POPULARITY
2 episodes with Holy door
2 episodes with Holy door
2 episodes with Holy door
2 episodes with Holy door
(3:00) Bible Study: Acts 15:22-31 What is the structure of the Church? What does it mean to wait on the Holy Spirit? (20:03) Break 1 John 15:12-17 What does it mean to speak in the name of Jesus? (25:48) Letters: Father answers his letters that come in. Send him a letter at simon@relevantradio.com (34:59) Break 2 (37:23) Word of the Day Farewell (39:35) Phones: Teresa - When Father does the sign of the cross, is that when he becomes Jesus in persona? I had an experience when a priest did the sign of the cross and I saw Jesus in him. Maria - Can I win a plenary indulgence everyday this year by going to Daily Mass? Or just going through the Holy Door? Tim - The Pope is not from Chicago, he is from Dolton, IL. Dan - In the prayer, Hail Holy Queen, 'Mourning and Weeping in this Valley of tears' I have seen an older version 'Vail of tears'. Joyce - Can I bless a Rosary at home myself with Holy Water? Rob - Did everyone go to sheol? Resources: Triumph: The Power and the Glory of the Catholic Church https://www.amazon.com/Triumph-Power-Glory-Catholic-Church/dp/0761516042
More than 30 million pilgrims are expected to visit The Vatican city this year, to pass through the Holy Door at St Peter's Basilica, opened especially for 2025. In the Italian capital Rome, which surrounds The Vatican, officials have been planning for years to accommodate the extra tourists, including major disruption for locals, but three months in business leaders are reporting that figures are down 15% on the previous year.The city's hotel association says accommodation rates are being lowered in the hope it will encourage more non-Jubilee visitors who may have been put off travelling.But other businesses are cashing in - we hear from faith based tourist groups around the world who say they are doubling their bookings to Rome. Produced and presented by Daniel Rosney(Image: Faithful carry a wooden cross on Via della Conciliazione in Rome during the pilgrimage route to the Holy Door of St. Peter's basilica in the Vatican, as part of the Catholic Jubilee Year, on 22/02/25. Credit: Getty Images)
AMDG. “Go be a pilgrim of hope! There's somebody in your life who needs the story of hope.” Pilgrimage leader, author, and catechist Joan Watson joins the Kolbecast to share everything you need to know about the Jubilee Year of Hope. Joan explains the biblical and historical roots of the Jubilee Year, and how the laity were the impetus behind the first Jubilee. She dissects the imagery behind the special Jubilee doors opened only once every twenty-five years and reveals ways to receive indulgences this year without even leaving your hometown. Joan gives her advice for those traveling to Rome, the must-see pilgrimage sites she visited this year, fasting recommendations for the Jubilee Year, and so much more. Links mentioned & relevant Kolbecast episodes: Joan's book Opening the Holy Door Opening the Holy Door small group discussion guide Kolbecast episode 235 The Disposition of Pilgrimage Kolbe 2025 Commencement site named an official pilgrimage church in Georgia Kolbe Academy 2025 Commencement registration form Kolbecast episode 160 A Legendary Occasion, reflections and observances from those who attended Kolbe Academy's 2023 Commencement Pope Francis's letter Spes Non Confundit ( “Hope Does Not Disappoint”) Pope Benedict's encyclical Spe Salvi (“On Christian Hope”) Katie Bogner's blog post on the Holy Door on her blog Look to Him and Be Radiant Kolbecast episodes 184 and 248 with Katie Bogner & Shari Van Vranken John Bergsma's book Jesus and the Jubilee: The Biblical Roots of the Year of God's Favor More about and with Joan: website Substack YouTube channel In Via podcast by Verso Ministries Other related links: US Conference of Catholic Bishops' website feature on Jubilee 2025 Vatican Jubilee 2025 website: Iubilaeum 2025 Have questions or suggestions for future episodes or a story of your own experience that you'd like to share? We'd love to hear from you! Send your thoughts to podcast@kolbe.org and be a part of the Kolbecast odyssey. We'd be grateful for your feedback! Please share your thoughts with us via this Kolbecast survey! The Kolbecast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and most podcast apps. By leaving a rating and review in your podcast app of choice, you can help the Kolbecast reach more listeners. The Kolbecast is also on Kolbe's YouTube channel (audio only with subtitles). Using the filters on our website, you can sort through the episodes to find just what you're looking for. However you listen, spread the word about the Kolbecast!
Heidi Hess Saxton and Maria Morera Johnson interview Joan Watson, author of Opening the Holy Doors: Hope-Filled Scripture Reflections from St. Peter's Basilica. In Opening the Holy Door, scripture teacher and seasoned tour guide Joan Watson takes you on a journey through the sixteen panels of the Jubilee Holy Door. With her knack for storytelling and love for scripture, she invites you to pause, pray, and reflect on the deeper meaning behind these stunning images. Using a blend of scripture and imaginative prayer, Joan helps you see each panel not just as art, but as a doorway into the great story of salvation. Link in Show:· Opening the Holy Door: Hope-Filled Scripture Reflections from St. Peter's Basilica.
Hey friends! In this episode of Catholic Moms in the Middle, I'm continuing the conversation about the Jubilee Year of Hope, and I've invited my friend Joan Watson to share! Joan is an author, speaker, and pilgrimage leader, and she's here to talk about her brand-new book, Opening the Holy Door. We're diving into the Holy Doors of Rome—what they are, why they're important, and how they symbolize a fresh start in our faith. Joan also shares the history of Jubilee years, what it means to go on a pilgrimage of hope, and how we can embrace God's grace, even when we're in a season of waiting. Plus, we talk about how trust and hope go hand in hand—and how patience (ugh, the hardest virtue!) often means suffering. Can't make it to Rome this year? No worries, Joan gives some great ideas for making a pilgrimage of hope right where you are. Click here to listen to my interview with Joan about the importance and power of going on a pilgrimage. She also shares details about her book and study guide, which can help you pray through this Jubilee Year in a really meaningful way. Order Joan's book here! Click here for the study guide Jennie Guinn is a Catholic speaker, Life Coach, Podcaster, Weekly Radio Show Host on Nashville Catholic Radio and Radio Maria USA, and the founder of Catholic Moms in the Middle. After 26 years of working in Catholic education, Jennie felt God calling her "to step out of the boat" to serve in a new way. In her new ministry, she equips and encourages middle-life women to encounter the love of the Father and to be transformed and healed by the power of the Holy Spirit so they can MAGNIFY Christ in their corner of the world.
