conflicted Legacy of Notre Dame’s Father Ted Hesburgh, Interview by Christopher White Crux
The Mystical Imagination of Patrick Kavanagh: A Buttonhole in Heaven by Una Agnew Reviewed by Peter Costello The Irish Catholic
Hell: Dante’s Divine Trilogy Decorated and Englished in Prosaic Verse by Alasdair Gray Reviewed by Joseph Farrell The Herald
The Banality of Empathy by Namwali Serpell Reviewed by Lucy McKeon New York Review of Books Daily
Blessed Are The Refugees by Scott Rose, Leo J. O’Donovan, S.J. & Staff and Volunteers of Catholic Charities' Esperanza Center Reviewed by Jeremy Zipple America
Bing Crosby: Swinging on a Star: The War Years, 1940-1946 by Gary Giddins Reviewed by Andrew J. Bacevich Commonweal
A Call to Mission: A History of the Jesuits in China 1842-1954 by Father David Strong SJ Commentary by Father Michael Kelly SJ UCANews.com
Hubert Humphrey by Arnold A. Offner Reviewed by Joseph McAuley America
A Specter Haunting Europe. The Myth of Judeo-Bolshevism by Paul Hanebrink Reviewed by James J. Sheehan Commonweal
She Has Her Mother’s Laugh: The Powers, Perversions, and Potential of Heredity by Carl Zimmer Reviewed by Tim Flannery The New York Review of Books
A Fairly Honorable Defeat by Iris Murdoch Commentary by Father Ronald Rolheiser, OMI Angelus
Film Reviews/Commentaries
Jean Vanier, le sacrement de la tendresse Reviewed by Mélinée Le Priol La Croix International
Across Commentary by Robert Alan Glover The Pilot
The Work Commentary by Gregory Mellor America
Guns & Rosaries Commentary by Sarah Mac Donald Catholic Ireland
TV Reviews/Commentaries
Catastrophe Commentary by Jim McDermott America
Examination of Conscience Reviewed by Chris Byrd Catholic News Service/The Pilot
The Story of God Commentary by Kate O'Hare Patheos
Russian Doll Commentary by B. D. McClay Commonweal
Leaving Neverland Commentary by Jim McDermott America
Period. End of Sentence Commentary by by Kate O'Hare Patheos
The Bush Years Commentary by Brandon Sanchez America
I’m Special: And Other Lies We Tell Ourselves Commentary by Maria Elena Fernandez Vulture
Theater Reviews/Commentaries
Tolton: From Slave to Priest Commentary by Brandon Sanchez America
Art Exhibit Reviews/Commentaries
Confess Commentary by Jim McDermott America
Feasting with the Saints
April 10 Anniversary of the Death of Elizabeth Barton by Gordon Nary Profiles in Catholicism Link to Feasting with the Saints
Prayers
A Prayer for Those Killed in the Ethiopian Air Crash
Lord God, your Son Jesus in the Garden, pleaded with You:
A Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me;”
He added immediately:
still, not my will but yours be done.”
Faced with the mystery of suffering
as our brothers and sisters in Africa are now experiencing:
We ask as they asking “How can this be?”
Good and gracious Lord God, how can this be?”
Good and gracious Lord God, help us to pray:
Not my will but yours be done.
Not my will but yours be done.
In the name of and with the word of Jesus we pray.
not my will but yours be done.
Luke 22
by Father David O. Brown, O.S.M. Profiles in Catholicism
A Prayer for Those Who Have Suffered Abuse by the Clergy
God, in your providential love you comfort those who are wounded and afflicted.
Hear our prayers for those who have suffered abuse by those in their families or by those entrusted with their care.
In a special way, we pray for those who suffered abuse by clergy who betrayed a sacred trust and who were meant to stand for your loving presence in their lives.
May those who have been hurt find support and encouragement in communities of faith, hope, and love.
May they discover healing in genuinely loving and caring relationships.
May they reclaim hope for themselves.
May they be strengthened and confirmed in their resolve to set things aright.
May they rest in you who make all things work for the good. Amen
by Father Louis Cameli Profiles in Catholicism
A Prayer to Prevent Nuclear War
Lord God, you created life and beauty in this world. You then entrusted the human community with caring for, and enhancing, your creation. Strengthen us, we pray, in this challenging time when the power to destroy this creation has grown so dangerously. Lead us on a road of peace, a road that includes a program of removing all nuclear weapons from our earth. We cannot hope to meet this challenge without your continuing presence and support. For this we make our prayerful plea in your name. by Father John Pawlikowski Profiles in Catholicism
A Prayer for Migrant Children
Good Lord, who said “Whoever receives one of these little ones, receives me,” bless the little ones who are caught in the struggle of migration, separation, and abuse. Give all those adults who are responsible for them and for their welfare the wisdom and courage to do the children justice and to protect them. Make our hearts more ,loving and willing to do the right thing by them. May we see in all people young and old your image and so reverence their great dignity.
