A Message from the Editor
Most of us use the word poverty but have no comprehension what the term means.. There are our brothers and sisters in Christ who have no clean water, who have no food, and have no clothing. There are thousands of people daily who starve to death. We all need to reflect on the value of human life and on what our obligations are to help those in extreme poverty .
Also check out our web on Poverty.
Prayer of the Month
O Christ, our Teacher,
You invite your faithful people to make disciples in Your name and to announce good news to the poor. We thank You for the gift of Catholic schools, where the message of Your life, death, and resurrection is proclaimed, Christian community is experienced, Service to our brothers and sisters is modeled, And worship of You is cultivated.
Increase our zeal for ensuring that all children and families can benefit from a high quality Catholic education, and that Catholic schools grow in their ability to nurture the soul of our nation.
We ask this through the intercession of Our Lady, Mother of Catholic Schools. Amen. by Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE)
Quote of the Month
In order that the Catholic school and the Catholic teachers may truly make their irreplaceable contribution to the Church and to the world, the goal of Catholic education itself must be crystal clear. Beloved sons and daughters of the Catholic Church, brothers and sisters in the faith: Catholic education is above all a question of communicating Christ, of helping to form Christ in the lives of others” by Pope St. John Paul II
Interviews
General Articles/Commentaries
Catholic Bishop Confirms Death Threats by Zenit Staff
Bursts of loveliness by Gavin T. Murphy Jesuits in Ireland
Physician-assisted suicide is not medical care,' doctor tells lawmakers by Catholic News Service/Angelus
How the Truth of ‘The Troubles’ Is Still Suppressed by Alex Gibney The NYR Daily
Summit with an unclear agenda offers elusive suggestions, vague assurances by Christopher R. Altieri The Catholic World Report Link to Sexual Violence Against Minors
Vatican official to meet in Texas with border bishops from U.S. and Mexico by Rhina Guidos Catholic News Service/Crux
"Exceptions" and the Undermining of the Moral Law by Father Tadeusz Pacholczyk Echoes
Crypto-Monophysitism and the crisis in the Church today by Dr. Adam A. J. DeVille Catholic World Report
California Prepares to Make Martyrs of the Confessional by Father Matthew Schneider Patheos
Cyber attacks target Catholic church, corporates by CathNews New Zealand
Monk's tonsure at Wisconsin monastery seen as hopeful sign for vocations by Sam Lucero, Catholic News Service/National Catholic Reporter Link to Vocations
U.S. Bishops Confront Racism And Call Us To Brotherhood by Tony Magliano Clarion Herald Link to Racial Challenges
“God Didn’t Stop Being God:” Refugee Education Advocate Mireille Twayigira by Billy Critchley-Menor, SJ The Jesuit Post
There is a record number of hate groups active in the US, civil rights center finds by Joseph Dolstein Jewish Telegraphic Agency
What We Need to Learn from the Jussie Smollett Case by Rebecca Bratten Weiss Patheos
Call to stop Australia’s weapons exports to Saudi by CathNews New Zealand
Supreme Court throws out inmate's death sentence due to mental disability by Carol Zimmermann Catholic News Service/National Catholic Reporter Link to Death Penalty
Dancing in rough seas by Margaret Gonsalves Global Sisters Report
European Jewish community facing wave of hate by Bernard Gorce La Croix International
The bishops' letter fails to recognize that racism is a white problem by Father Daniel P Horan, OFM National Catholic Reporter Link to Racial Challenges
Philippine bishop: Duterte’s drug war is ‘illegal, immoral and anti-poor’ by Paul Jeffrey Catholic News Service/Crux
Italian composer fears church music in crisis by UCANews Reporter
After synod, who’s the talk of Rome to be the next pope? by John L. Allen Jr. Crux