Pope Francis will open the Holy Door at the Basilica of Saint Paul on Christmas Eve, 2024. He will open the remaining four Holy Doors over the following days and weeks at symbolic locations to start the Jubilee, or “Holy Year.” The Holy Door ritual symbolizes choosing to follow Jesus according to the church and has been performed since 1423. There have been many internet rumors that the Pope will be opening the “Tomb of Lucifer” but this is untrue. However, it is being timed coincidentally during the “Concomitance of Lucifer” which has to do with the conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn symbolizing a powerful moment of change that combines the energies of these two planets. The symbology of Godhood (Jupiter) with conquering the endless reaches of time (Saturn) has given us the Concomitance of Lucifer as we enter the Age of Aquarius. Tonight on Ground Zero, Clyde Lewis talks with astrologer, Robert Phoenix about PORTAL ZERO – KNOCKING ON HELL'S DOOR.Originally Broadcast On 12/23/24
In this reflection from Opening the Holy Door, Joan Watson explains the meaning behind the panel that depicts the repentant woman who washes Jesus's feet with her hair. For more insight into the meaning of this panel, get your copy of Opening the Holy Door at https://www.avemariapress.com/products/opening-the-holy-door. To meditate on this, see Panel 8: The Necessity of Love at https://www.avemariapress.com/opening-the-holy-door. For more insight into the meaning of this panel, get your copy of Opening the Holy Door at https://www.avemariapress.com/products/opening-the-holy-door.
Jim and Joy speak with Joan Watson, author of Opening the Holy Door, about the 2025 Jubilee Year, discussing the origins of Jubilee Years, their hallmarks, and pilgrimages.
Patrick Madrid gets into a question from Emily in Maine, who’s wondering if she has to pack her bags for Rome to receive a plenary indulgence during the Jubilee Year. Here's the Explanation: Patrick explains that while Rome’s Holy Doors are a major focus during the Jubilee Year, you don’t actually need to fly to the Eternal City to participate. Many dioceses around the world designate their own churches: usually cathedrals or significant shrines, with Holy Doors. So, you can check out your diocesan website to see which local church has been designated. Once you know where the doors are, you can receive the same plenary indulgence as if you were in St. Peter’s Basilica. So, What’s a Plenary Indulgence Anyway? Patrick gives a quick theology lesson: A plenary indulgence is the "complete remission of the punishment due to sins that have already been forgiven." It’s like hitting the reset button on your soul’s "penance odometer." To receive it, you need to: Be in a state of grace (go to Confession if needed!). Renounce all attachment to sin: even those sneaky past sins you might secretly still take pride or enjoyment in. Perform the prescribed act (in this case, passing through a Holy Door). Receive Communion and pray for the Pope’s intentions (like an Our Father and a Hail Mary). Patrick makes it clear that detachment from sin doesn’t mean you need to feel it emotionally. It’s an act of the will: a firm decision to reject sin out of true love for God. What About Rome? Emily mentions she’d love to go to Rome (don’t we all?), but it’s just not possible. Patrick assures her that the indulgence she gets at her local Holy Door is just as “full” as the one you’d get in Rome. There’s no "extra holy" indulgence for jetsetters: it’s the same grace whether you’re at St. Peter’s or in Portland, Maine. Final Thought: If you’re dreaming of Rome but stuck at home, don’t sweat it. Holy Doors are popping up all over the world, and the grace is universal. So, grab your diocesan map, check out your nearest Holy Door, and step into the incredible mercy God is offering you this Jubilee Year. Hey, maybe pray for a miracle trip to Rome while you’re at it. You never know what door God might open for you, literally!
In this reflection from Opening the Holy Door, Joan Watson explains the meaning behind the panel that depicts the encounter of Jesus and Peter, after Peter's Denial. For more insight into the meaning of this panel, get your copy of Opening the Holy Door at https://www.avemariapress.com/products/opening-the-holy-door. To meditate on this, see Panel 10: Hope in the Face of Sin at https://www.avemariapress.com/opening-the-holy-door. For more insight into the meaning of this panel, get your copy of Opening the Holy Door at https://www.avemariapress.com/products/opening-the-holy-door.
Shownotes After any significant life event, we are often left with so much to reflect on and are often left with feelings of loneliness and emptiness. Sometimes the thought of moving forward is too much for us to handle. What can we do when we are forced to start over? How can we begin to pick up the pieces of brokenness that we feel so that we can begin again? Join Andrea and Jennifer in this first episode of 2025 as they discuss these questions and share the connections they have discovered along the way. They also share their word for 2024 and how God revealed each of their words to them. Links from the show Pope Francis opens Holy Door inaugurating 2025 Jubilee S1 E17 Reflections on 2023 and Word of the Year Surrender Novena (also found on our website under Resources: Prayers, Novenas, and Litanys) Jen on The Morning Quest 12/31/24 Evangelization Culture: The Journal of the Word on Fire Institute 33 Days to Morning Glory What is Lectio Divina? Rosary in a Year Scripture verses mentioned Joshua 1:9 Mark 6:50 John 15:4-7 Prayer for those who lost their lives and the loved ones they left behind as a result of the California wildfires Journaling Questions Do you have a word of the year for 2025? If so, what is it? How did God reveal it to you? Where is a place you see a need to tend to and pick up the pieces of grief or loss or suffering? Are there any particular scripture verses that bring you comfort or that resonate with you? We'd love for you to share them with us. What does rest look like for you? What is your mourning Glory? Be sure to check out our website, www.mourningglorypodcast.com. There you will find links to all of our episodes as well as resources to help you on your journey.
The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas). Father Dave explains how Pope Francis opened the Holy Door for the Jubilee year and said, “Christ knocks at the door of our heart to find warmth and shelter.” Father Dave reflects on baby Jesus' unexpected vulnerability, and how we need to make room in our lives for the newborn king. Preached while serving as Chaplain of a Cruise Ship on 12-25-24
In this reflection from Opening the Holy Door, Joan Watson explains the meaning behind the panel that depicts the Parable of the Good Shepherd. For more insight into the meaning of this panel, get your copy of Opening the Holy Door at https://www.avemariapress.com/products/opening-the-holy-door. To meditate on this, see Panel 12: The Hope of Being Found at https://www.avemariapress.com/opening-the-holy-door. For more insight into the meaning of this panel, get your copy of Opening the Holy Door at https://www.avemariapress.com/products/opening-the-holy-door.
2025 celebrates a Jubilee year in the Catholic Church, and Father Dave welcomes Scripture teacher and veteran tour guide Joan Watson to discuss. She is pilgrim formation manager for Verso Ministries and author of the new book, “Opening the Holy Door: Hope-Filled Scripture Reflections from St. Peter's Basilica.”