We make our prayer through you who came among us as a child and who was forced to flee the threat of violence Amen
by Father Louis Cameli Profiles in Catholicism
A Prayer to End Racism
As we gather together for prayer and communion, we are reaffirming our commitment to love unconditionally, welcome all people and work to root out the cancer of racism that betrays our faith and country’s highest principles.”
by The Rev. Dr. Darryl Roberts, Senior Pastor, Nineteenth Street Baptist Church, Washington. DC
A Prayer for East Africa O Lord, with so much tragedy going on in our own country, children separated from their parents at our borders,
needy asylum seekers turned away,
against the spirit of all that we stand for,
as stated on the Statue of Liberty,
help us to think of, pray for, and find the means to help others
around the world, especially the millions of people facing starvationin East Africa.
We are called by the Jewish prophets and by Jesus
to help all in need, and our country has the resources to do so.
Help us to work together with other nations around the world
to raise awareness of the desperation of the East Africans,
and to pool our resources to send them food and medical aid,
so that they may survive and help others to survive and thrive.
We ask this in the name of our Loving Father, the Son who sacrificed his life for all,
and the Holy Spirit who permeates all reality and the hearts and souls of all humans.
Amen by Dr. Eugene Fisher Profiles in Catholicism
A Prayer for Healing Victims of Abuse
God of endless love,
ever caring, ever strong,
always present, always just:
You gave your only Son
To save us by the blood of his cross.
Gentle Jesus, shepherd of peace,
join to your own suffering
the pain of all who have been hurt
in body, mind, and spirit by those who betrayed the trust placed in them.
Hear our cries as we agonize
over the harm done to our brothers and sisters.
Breathe wisdom into our prayers,
soothe restless hearts with hope,
steady shaken spirits with faith:
Show us the way to justice and wholeness,
enlightened by truth and enfolded in your mercy.
Holy Spirit, comforter of hearts,
heal your people’s wounds
and transform our brokenness.
Grant us courage and wisdom, humility and grace,
so that we may act with justice
and find peace in you.
We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
by Christian Peschken Profiles in Catholicism
A Prayer to End Gun Violence
Lord Jesus, as you approached the city of Jerusalem,
Before your passion,
As your people waved palms in your honor,
You saw the city and wept over it because you
Loved it.
You knew of the violence and chaos you would suffer
In that beloved city
still you loved it and wept over it.
Lord Jesus, look upon our cities, weep over them,
Love them and protect them.
Weep over us and strengthen us as we suffer
Violence and chaos.
Weep over us and love us.
Lord Jesus, weep over us and love us. (See Lk 19)
by Father David O. Brown, O.S.M.. Profiles in Catholicism
Prayer for Immigrants and Refugees
Lord Jesus, when you multiplied the loaves and fishes, you provided more than food for the body, you offered us the gift of yourself, the gift which satisfies every hunger and quenches every thirst! Your disciples were filled with fear and doubt, but you poured out your love and compassion on the migrant crowd, welcoming them as brothers and sisters.
Lord Jesus, today you call us to welcome the members of God's family who come to our land to escape oppression, poverty, persecution, violence, and war. Like your disciples, we too are filled with fear and doubt and even suspicion. We build barriers in our hearts and in our minds.
Lord Jesus, help us by your grace,
To banish fear from our hearts, that we may embrace each of your children as our own brother and sister;
To welcome migrants and refugees with joy and generosity, while responding to their many needs;
To realize that you call all people to your holy mountain to learn the ways of peace and justice;
To share of our abundance as you spread a banquet before us;
To give witness to your love for all people, as we celebrate the many gifts they bring.
We praise you and give you thanks for the family you have called together from so many people. We see in this human family a reflection of the divine unity of the one Most Holy Trinity in whom we make our prayer: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
by United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
A Prayer for the End of Human Trafficking
God of freedom, beauty and truth
we believe that your deepest desire,
your most powerful energy,
is that all creation might know abundant life.
We raise our voices in anguished prayer
for our sisters and brothers,
women and girls, men and boys,
who are modern day slaves;
They are your beloved daughters and sons,
exploited sexually or forced to work
because of human violence and greed.
Fill us with your holy anger and your sacred passion
that those who are trafficked might know healing and justice;
that traffickers will come to repentance and conversion;
that all of us might live in such a way
that others are not made to pay the price
for our comfort and convenience.
Hasten the coming of the day when all people
and our precious Earth itself
will be treated, not as a commodity,
but as radiant images of your freedom, beauty and truth. Amen. May it be so.
by the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth
, Convent Station, N.J.
Videos
John Paul II miracle 2006 by SacredHeartLC
Flame 2019 Significance
by Columbans UK
Mission Brief 3 - Drama Club
by Nick Costello Heal
Rethinking Labour and the Future of Work – An Interreligious Perspective by Christian Peschken Peschken Reports
Gene Klein Holocaust Survivor - A German Civilian Saved My Life
by Jill Klein
The Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching by Gary Meegan
The Last Known Letter of Padre Pio to Pope Paul VI
by Catholica
Life Is Beautiful Nicola Piovani Roberto Benigni, Marco Lo Russo accordion Guido Felizzi violin