Spanish Missionary Catholic Priest Killed in Burkina Faso by Jihadis - Please Pray by Catholic News World Link to Murdered Priests
Kidnapping at Catholic school in Kumbo by Lawrence Fullick Independent Catholic News
'Color Me Healthy' aims to bolster mental health in minority communities by Scott Scanlon| The Buffalo News Link to Mental Health/Illness
At Least 100,00 Children Die Each Year Due to War and Conflict by Zenit Staff Link to War/Terrorism/Genocide
Foundation Padre Jaime by Rosemary León Buitrago Foundation Padre Jaime
Poland Cancels Summit With Israel Over Holocaust Row by Stefan J. Bos Vatican News Link to The Holocaust
NIU student with 'heart of gold' killed on first day at Aurora warehouse by Katlyn Smith Daily Herald
Pope meets head of Microsoft to discuss ethics in technology, AI by Carol Glatz Catholic News Service/The Pilot
Doctors on mission serve poor in global peripheries by Mission Doctors Association Crux
Bishop to Maduro: Open your eyes to see the suffering of the people by Catholic News Agency/Crux’
L.I. teen who sued Catholic school over racist bullying starts anti-bullying crusade by Esha Ray New York Daily News Link to School Bullying
Apologists outline helpful responses to criticisms of Catholic faith by Brian Welter The Pilot
‘All I Do Is Prayer’: Pop Sensation Sister Cristina of CBS’ ‘The World’s Best’ on Faith, Lady Gaga and Singing for $1M by Kate O'Hare Patheos
French bishops urge mobilization against increasing anti-Semitism by Catholic News Service/National Catholic Reporter
Julián Castro Launches Candidacy Emphasizing Our Lady of Guadalupe by Deacon Greg Kandra Patheos
Catholic leaders resist Trump’s ‘national emergency’ plan to fund border wall by Kevin Clarke America
Trump Admin Wants to House 7,500 Unaccompanied Children At Toxic Military Site by Brian Krassenstein HillReporter
Newman’s Canonization: A Summons to Truth by Edward Short The Catholic World Report
A Lesson We Can Learn From Reuchlin’s Defense of the Jews by Henry Karlson Patheos Link to Catholic/Jewish Challenges
Niger: Community faces insecurity after three missionaries forced to leave, kidnapped priest still missing by Independent Catholic News
Editor of Vatican women’s magazine aims to shatter silence on abused nuns by Inés San Martín Crux Link to Sexual Violence Against Women
Bishop accuses Russia of ‘ecclesial colonialism’, ‘saber-rattling’ in Ukraine by Elise Harris Crux
On Parkland anniversary, Catholic leaders seek to curb gun violence by Christopher White Crux Link to Gun Violence
Only A Listening Church Can Address The Sex Abuse Crisis by Louis J. Cameli America
Inside Ireland’s Largest Prison: ‘They’re getting out worse than they went in’ by Peter Crawley The Irish Times
Celibacy -- A Personal Apologia by Father Ron Rolheiser Echoes
Why Chivalry Is the Catholic Solution to Toxic Masculinity by John Horvat II Disqus
Nearly 100 Children Die in Ebola Outbreak by Zenit Staff
Extinction Rebellion actions in London by Phil Kingston Independent Catholic News
In Last 2 Weeks 10 Catholic Churches Desecrated and/or Vandalized in France by Brian Kelly Catholocism.org
The worrying return of anti-Semitism. by Bernard Gorce La Croix International
While Bishops Meet in Rome, Catholic Colleges Celebrate Sexual Abuse. by Patrick Reilly National Catholic Register
Vatican clarifies pope's comments on sexual abuse of women religious by CNA/The Pilot
Actor Gary Sinise describes his road to the Catholic Church by Mark Patterson The Pilot
Here is why Pope Francis’ trip to the UAE is Benedict XVI’s vindication by Andrea Gagliarducci Vatican at a Glance
It’s time to give the church back to the people—literally - Archdiocese of Chicago by Daniel P. Rhodes US Catholic
Bishops blast Alabama for denying inmate his imam at execution by Christopher White Crux Link to Death Penalty Link to Religious Freedom
Deadly anti-government riots rock Haiti by James Blears Vatican News
Mahony at Congress: A Bridge Too Far by Patrick Coffin Media.