Please hit Subscribe/Follow and leave a 5-Star Rating. Leave a coment about your thoughts on this subject. Click here to go to Jen's Poshmark Closet. https://poshmark.com/closet/happie22 Click here to go to our Patreon Page. https://www.patreon.com/c/222ParanormalPodcast Click here for Joe's Book. https://a.co/d/0aqVMxw Click here to go to our website. https://www.222paranormal.com/ Welcome to the 222 Paranormal Podcast! In today's episode, we explore a fascinating and mystical subject—the opening of the Holy Doors, a significant ceremony in the Catholic Church marking the beginning of a Jubilee Year. This sacred event is steeped in symbolism and ancient traditions, representing both spiritual renewal and the passage of time. During a Jubilee Year, which occurs every 25 years, Holy Doors in various cathedrals and basilicas around the world are opened for the faithful to pass through. This ritual is believed to offer a special opportunity for forgiveness and indulgence, as it is a moment for pilgrims to experience a deep connection with their faith. We'll dive into the history and origins of the Holy Door tradition, tracing it back to the 15th century when Pope Boniface VIII first declared the concept of a Jubilee Year. The Holy Door is sealed for most of the year and only opened during the Jubilee to create a passage for spiritual purification. For Catholics, walking through the Holy Door symbolizes stepping closer to God, with the door acting as a gateway to grace and divine mercy. In addition to the religious aspects, we'll also examine the paranormal connections that many claim to experience in and around these sacred spaces. From mysterious apparitions to inexplicable phenomena, the Holy Doors have long been a subject of intrigue for paranormal investigators. Are these doors truly portals to a higher realm, or is it simply the power of belief that makes them so spiritually potent? Join us as we uncover the supernatural mysteries surrounding this ancient and sacred Catholic tradition on this episode of the 222 Paranormal Podcast! The opening of the Holy Doors is a ceremony that takes place at the beginning of a Jubilee Year in the Catholic Church. The Pope opens the doors, which are sealed from the inside, to mark the start of a Holy Year. How it works The Pope symbolically pushes the door open. The doors remain open for the entire year, allowing pilgrims to pass through. The doors are sealed again after the Jubilee. Why it's important The opening of the Holy Doors symbolizes forgiveness and renewal. It also symbolizes the journey of conversion and the encounter with Christ. The message of the Holy Doors is that God's mercy reaches out to mankind. When it happens The Holy Doors are only opened during a Jubilee Year, which occurs every 25 years. The last Jubilee Year was in 2000, and the next one will be in 2025. Where it happens The Holy Doors are located in the four major basilicas of Rome: St. Peter's Basilica St. John Lateran St. Paul Outside the Walls St. Mary Major Discover the world of the supernatural with the 222 Paranormal Podcast, your ultimate source for spine-chilling tales and expert insights into the unknown. Each episode delves into a variety of paranormal phenomena, from ghostly hauntings and cryptid encounters to unexplained mysteries and psychic phenomena. Join us as we interview leading experts, investigate haunted locations, and share true stories that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Our podcast covers everything from the latest in ghost hunting technology to historical accounts of paranormal events. Whether you're a seasoned investigator or just fascinated by the supernatural, our content is designed to captivate and inform. Tune in to our Paranormal Podcast for engaging discussions, detailed investigations, and thought-provoking theories that challenge the boundaries of reality. We also offer practical tips for aspiring ghost hunters and reviews of essential paranormal equipment. Don't miss out on our exclusive episodes that explore the most haunted places and the most enigmatic phenomena. Subscribe now to stay updated with our latest content and join a community of paranormal enthusiasts eager to explore the mysteries of the beyond. Experience the thrill of the unknown with the 222 Paranormal Podcast today!
In this first reflection from Opening the Holy Door, Joan Watson explains the meaning behind the panel that depicts the Parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15. For more insight into the meaning of this panel, get your copy of Opening the Holy Door at https://www.avemariapress.com/products/opening-the-holy-door. To meditate on this, see Panel 7: A Father's Heart at https://www.avemariapress.com/opening-the-holy-door.
In this segment from the Son Rise Morning Show on Sacred Heart Radio, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. continues the series about the Jubilee Year 2025: Pilgrims of Hope.A pilgrimage is a spiritual journey and travel of a person to a holy place. Pilgrimages are distinct from a vacation or a trip and are an analogy of the pursuit of Heaven on the Earthly journey and are means by which the faithful experience God in a unique way through a departure, travel, a visit to a holy or devotional site, and the return to one's everyday life, having been transformed.The Holy Father has announced that 2025 will be a Jubilee Year, something which happens every 25 years. The theme for Jubilee 2025 is “Pilgrims of Hope,” and it is a year of hope for a world suffering the impacts of war, the ongoing effects of COVID-19 pandemic, and the climate crisis.The 2025 Jubilee officially opened on December 24, 2024 at 7pm, with the rite of Opening of the Holy Door of the Papal Basilica of St. Peter by the Holy Father, who then presided over the celebration of the Night Mass of the Lord's Birth inside the Basilica.In the Catholic Church, the concept of Jubilee or ‘Holy Year' was used to declare special years for forgiveness and reconciliation. The first Jubilee was declared by Pope Boniface VIII on 22nd February 1300 (Feast of the Chair of St. Peter), to mark the beginning of that century. He later recommended it occurring every 100 yearsNotes:On Mission: PilgrimagesOn Mission: ShrinesYear of Prayer 2024 ResourcesLearn more about Advent hereView Eucharistic Revival ResourcesRead Ad Infinitum blog posts on Advent Follow us:The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. also appears on the podcast, On Mission, which is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center and you can also listen to his weekly Sunday Gospel reflections. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.
