Lord we pray "Help me to continually increase parish vitality and reflect the presence of Christ in the world."

Browsing News Entries

Browsing News Entries

Pope entrusts families of Swiss fire victims to Our Lady of Sorrows (Dicastery for Communication)

Pope Leo XIV sent a message to an ecumenical prayer vigil for the victims of the Crans-Montana bar fire in Switzerland, which took place on January 1 and left 40 dead and 116 injured.

“In these hours, when your souls are afflicted not only by suffering, but also by incomprehension and the feeling of abandonment, I can only entrust you to the Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows, who holds you close to her heart and invites you to look with her to the Cross, one which her beloved Jesus also suffered and gave his life,” Pope Leo said in his message, dated January 28 and released on February 1.

“On the Cross, the Son of God—God in person—wished to share in what you are experiencing today,” the Pope added. “He will also share with you his glorious and blessed resurrection. For Jesus is truly risen!”

The Pontiff previously mourned the loss of life in the fire and met with families of the victims.

Vatican newspaper laments 'terrible situation' in Myanmar, 5 years after coup (CWN)

The Vatican newspaper lamented conditions in Myanmar, five years after a coup d’état brought to an end a decade of democratic rule in the Southeast Asian nation.

Feb. 1 Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Sunday

From the Gospel for the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A: Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven. (Matt 5:10-12).

Jan. 31 Memorial of St. John Bosco, Priest, Memorial

The Church celebrates the Memorial of St. John Bosco (1815-1888). He was born in Italy, and was the founder of the Salesian Society, named in honor of St. Francis de Sales, and of the Daughters of Mary, Help of Christians. His lifework was the welfare of young boys and girls, hence his title, "Apostle of Youth." He had no formal system or theory of education, but rather his methods centered on persuasion, authentic religiosity, and love for young people. He was an enlightened educator and innovator.

Jan. 30 Friday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time, Weekday

The Roman Martyrology has several commemorations, including:

Jan. 29 Thursday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time, Weekday

The Roman Martyrology commemorates St. Gildas the Wise (516-570), Scottish bishop and author and sometimes listed as Badonicus. He was born in the Clyde River area of Scotland. After becoming a disciple of St. Finnian, Gildas was a hermit for a time in Wales. He was also trained by St. Illtyd. He was famous for writing De Excidiio Britanniae, a Latin work describing moral decline in Britain.

Jan. 28 Memorial of St. Thomas Aquinas, Priest and Doctor, Memorial

The Universal Church celebrates the Memorial of St. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274). He is considered the Dominican Order's greatest glory. He taught philosophy and theology with such genius that he is considered one of the leading Christian thinkers. His innocence, on a par with his genius, earned for him the title of "Angelic Doctor."

Jan. 27 Tuesday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time; Opt Mem of St. Angela Merici, Virgin, Opt. Mem.

It is the Optional Memorial of St. Angela Merici (1474-1540). St. Angela was born in northern Italy. In 1516, she founded the Order of Ursulines, the first teaching order for women approved by the Church.

Jan. 26 Memorial of Sts. Timothy and Titus, Bishops, Memorial

Today the Church celebrates the Memorial of Saints Timothy and Titus, Bishops.

Jan. 25 Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Sunday of the Word of God, Sunday

From the Gospel for the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A: As He walked by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And He said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. And going on from there He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zeb'edee and John his brother, in the boat with Zeb'edee their father, mending their nets, and He called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him. (Matt 4:18-22)