I Am What I Am by Carlos Rodriguez Ignatian Spirituality Network
Early screen exposure linked to cognitive and developmental problems in children by Mathilde De Robien Aleteia
Lessons for online donation services after fraudsters hit Diocese of Qu’Appelle’s website by Anglican Communion News Service
The Church's crucial role in responding to domestic violence by R.W. Dellinger Angelus News Link to Domestic Violence
Meet the pioneers who cleared the path for today‘s Catholic activists. by Kaya Oakes U.S Catholics
Sister Antona Ebo’s lifelong struggle against white supremacy, inside and outside the Catholic Church by Shannen Dee Williams America Link to White Supremacy
Francis & the Traditionalists by Massimo Faggioli Commonweal
Flu epidemic kills 1,100 in France but worse to come by The Local
Philippine health officials declare measles outbreak following scores of deaths. by Joe Torres UCANews.com
Los Angeles Rams’ Kicker on the Sole Goal of a Christian by Trent Beattie National Catholic Register
On exorcisms and excommunications in New York City by Aleteia
Cardinal Müller delivers ‘manifesto’ on Catholic teaching by Catholic News Agency/The Catholic World Report
Ethics and end-of-life care: Embracing the mystery by Fr. Patrick Norris, O.P. National Association of Catholic Chaplains Link to End of Life
Wojtyłan Fantasies, Revisited by George Weigel First Things
Blacks During the Holocaust Era by The Holocaust Museum
Bullied teen sent racist messages turns pain into anti-bullying campaign to help other kids by Kia Morgan-Smith The Grio
Homeless Resources & Sleep Accommodations by Charles Karns StartSleeping
Human Trafficking: No One Can Wash His Hands Without Being an Accomplice by Anne Kurian Zenit Link to Human Trafficking
Featured Reports
A State of the Union address for the poor and vulnerable by Tony Magliano Acting Franciscan Link to Featured Reports
Coffee, Jesuits, and Justice: A Cooperative Model Addresses Root Causes of Migration by Kelly Swan Ignatian Spirituality Network
Dublin archbishop addresses use of threats within Catholic church by La Croix International staff
It’s not fair, but does he deserve it? Some observations on Cardinal Dolan, Governor Cuomo, Dr. Monica Miller, abortion, and canon law. by Edward N. Peters The Catholic World Report Link to Abortion
Illinois bishops blunt in joint statement on pot proposal by Catholic News Agency/Angelus
Opioids claiming lives and affecting many others, say panelists by Mark Patterson Catholic News Service/The Pilot Link to Substance Use/Addiction
APOSTOLIC JOURNEY OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS TO THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
A DOCUMENT ON HUMAN FRATERNITYFOR WORLD PEACE AND LIVING TOGETHERB by The Vatican
Francis, Imam Sign ‘Milestone’ Document on Relations Between Religions by Deacon Greg Kandra Patheos
What is hopepunk and why is it so quintessentially Catholic? by Jim McDermott America
Covering Transgender Surgeries With Catholic Insurance. by Currents News ..
Sadly, I too am Governor Northam by Pete Ve Patheos Link to Discrimination against Others
Pope Francis appeals for Yemen's starving children by Hannah Brockhaus Catholic News Agency/Angelus Link to Children Outreach/Protection
Moral Theology at a Crossroads by Tom Elitz, SJ The Jesuit Post
Seeking common ground between Christianity and Islam by Fr Victor Edwin SJ Independent Catholic News Link to Islam
Modern-Day Segregation Promotes Racism by Kristy Burmeister Patheos
Catholic bioethics a changing reality around the world by Charles C. Camosy Crux Contributor Link to Social Justice
Keeping the Faith: Exorcism in Catholic Church by WVLT 8 Link to Exorcism and Satanism
This dream of St. John Bosco highlights the power of the Rosary over the devil by Philip Kosloski Aleteia Link to The Rosary
Vatican magazine denounces sexual abuse of nuns by priests by Nicole Winfield Associated Press/Crux
Indian state urged to protect nuns involved in rape case by UCANews.com Reporter Link to Sexual Violence Against Women
The environment: Conservative government reckless on climate policy by Darren Grindrod The Age Link to Environment Challenges
Zimbabwe bishops collect data on human rights violations by Catholic News Service/Crux Link to Human Rights