Happy New Year and Happy Christmas! We are still in the Christmas Season until the feast of the Baptism of the Lord so it is still appropriate to wish everyone a blessed Christmastide from the team here on C&SI! So this weeks podcast is a little light, both taking into account the Christmas season and also the spate of flus that are doing the rounds and decimating the podcasting team!So on this weeks podcast we have our regular run through the upcoming liturgical odds and ends, noting the fact that in Ireland we still mark the Epiphany on January 6th.In part 2 we have a run through the events marking Christmas and the beginning of the Jubilee 2025 - Year of Hope - in Rome with links below.And we as always we have a reflection on the gospel for the 2nd Sunday of Christmas, the prologue to gospel of St John in part three. Links:24 Dec - Pope Francis opens Holy Door inaugurating 2025 Jubilee (Vatican News)Christmas message from Bishop Brendan Leahy 202425 Dec - Urbi et Orbi - Pope at Christmas Urbi et Orbi: May we become pilgrims of hope, peace, and unity (Vatican News)25 Dec - Complete Urbi et Orbi blessing (Rome Reports (video))26 Dec - Pope opens Holy Door at a prison for first time ever (Vatican News) 26 Dec - The Pope's visit to the Roman prison to start the Jubilee (Rome Reports (video))26 Dec - Popes Angelus - Pope on St. Stephen's Day: 'God forgives always and everything' (Vatican News)29 Dec - Cardinal Vicar of Rome opens Holy Door of Saint John Lateran Basilica (Vatican News)29 Dec - Dioceses across the world celebrate opening of Jubilee Year (Vatican News)31 Dec - Vespers and Te Deum - Pope Francis: The hope of a fraternal world is Jesus (Vatican News)1 Jan - Saint Mary Major's Holy Door is open (Vatican News)Jubilee 2025Jubilee 2025 websiteCountdown to '2025 Jubilee Year of Hope' in Ireland, Rome and around the worldBishop Brendan Leahy (Limerick) Speaks on the Jubilee Year 2025Text us at +353 874668950 or email at comeandseeinspirtaions@gmail.com
Happy New Year and Happy Christmas! We are still in the Christmas Season until the feast of the Baptism of the Lord so it is still appropriate to wish everyone a blessed Christmastide from the team here on C&SI! So this weeks podcast is a little light, both taking into account the Christmas season and also the spate of flus that are doing the rounds and decimating the podcasting team!So on this weeks podcast excerpt we have a run through the events marking Christmas and the beginning of the Jubilee 2025 - Year of Hope - in Rome with links below.Links:24 Dec - Pope Francis opens Holy Door inaugurating 2025 Jubilee (Vatican News)Christmas message from Bishop Brendan Leahy 202425 Dec - Urbi et Orbi - Pope at Christmas Urbi et Orbi: May we become pilgrims of hope, peace, and unity (Vatican News)25 Dec - Complete Urbi et Orbi blessing (Rome Reports (video))26 Dec - Pope opens Holy Door at a prison for first time ever (Vatican News) 26 Dec - The Pope's visit to the Roman prison to start the Jubilee (Rome Reports (video))26 Dec - Popes Angelus - Pope on St. Stephen's Day: 'God forgives always and everything' (Vatican News)29 Dec - Cardinal Vicar of Rome opens Holy Door of Saint John Lateran Basilica (Vatican News)29 Dec - Dioceses across the world celebrate opening of Jubilee Year (Vatican News)31 Dec - Vespers and Te Deum - Pope Francis: The hope of a fraternal world is Jesus (Vatican News)1 Jan - Saint Mary Major's Holy Door is open (Vatican News)Jubilee 2025Jubilee 2025 websiteCountdown to '2025 Jubilee Year of Hope' in Ireland, Rome and around the worldBishop Brendan Leahy (Limerick) Speaks on the Jubilee Year 2025Text us at +353 874668950 or email at comeandseeinspirtaions@gmail.com
Joan Watson, author of Opening the Holy Door, explores the rich history and purpose behind Jubilees in the Church, shedding light on the profound significance of opening the Holy Doors in Rome's four major basilicas. She offers practical advice on cultivating a pilgrim's heart, embracing the mercy, hope, peace, and joy of the upcoming Jubilee Year. Joan also delves into the sacred imagery of the Holy Door, inviting us to reflect on how these symbols can uniquely inspire and move each of us on our spiritual journey. We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your friends! Editing provided by Forte Catholic (https://www.fortecatholic.com/)
This week Pope Francis opened the Holy Door at St. Peter's Basilica, and today our own bishop inaugurates the Jubilee Year in our own diocese. God offers us extraordinary graces during this holy year -- make we welcome this invitation to make a new start with God and others, especially our family.
The message of the Gospel is clear and timeless: there is only one door to salvation, and that door is Jesus Christ. Any other door, no matter how ornate or well-meaning, cannot lead to eternal life. Let us hold fast to this truth and proclaim it boldly, for it is the power of God unto salvation for everyone who believes.
The message of the Gospel is clear and timeless: there is only one door to salvation, and that door is Jesus Christ. Any other door, no matter how ornate or well-meaning, cannot lead to eternal life. Let us hold fast to this truth and proclaim it boldly, for it is the power of God unto salvation for everyone who believes.
Msgr. Roger J. Landry Conversations with Consequences Podcast Homily for the Feast of the Holy Family, C, Vigil December 28, 2024 To listen to an audio recording of this short Sunday homily, please click below: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/catholicpreaching/12.28.24_Landry_ConCon_1.mp3 The following text guided the homily: * This is Msgr. Roger Landry and it's a privilege for me to be with you as we enter into the consequential conversation God wants to have with each of us, as together we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. We celebrate this feast on the Sunday between Christmas and the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, on January 1. It is an opportunity for us to focus on how when, the Word of God took on our humanity and dwelled among us in order to save us, he chose to enter the human race in a family, just as each of us does, so that he could redeem the family that the devil had attacked from the beginning with Adam and Eve, and so that he could in fact make the Church a family. The Church is the extension of the Holy Family of Bethlehem and Nazareth, comprised of those who, like the Blessed Mother and Saint Joseph, hear the Word of God and observe it, and who seek to live their life centered on God-with-us, Emmanuel. * This year's celebration of the Feast of the Holy Family is particularly special because it is taking place as part of the long-awaited Jubilee of Hope, which Pope Francis inaugurated during Christmas Mass-During-the-Night on Christmas Eve at St. Peter's in the Vatican. In a wheelchair, the Holy Father movingly opened the Jubilee Door and invited the whole Church to make a pilgrimage through that door, leaving behind a world in which there are so many signs of desperation and entering through the door who is Christ our hope. But that was just the start of the Jubilee. On the Feast of the Holy Family, two things are happening. First, in Rome, Pope Francis will open the Holy Door at his Cathedral, the Archbasilica of Saint John in the Lateran. Second, he decreed that in every cathedral and co-cathedral of the world, bishops are to celebrate Holy Mass as the solemn opening of the Jubilee year. So in the mother church of every diocese in the world, including your own diocesan Cathedral, there will be a special Mass with particular prayers for the occasion. I would urge you to try to go to your Cathedral this Sunday to celebrate in a particular way this Jubilee along with the successor of apostles sent to shepherd you in your part of Christ's worldwide vineyard. And the Jubilee will continue in each diocese of the world until the Feast of the Holy Family next year. This shows us that the Jubilee is meant to be marked not just in Rome, and not just in every Diocese, but in every family, seeking to help every family model itself on the Holy Family and become a beacon of hope for the world, as Christian families individually and collectively give a reason for the hope we bear within us (1 Pet 3:15). * The Feast of the Holy Family this year will take place on the fifth day of Christmas and it's key, if we're going to understand and live out the Jubilee well, for us to grasp the true meaning of hope. If you look at the Catechism of the Catholic Church, it says that hope is the “theological virtue by which we desire the kingdom of heaven and eternal life as our happiness, placing our trust in Christ’s promises and relying not on our own strength, but on the help of the grace of the Holy Spirit” (CCC 1817). Hope is, therefore, a gift of God by which we ground our life trustingly in Christ's words and promises and avail ourselves of the help of God to seek to live in his kingdom, in but not of the world, Episode: https://catholicpreaching.com/wp/holy-family-c-conversations-with-consequences-podcast-december-28-2024/ Podcast: https://catholicpreaching.com/wp/category/audio-homily/podcast/
On "EWTN News Nightly" tonight: President Biden's commutation of federal death sentences sparks widespread debate across the nation. Father Thomas Petri discusses the moral and theological dimensions of the death penalty from the Catholic perspective. Pope Francis will open the Holy Door at St. Peter's Basilica, marking the beginning of the Jubilee of Hope, a rare event that symbolizes grace and forgiveness. Plus, Bishop Edward Malesic of Cleveland talks about his new pastoral letter encouraging daily prayer and reflection to deepen our relationship with God.
