Category Archives: Popes

Holy Father’s Urbi et Orbi Message

Posted on December 25, 2011 by Deacon Bob

Each year at Christmas, the pope gives his Urbi et Orbi message (the name means: to the world and the city). For English readers, here is the official translation: Dear Brothers and Sisters in Rome and throughout the world! Christ … Continue reading →

Posted in General Interest, Popes | 1 Comment

Pope Benedict’s Homily for Christmas 2011

Posted on December 24, 2011 by Deacon Bob

Here is the homily the Holy Father delivered just a few minutes ago in the Vatican at Midnight Mass. (The English translation provided by the Vatican website.) Dear Brothers and Sisters! The reading from Saint Paul’s Letter to Titus that … Continue reading →

Posted in homilies, Popes, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Holy Father’s New Year’s Message: Youth and Social Doctrine of the Church

Posted on December 16, 2011 by Deacon Bob

The Holy Father has released his 2012 message to the world. It is entitled, in English, Educating Young People in Justice and Peace. He begins by asking the question, “With what attitude should we look to the New Year?” His … Continue reading →

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Pope Benedict on Charity this Gaudete Sunday

Posted on December 11, 2011 by Deacon Bob

The Holy Father paid a pastoral visit today to the Roman parish St. Mary of Graces at Casal Boccone. It was established only 26 years ago. During his visit he made this comment: “Un altro punto su cui vorrei insistere … Continue reading →

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Benedict XVI Message for the First Sunday of Advent

Posted on November 27, 2011 by Deacon Bob

The Holy Father, in today’s Angelus message from the Vatican, had this to say regarding the world in which we live (my translation of the Italian original): And Isaiah, the prophet of Advent, has us reflect today with a heartfelt … Continue reading →

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Benedict XVI in Benin

Posted on November 18, 2011 by Deacon Bob

The Holy Father begins a three-day apostolic visit to the West African country of Benin today. He is doing so to mark 150 years of Christianity in that country and to present a document entitled Africae Munus on the Church’s future … Continue reading →

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Pope St. Leo the Great and the Modern World

Posted on November 10, 2011 by Deacon Bob

Today is the memorial of Pope St. Leo the Great. His pontificate was from 440 to 461 AD, a time of upheaval in the Church as well as in the Roman Empire. Prior to being elected pope, Leo was a … Continue reading →

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Pope St. Callistus I

Posted on October 14, 2011 by Deacon Bob

Today is the memorial of Pope St. Callistus I, who died a martyr in the Trastevere area of Rome in 222 or 223. I posted on him last year this date, for his history is interesting. Born a slave who … Continue reading →

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Pope Benedict XVI to the Youth of Germany

Posted on September 25, 2011 by Deacon Bob

The Holy Father has been in his homeland of Germany this past week. He spoke to the German Parliament a few days ago, and he also spoke the the youth, to seminarians, to the Orthodox, and others during his time … Continue reading →

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Quote for the Day

Posted on September 2, 2011 by Deacon Bob

“The poor grasp the value of humility more easily than the rich. In fact, the poor, with their lack of means, have gentleness as a friend. The rich, with their abundance, have arrogance as an acquaintance.” — St. Pope Leo the Great

Posted in Popes, Spirituality | 1 Comment

Quote for the Day

Posted on July 18, 2011 by Deacon Bob

“My wish for each of you is that you may discover this look of Christ, and experience it in all its depth. I do not know at what moment in your life. I think that it will happen when you … Continue reading →

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Love’s Necessity

Posted on July 17, 2011 by Deacon Bob

I having been writing a series of posts on Catholic Social Doctrine in recent weeks, taking from the Compendium of The Social Doctrine of the Church to do so. Underscored in those posts, and one of the firm bases on … Continue reading →

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Attention Deacons!

Posted on July 12, 2011 by Deacon Bob

“The one who serves does not consider himself superior to the one served, however miserable his situation at the moment may be….. Those who are in a position to help others will realize that in doing so they themselves receive … Continue reading →

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If One is a Source of Division and Discord….

Posted on July 8, 2011 by Deacon Bob

I want to share a quote today from St. Clement I on how to respond if one is seen as a source of division and animosity within the Church. This is my translation of the Italian text I used. “Who … Continue reading →

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Pope St. Clement I on Church Unity

Posted on July 4, 2011 by Deacon Bob

Today’s Office of Readings includes a selection from Pope Clement I’s letter to the Corinthians, written not long after the original twelve Apostles lived. It is a splendid reflection on unity within the Church. As always, I use an Italian … Continue reading →

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