Vatican urges fight against stigma, discrimination and prejudice of leprosy by Robin Gomes Vatican News Link to Leprosy
Sisters share their tactics to thwart human trafficking by The Life Panelists Global Sisters Report Link to Human Trafficking
Interview with Prelate of Opus Dei, Msgr Fernando Ocariz on WYD Panama by Zenit Staff Link to Catechesis
Vatican underlines support of universal health care coverage by Catholic News Service/America
‘Holy Goalie’ Connects Sports and Faith by Jim Mancari The Tablet Link to Sports and Spirituality
Francis expresses openness to married priests in places with 'pastoral necessity' by Joshua J. McElweem National Catholic Reporter
Homelessness in Jozi by Spotlight.Africa/Jesuits in Africa Link to Homeless
The Devastating Effect of Euthanasia on Dutch Culture by Fr. Matthew P Schneider, Patheos Link to Euthanasia
A ‘new covenant’ in Ireland by Madeleine Davies Church Times
David Lee Csicsko: Making the saints accessible today by Joyce Duriga Chicago Catholic
A Fundamentalist’s Guide to Praying the Rosary by Kristy Burmeister Patheos Link to The Rosary
Stuck in the Middle by Massimo Faggioli Commonweal
The Intersection of Ethics and Politics by The Tablet
Squandering moral capital by Georg Weigel The Catholic World Report
Revisiting Leonardo da Vinci’s faith 500 years after his death by Elizabeth Lev Angelus 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. Please read the article How do we love our neighbor as ourselves? If just a few of our readers could send a donation of $10.00 toward his healthcare costs to Father Thomas Ayyaneth 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
Aiming high: Irish charity wants to impact five million African students by Susan Gately Catholic Ireland.net
Help International Rescue Committee save lives in Yemen and worldwide.
Help save the lives of people in Kenyawho 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
Book Reviews/Commentaries
On Islam: : A Chronological Record, 2002-2018 by James V. Schall, S. J. Reviewed by Eileen Quinn Knight, Ph.D. Profiles in Catholicism
Life of the Beloved: spiritual living in a secular world by Henri J.M. Nouwen Reviewed by Eileen Quinn Knight, Ph.D. Profiles in Catholicism
The Long Loneliness: The Autobiography of the Legendary Cathlic Social Activist by Dorothy Day Reviewed by Father David O. Brown, O.S.M. Profiles in Catholicism
Developmental Disabilities and Sacramental Access Edited by Edward Foley, Capuchin Reviewed by Gordon Nary Profiles in Catholicism
The Pope Francis, Benedict, and the Decision That Shook the World by Anthony McCarten Reviewed by Tom Cjelten NPR
Forty Anti-Catholic Lies: A Mythbusting Apologist Sets the Record Straight Reviewed by Paul Senz The Catholic World Report
In the Closet of the Vatican by Frédéric Martel Reviewed by Donald Cozzens National Catholic Reporter
Let’s Go (So We Can Get Back) by Jeff Tweedy Reviewed by Austin Meek Commonweal
Time to Go by Guy Kennaway Commentary by Guy Kennaway The Irish Times
Making Oscar Wilde by Michele Mendelssohn Reviewed by Jeffrey Meyers America
Loneliness Insights for Healing in a Fragmented World by Father Gerald Arbuckle Commentary by Cath News New Zealand
Des prêtres et des scandales by Anne Philibert Interview by La Croix International
Political Action. A Practical Guide to Movement Politics by Michael Walzer Commentary by The New York Review of Books
In the Closet of the Vatican: Power, Homosexuality, Hypocrisy by Frederic Martel Commentary by Colleen Dulle America
Good and Mad: The Revolutionary Power of Women’s Anger by Rebecca Traister’ Reviewed by Rachel Cooke The Guardian
Interior States by Meghan O'Gieblyn Reviewed by Jonathan Malesic America
The Bible and the Lives of Transgender Christians by Austen Hartke Reviewed by Hilary Howes National Catholic Reporter
In the Closet of the Vatican: Power, Homosexuality, Hypocrisy by Frédéric Martel Excerpt by National Catholic Reporter
Spiritueller Mißbrauch in der katholische Kirche (Spiritual Abuse in the Catholic Church) by Denise Wagner Reviewed by Christa Pongratz-Lippitt La Croix International
Mr. Mehan’s Mildly Amusing Mythical Mammals Reviewed by James Matthew Wilson The Catholic World Report