REBIBBIA PRISON - OPENING OF THE HOLY DOOR AND MASS, PRESIDED OVER BY POPE FRANCIS (The content of this podcast is copyrighted by the Dicastery for Communication which, according to its statute, is entrusted to manage and protect the sound recordings of the Roman Pontiff, ensuring that their pastoral character and intellectual property's rights are protected when used by third parties. The content of this podcast is made available only for personal and private use and cannot be exploited for commercial purposes, without prior written authorization by the Dicastery for Communication. For further information, please contact the International Relation Office at relazioni.internazionali@spc.va)
The Jubilee Year of Hope 2025 began December 24, 2024, with the opening of the Holy Door in St. Peter's Basilica. For the next five weeks, _Ave Explores _will look at how an Ordinary Jubilee is a chance for hope, repentance, renewal, and revival in the Church. Spes non confundit - Bull of Indiction of the Ordinary Jubilee of the Year 2025 (9 May 2024)(https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/bulls/documents/20240509spes-non-confunditbolla-giubileo2025.html) LVIII World Day of Peace 2025 - “Forgive us our trespasses: grant us your peace” (https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/peace/documents/20241208-messaggio-58giornatamondiale-pace2025.html) We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your friends! Editing provided by Forte Catholic (https://www.fortecatholic.com/)
Christians in Israel celebrate a more somber and subdued Christmas this year. Ukrainians mark Christmas as well with prayers for peace, and the Vatican was filled with excitement on Christmas Eve as the faithful gathered to witness Pope Francis inaugurate the Holy Year by unlocking the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica. Syrian refugees in Europe are worried about their future following the fall of Bashar al-Assad. The incoming Trump administration inherits efforts by the U.S. space agency, NASA, to return astronauts to the surface of the moon. Plus, a Christmas barnacle in Spain faces an uncertain future amid climate change.
Pope Francis will open the Holy Door at the Basilica of Saint Paul on Christmas Eve, 2024. He will open the remaining four Holy Doors over the following days and weeks at symbolic locations to start the Jubilee, or “Holy Year.” The Holy Door ritual symbolizes choosing to follow Jesus according to the church and has been performed since 1423. There have been many internet rumors that the Pope will be opening the “Tomb of Lucifer” but this is untrue. However, it is being timed coincidentally during the “Concomitance of Lucifer” which has to do with the conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn symbolizing a powerful moment of change that combines the energies of these two planets. The symbology of Godhood (Jupiter) with conquering the endless reaches of time (Saturn) has given us the Concomitance of Lucifer as we enter the Age of Aquarius. Tonight on Ground Zero, Clyde Lewis talks with astrologer, Robert Phoenix about PORTAL ZERO – KNOCKING ON HELL'S DOOR. Listen Live: https://groundzero.radio Archived Shows: https://aftermath.media
The Bishop of Killaloe says with so many conflicts, danger to life, climate change and personal challenges in our world, hope is so badly needed. ‘Pilgrims of Hope' was announced as the theme for Jubilee 2025 last May, with everyone encouraged to be messengers of hope in our very troubled world. The Jubilee, which is normally celebrated every 25 years, has a strong focus on reconciliation and renewal, including reaching out to people on the margins and it was officially launched last night by Pope Francis, by opening the Holy Door of Hope in St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. In his annual Christmas message, Bishop of Killaloe, Fintan Monahan has expressed hope that the virtues of faith of and love will be reborn in everyone's heart this holiday season.
On this weeks podcast on the 4th Sunday of Advent, John and Shane have a brief reflection on how embracing the darkness of Winter prepares us to welcome the Light of the World at Christmas. We have a run through the up coming liturgical odds ends for the coming week with the obvious note that Christmas is on Wednesday and we enter into the Octave of Christmas. A reminder that the Holy Year begins with the ceremony of the opening of the Holy Door in St Peter's Basilica during the Christmas Eve Mass and also that the Urbi et Orbi is on Christmas morning from Rome. We have our reflection on the Sunday gospel which is Luke's account of the Visitation by Mary to Elizabeth at Ein Kareen and the encounter of witness with the unborn Herald John the Baptist.Embracing the darkness of Winter to welcome the Light of the WorldOn the weekend of the Winter Solstice here in Ireland, a time which has been full of spiritual significance to Irish people for millennia due to the events at the neolithic passage tomb at Newgrange. But for Christian's it is a mirror to the celebration of the Incarnation at Christmas. On this important date in our calendars, let's look at the calendar more closely: The Church celebrates John the Baptist's birthday on June 24th – the longest day of the year, when the sun is at its brightest. You might recall that John said that he must decrease, and Jesus must increase. Well, every day since June 24th, the days have indeed been ‘decreasing'. They've been getting shorter, right up until today. But with the Saviour's birth, they become longer again, and so John's desire that he must decrease and Jesus must increase is mirrored in the beautiful rhythm of the Church's year.So, why did John the Baptist need to decrease? Because, as the Gospel says: he was not the light, but came to testify to the light. But we can't consign that role to the past: John the Baptist's mission is shared by all Christians: we are all called to bear witness to Jesus… to testify to the light. We are called to work and to pray that his Kingdom may come – on earth as it is in heaven. And so the beautiful season of Christmas, soon to dawn on us, is a lot more than carols, gifts, feasting and decorations. It is also a challenge to each of us. It is a challenge to live, speak and act in such a way that we truly are voices crying out in the wilderness of our culture, and bearing witness to Jesus, the Light of the World. It is a challenge to act with honesty, integrity and generosity, so that in the darkness of mid-winter, his light may shine ever more brightly.The Winter Solstice is a turning point in our planet's year. If we let it, it can be a turning point for each one of us too. How will you testify to the light this Christmas?Text us at +353 874668950 or email at comeandseeinspirtaions@gmail.com
The 2025 Jubilee Year is upon us, and it's time to embark on a spiritual journey like no other. Discover how Pilgrim Center of Hope is guiding individuals and parishes to celebrate and grow in faith during this extraordinary time. From understanding indulgences to participating in local events, you are invited to listen now and become a pilgrim of hope! During our journey, you hear about: What is a Jubilee Year? Where does it come from? How can the Jubilee Year help us grow in hope? What are some ways to celebrate the Jubilee Year with Pilgrim Center of Hope? Continue Your Journey: Find additional Jubilee Year related resources to take your journey to the next level! Jewel for the Journey: “...hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the holy Spirit that has been given to us.” (Romans 5:5) Learn more at PilgrimCenterOfHope.org/Journeys Help us spread hope! PilgrimCenterOfHope.org/Donate Do you like what you hear? Become a Missionary of Hope by sponsoring a week of Journeys of Hope, click here to get started.
In this segment from the Son Rise Morning Show on Sacred Heart Radio, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. continues the series about the Jubilee Year 2025: Pilgrims of Hope.A pilgrimage is a spiritual journey and travel of a person to a holy place. Pilgrimages are distinct from a vacation or a trip and are an analogy of the pursuit of Heaven on the Earthly journey and are means by which the faithful experience God in a unique way through a departure, travel, a visit to a holy or devotional site, and the return to one's everyday life, having been transformed.The Holy Father has announced that 2025 will be a Jubilee Year, something which happens every 25 years. The theme for Jubilee 2025 is “Pilgrims of Hope,” and it will be a year of hope for a world suffering the impacts of war, the ongoing effects of COVID-19 pandemic, and the climate crisis.The 2025 Jubilee will officially open on December 24, 2024 at 7pm, with the rite of Opening of the Holy Door of the Papal Basilica of St. Peter by the Holy Father, who will then preside over the celebration of the Night Mass of the Lord's Birth inside the Basilica.In the Catholic Church, the concept of Jubilee or ‘Holy Year' was used to declare special years for forgiveness and reconciliation. The first Jubilee was declared by Pope Boniface VIII on 22nd February 1300 (Feast of the Chair of St. Peter), to mark the beginning of that century. He later recommended it occurring every 100 yearsNotes:On Mission: PilgrimagesOn Mission: ShrinesYear of Prayer 2024 ResourcesLearn more about Advent hereView Eucharistic Revival ResourcesRead Ad Infinitum blog posts on Advent Follow us:The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. also appears on the podcast, On Mission, which is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center and you can also listen to his weekly Sunday Gospel reflections. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.
Journey to a Roman prison to experience the Jubilee's most unique Holy Door, and, discover how the Vatican is harnessing AI for evangelization.
The Vatican and Microsoft in November unveiled a digital twin of St. Peter's Basilica that uses artificial intelligence to explore one of the world's most important monuments while helping the Holy See manage visitor flows and identify conservation problems. Using 400,000 high-resolution digital photographs, taken with drones, cameras, and lasers over four weeks when no one was in the basilica, the digital replica went online alongside two new on-site exhibits to provide visitors—real and virtual—with an interactive experience. “It is literally one of the most technologically advanced and sophisticated projects of its kind that has ever been pursued,” Microsoft's president Brad Smith told a Vatican press conference. The project has been launched ahead of the Vatican's 2025 Jubilee, a holy year in which more than 30 million pilgrims are expected to pass through the basilica's Holy Door, on top of the 50,000 who visit on a normal day. “Everyone, really everyone should feel welcome in this great house,” Pope Francis told Smith and members of the project's development teams at an audience. The digital platform allows visitors to reserve entry times to the basilica, a novelty for one of the world's most visited monuments that regularly has an hours-long line of tourists waiting to get in. But the heart of the project is the creation of a digital twin of St. Peter's Basilica through advanced photogrammetry and artificial intelligence that allows anyone to “visit” the church and learn about its history. The ultra-precise 3D replica, developed in collaboration with digital preservation company Iconem, incorporates 22 petabytes of data—enough to fill five million DVDs—Smith said. The images have already identified structural damage and signs of deterioration, such as missing mosaic pieces, cracks, and fissures invisible to the naked eye, with a speed and precision far beyond human capabilities. Pope Francis has called for the ethical use of AI and used his annual World Message of Peace this year to urge an international treaty to regulate it, arguing that technology lacking human values of compassion, mercy, morality, and forgiveness was too great. This article was provided by The Associated Press.
Archbishop Vigneron joins cohosts Mike Chamberland and Mary Wilkerson to discuss the upcoming Jubilee Year of Hope, including the history and purpose of jubilee years, the meaning of the “Pilgrims of Hope” theme, Archbishop Vigneron's new message to the faithful about the jubilee, and opportunities for pilgrimages within the Archdiocese of Detroit. (0:23) Hosts Mike Chamberland and Mary Wilkerson welcome Archbishop Vigneron to another episode of Eyes on Jesus. It has been a couple months since our last episode, so Archbishop Vigneron shares some of the highlights of his fall. (5:43) Mary introduces today's topic: the Ordinary Jubilee of the Year 2025. Archbishop Vigneron begins by summarizing the history of jubilees, with roots in the Old Testament when the Law of Moses called for every 50 years to be dedicated to the renewal of the life of the children of Israel. The Church's first official jubilee year was held in 1300, when Pope Boniface VIII declared a special year of grace and pilgrimage to Rome. Over time, the practice was regularized to include Ordinary Jubilees every 25 years and Extraordinary Jubilees proclaimed at the discretion of the Holy Father.(8:08) Mary recalls attending World Youth Day in Rome during the Great Jubilee of 2000, noting that she was particularly moved by St. Pope John Paul II's expression of trust in young adults to carry the truth of the Gospel into the world. Archbishop Vigneron highlights the fact that each jubilee year carries with it a special grace for every person, and specifies that while a person's participation in the jubilee may be very personal, it is not private. It is a communal celebration of pilgrims united in prayer.(15:09) Mike asks Archbishop Vigneron to share about the theme of this jubilee year, “Pilgrims of Hope.” The Archbishop begins by explaining the nature of hope and touching on what the Holy Father has said about his chosen theme. The group then discusses the power of authentic hope found solely in the person of Christ through the gift of the Church and the Eucharist.(20:57) Archbishop Vigneron details how the opening of the Jubilee Year will unfold, beginning with Pope Francis opening the first Holy Door at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome on Dec. 24. Over the Christmas season, he will open four more Holy Doors, including one in a Roman prison. Locally, the Archbishop will celebrate a Mass with the Rite for the Solemn Opening of the Jubilee Year on Sunday, Dec. 29, the Feast of the Holy Family. (22:56) Unique to this jubilee year, there will be no Holy Doors outside of Rome. Instead, the Archdiocese of Detroit has designated 12 local pilgrimage sites where the faithful will be able to pray the official prayer for jubilee and unite themselves spiritually with all who will journey as pilgrims to Rome. Archbishop Vigneron lists and discusses some of those sites.(27:49) Archbishop Vigneron introduces the concept of indulgences, the remission of the temporal punishment (the effects of sin that linger in us) caused by sin. Pilgrims can obtain an indulgence by visiting one of the designated pilgrim sites within the Archdiocese of Detroit, as long as they also strive for a complete detachment from sin, offer prayers for the Holy Father, go to Reconciliation, and receive Holy Eucharist within a reasonable amount of time. Archbishop Vigneron then talks about his recent message to the faithful, “Pilgrims of Hope,” and shares his intention to release additional messages to the faithful as the jubilee year unfolds.(37:45) Archbishop Vigneron answers listener questions about celebrating Mass at his childhood parish and his favorite Advent and Christmas hymns. He then closes the episode with a prayer and blessing.