From Fire by Water: My Journey to the Catholic Faith by Sohrab Ahmari Reviewed by Francis Phillips The Catholic Herald
The 21 - A Journey into the Land of Coptic Martyrs by Martin Mosebach Commentary by Samuel Smith The Christian Post
Film Reviews/Commentaries
Detainment Reviewed by Fiorella Nash The Catholic World Report
Birds of Passage Reviewed by Sr. Rose Pacatte National Catholic Reporter
Across Commentary by Amy Hall Catholic News Service/CDOM
Green Book Commentary by Bill McGarvey America
By the Grace of God Reviewed by David Ehrlich Indie Wire
The Teilhard de Chardin Project Commentary by Julie Bourbon National Catholic Reporter
Hail, Satan? Reviewed by Kevin Jones Catholic News Service
The Irishman Commentary by Michael Nordine IndieWire
Tolkien Commentary by Sean Dailey Patheos
Glass Reviewed by Guest Contributor Patheos
Never Look Away Reviewed by Ciaran Freeman America
Au Revoir les Enfants Reviewed by Peter Bradshaw The Guardian
Leaning Into the Wind Reviewed by Heather King Angelus
All is True Reviewed by Amanda C Dickie Independent Catholic News
The LEGO Movie 2 Reviewed by Paul Asay Patheos
The Matrix Commentary by Mark Harris Vulture
TV Reviews/Commentaries
One Day at a Time. Commentary by Olga Segura America
Unplanned Commentary Brian Raftery Fortune
Russian Doll Commentary by Jim McDermott America
Jesus: His Life Commentary by Aleteia
Unquiet Graves The Story Of The Glenanne Gang Reviewed by CathNews New Zealand
The ABC Murders Reviewed by John Anderson America
Theater Reviews/Commentaries
The Trial of the Catonsville Nine Commentary by Rob Weinert-Kendt America
Art Reviews/Commentaries
“Confess”: The profoundly spiritual art exhibit tackling the abuse crisis Reviewed by Jim McDermott America
Andy Warhol: From A to B and Back Again Reviewed by David Salle The New York Review of Books
Feasting with the Saints
March 04 - St. Casimir's Feastday by Gordon Nary Link to Feasting with the Saints
Obituaries – Remembering Them in our Prayers
Prayers
Prayer for the Children of Democratic Republic of the Congo
"Lord Jesus, as a child you faced death at the hands of a brutal dictator. As a pastoral minister you showed special concern for children. As countless children face imminent death in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the face of the Ebola virus we raise our voices on their behalf. Send your healing Spirit upon them so that they might enjoy the fullness of life on this earth. May the angel that protected you and your parents on their flight to Egypt protect these children in our day
by John T. Pawlikowski, OSM, Ph.D 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 J 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 John T. Pawlikowski, OSM, Profiles in Catholicism
A Prayer to Prevent Antisemitism
Lord God, through the covenant you established with the Jewish People, we Christians have been grafted into this covenantal tradition according to St. Paul. But very often throughout history we have shown ourselves ungrateful for this gift given us through Jesus who imbued in his teachings this Jewish covenantal tradition through acts of antisemitism. We join with Popes St. John Paul II and Francis in confessing our sins of antisemitism past and present. Through this prayer we commit ourselves to the elimination any remaining anti-Semitic teachings in the Catholic community and pledge to add our public voice in denouncing any manifestations of antisemitism in contemporary society. We ask your blessing so that we may have the strength to fulfill this pledge we make in your presence.
by John T. Pawlikowski, OSM, 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 J. 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
Last Pope - Malachy Prophecy
Human Trafficking - Interview with Prof. Michel Veuthey, by Christian Peschken
World Day of Prayer and Reflection against Human Trafficking by Vatican News
Fr. Mark Goring -Apparitions of Mary in Argentina, Our Lady of the Holy Rosary of St. Nicolas by Fr. Mark Goring
The Power of The Rosary and My Personal Experience by Franciscan Friars
Br. Joe Hoover, SJ - by Ignatian Yoga
Ave Maria - Marco Lo Russo Coro Voces del Mar OEPV concert Teatro Vallarta Mexico 2018 by Marco Lo Russo
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