Join Oscar and Joan Watson, Catholic speaker, writer, and pilgrim formation manager at Verso Ministries, for an enlightening journey into the Jubilee year! Discover the rich symbolism of the Holy Door at St. Peter's Basilica and its profound connection to God's boundless mercy. Joan shares powerful insights from her upcoming book, Opening the Holy Door, offering reflections that will inspire your faith. The episode concludes with an uplifting conversation about gratitude, hope, and the exciting possibilities of future pilgrimages with Verso Ministries. Tune in and prepare your heart for the Jubilee year this Advent season! Follow along at avemariapress.com or subscribe wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts. We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your friends! Editing provided by Forte Catholic (https://www.fortecatholic.com/)
In this segment from the Son Rise Morning Show on Sacred Heart Radio, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. continues the series about the Jubilee Year 2025: Pilgrims of Hope.A pilgrimage is a spiritual journey and travel of a person to a holy place. Pilgrimages are distinct from a vacation or a trip and are an analogy of the pursuit of Heaven on the Earthly journey and are means by which the faithful experience God in a unique way through a departure, travel, a visit to a holy or devotional site, and the return to one's everyday life, having been transformed.The Holy Father has announced that 2025 will be a Jubilee Year, something which happens every 25 years. The theme for Jubilee 2025 is “Pilgrims of Hope,” and it will be a year of hope for a world suffering the impacts of war, the ongoing effects of COVID-19 pandemic, and the climate crisis.The 2025 Jubilee will officially open on December 24, 2024 at 7pm, with the rite of Opening of the Holy Door of the Papal Basilica of St. Peter by the Holy Father, who will then preside over the celebration of the Night Mass of the Lord's Birth inside the Basilica.In the Catholic Church, the concept of Jubilee or ‘Holy Year' was used to declare special years for forgiveness and reconciliation. The first Jubilee was declared by Pope Boniface VIII on 22nd February 1300 (Feast of the Chair of St. Peter), to mark the beginning of that century. He later recommended it occurring every 100 yearsNotes:On Mission: PilgrimagesOn Mission: ShrinesYear of Prayer 2024 ResourcesLearn more about Advent hereView Eucharistic Revival ResourcesRead Ad Infinitum blog posts on Advent Follow us:The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. also appears on the podcast, On Mission, which is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center and you can also listen to his weekly Sunday Gospel reflections. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.
AMDG. Looking to deepen your relationship with God this holiday season? Join our conversation with Catholic pilgrimage leader and podcaster Joan Watson to discuss her experience in Catholic ministry. Joan shares impactful stories from her pilgrimages, including her transformative trip to Rome at age 15; explains the difference between a pilgrimage and a vacation; teaches us how to make a pilgrimage at home; lays out everything you need to know before taking a pilgrimage; and reveals details about her upcoming book and Jubilee year pilgrimage opportunities. Tune in for uplifting stories and transformative insight to inspire you in your faith. More about and with Joan: website Substack YouTube channel In Via podcast by Verso Ministries Joan's book Opening the Holy Door will be available on Dec 6, 2024. Related Kolbecast episodes: 73 Through Beauty and Technology 108 Time Stood Still 163 Postcards from France 191 A Windown into the Ancient World with Mike Aquilina Other relevant links: US Conference of Catholic Bishops' website feature on Jubilee 2025 Vatican Jubilee 2025 website: Iubilaeum 2025 The Catholic Traveler website & podcast Have questions or suggestions for future episodes or a story of your own experience that you'd like to share? We'd love to hear from you! Send your thoughts to podcast@kolbe.org and be a part of the Kolbecast odyssey. We'd be grateful for your feedback! Please share your thoughts with us via this Kolbecast survey! The Kolbecast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and most podcast apps. By leaving a rating and review in your podcast app of choice, you can help the Kolbecast reach more listeners. The Kolbecast is also on Kolbe's YouTube channel (audio only with subtitles). Using the filters on our website, you can sort through the episodes to find just what you're looking for. However you listen, spread the word about the Kolbecast!
In this segment from the Son Rise Morning Show on Sacred Heart Radio, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. starts a series about the Jubilee Year 2025: Pilgrims of Hope.The Holy Father has announced that 2025 will be a Jubilee Year, something which happens every 25 years. The theme for Jubilee 2025 is “Pilgrims of Hope,” and it will be a year of hope for a world suffering the impacts of war, the ongoing effects of COVID-19 pandemic, and the climate crisis.The 2025 Jubilee will officially open on December 24, 2024 at 7pm, with the rite of Opening of the Holy Door of the Papal Basilica of St. Peter by the Holy Father, who will then preside over the celebration of the Night Mass of the Lord's Birth inside the Basilica.In the Catholic Church, the concept of Jubilee or ‘Holy Year' was used to declare special years for forgiveness and reconciliation. The first Jubilee was declared by Pope Boniface VIII on 22nd February 1300 (Feast of the Chair of St. Peter), to mark the beginning of that century. He later recommended it occurring every 100 yearsNotes:Year of Prayer 2024 ResourcesLearn more about Advent hereView Eucharistic Revival ResourcesRead Ad Infinitum blog posts on Advent Follow us:The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. also appears on the podcast, On Mission, which is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center and you can also listen to his weekly Sunday Gospel reflections. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.
VIII In the USA, we have many places to consider, consider one with a Holy Door. The National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion https://championshrine.org/visitor-resources/ Continue reading The post Pilgrimage V appeared first on Fides et Ratio.
Did you know? The Rome Jubilee is based on Jewish tradition. The Holy Door is walled up and must be broken down so that the Pope can unlock it with a hidden key. Your sins can be absolved (according to the Catholic church)! In this episode we get into the history and details of the Rome Jubilee. Plus, go check out our previous episode for all of the modern-day practicalities of visiting Rome during the Jubilee, just as many fun facts but in the 21st century not the 14th. If you're planning on going to Rome in 2025, we highly recommend booking your hotels (and potentially even your flights) as soon as possible. If you'd like to help out Only A Bag, you can use our affiliate links marked with an asterisk. For hotels, we tend to use Booking* since we're already a part of their member program, but Expedia* also has a robust member program with similar prices on hotel rooms. For an aggregate that seems to offer slightly better deals across the board, we recommend checking out Agoda*. And if you've always loved the idea of staying in Italy for an extended period and becoming part of the culture, we can't recommend housesitting enough. While it does often entail taking care of someone's pet, it can also be a gateway to seeing Italy in a totally new way. We use Trusted Housesitters* which has a fairly steep upfront cost (a few hundred dollars) but that's covered with a few nights of a house sit which should never cost you money. Lastly, if you're already looking to book flights, we like to use the airline's website, however, some aggregates do offer better deals, so we always recommend checking Expedia* or Booking* before purchasing. Thank you so much for listening! We would absolutely appreciate it if you could follow us and rate us wherever you listen; it helps the podcast grow and it makes us feel like we're making a difference! You can find us at onlyabag.com and @onlyabagpodcast.
LINKS Vatican bio of Cardinal Lacroix https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/documentation/cardinali_biografie/cardinali_bio_lacroix_gc.html Gérald Cyprien Lacroix on FIU's Cardinals Database (by Salvadore Miranda): https://cardinals.fiu.edu/bios2014.htm#Lacroix Cardinal Lacroix on Gcatholic.org: http://www.gcatholic.org/p/24599 Cardinal Lacroix on Catholic-Hierarchy.org: https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/blacrgc.html Archdiocese of Québec on Gcatholic.org: http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/diocese/queb0.htm?focus=24599&tab=info Archdiocese of Québec on Catholic-Hierarchy.org: https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dqueb.html ISPX website: https://ispx.org/en-assemblee-pour-sengager-totalement/ National Catholic Register abuse allegation coverage: https://www.ncregister.com/cna/canadian-cardinal-lacroix-named-in-sexual-abuse-lawsuit Reuters abuse allegation coverage: https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/canadian-cardinal-temporarily-steps-down-after-lawsuit-alleging-abuse-2024-01-26/ America Magazine coverage of abuse investigation and Cardinal Lacroix's return to ministry: https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2024/07/23/quebec-cardinal-vatican-abuse-248430 2020 Salt and Light interview with Cardinal Lacroix (English): https://youtu.be/SvPhxY34AuA?feature=shared IMAGE CREDIT: CNS photo/Philippe Vaillancourt, Presence, via America Magazine. Imaged cropped. IMAGE SOURCE AND DESCRIPTION: Cardinal Gerald C. Lacroix of Quebec walks with his crosier following a Dec. 12 Mass for the opening of the Holy Door in Notre-Dame Cathedral. https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2017/06/21/canadian-cardinal-spent-9-years-colombian-war-zone-now-he-serves-new-periphery Thank you for listening, and thank my family and friends for putting up with the time investment and for helping me out as needed. As always, feel free to email the show at Popeularhistory@gmail.com If you would like to financially support Popeular history, go to www.patreon.com/Popeular. If you don't have any money to spare but still want to give back, pray and tell others– prayers and listeners are worth more than gold! TRANSCRIPT Welcome to Popeular History, a library of Catholic knowledge and insights. Check out the show notes for sources, further reading, and a transcript. Today we're discussing another current Cardinal of the Catholic Church, one of the 120 or so people who will choose the next Pope when the time comes. Before we do, I have a note from last week's episode, courtesy of attentive listener Christine de Pizan, who asked about the fifteenth century Cardinal Louis de Luxembourg when I described Cardinal Höllerich as Luxembourg's first Cardinal. After getting over my elation that someone as cool as Christine listens to my podcast, and apparently listens closely, I dug into the matter and quickly found not one not two but three and nearly four such “de Luxembourg” Cardinals, all listed as French by my sources. The question is fair, where did they get the de Luxembourg thing? Well, if you go back through the generations, according to Christine who was kind enough to help answer her own question, they're all descendants of Henry V, Count of Luxembourg, who looms fairly large in Luxembourger history, and who I reckon could fairly be called Luxembourgish himself. The de Luxembourg Cardinals are certainly worth mentioning when talking about the history of Catholic Cardinals in connection to Luxembourg, and I look forward to diving into their stories eventually. But by their day, well, I am comfortable continuing to count them as French for now, given their strong connections and daily life in France. The question of national equivalency gets fuzzier and fuzzier the further back you go, enough that I've considered dropping it as a focal point, but in the end people do pay close attention to the national makeup of the College of Cardinals, so it's worth discussing, even if it gets murky. So thank you again Christine for drawing the de Luxembourg Cardinals to my attention, you inspired me to spend a fair amount of time working on my Cardinals database this week, which is always a pleasure, so thank you for that and for listening as well. I also should note that an accusation of abuse of a minor was made against today's Cardinal, Cardinal Lacroix, after I wrote my original summary of his life..Cardinal Lacroix, who categorically denies the allegations, temporarily stepped aside from his duties as a result in January of this year, returning to duty just last month, in July of 2024, after an investigation by a retired judge concluded with no evidence being found to support a canonical trial. The judge did note that the investigation should be considered incomplete, given that Cardinal Lacroix's accuser refused to participate, I'm guessing there's a trust issue, though the investigating judge also described Cardinal Lacroix;s record as “impeccable”. Anyways, without further ado, let's get into it. Gérald Cyprien Lacroix was born on July 27th, 1957 in Saint-Hilaire de Dorset, a community in the far south of Canada's Québec Province. His parents were farmers who moved the family to New Hampshire when he was 8 years old, and he finished his childhood in New England. In 1975, presumably after turning 18 though possibly a bit before, he joined the Secular institute Pius X, or ISPX. Presumably he heard about it in part because it was founded in Manchester, New Hampshire, where he went to high school. The ISPX should not be confused with the SSPX, which we'll talk about sometime in the future. As for the Secular Institute part, we're basically talking following the evangelical counsels–you know, poverty, chastity, and obedience–that you normally see in a monastic setting without the monastery part, so there's a focus on living in the world rather than in community. The ISPX is headquartered in Québec, the land of Gérald's birth, and he went back that way about this time. He didn't jump immediately into seminary though, taking the “secular” part of “secular institute” to heart and working for a restaurant, then as a graphic designer at a publishing house. In 1980 he took a year to do missionary work at a clinic for the poor in Columbia–service to the poor being a special focus of the ISPX. On his return he began studying at the Université Laval, a public university rather than the seminaries you may have come to expect. The ISPX must have liked what he was doing, because in 1982 they made Gérald their Secretary-General when he was a 25 year old college student who made his perpetual vows that same year. It's not clear what his duties were as Secretary-General, normally as we've seen when it comes to Church stuff secretary is actually a fairly high posting, but I don't get the sense that this was like being Secretary-General at, say, the UN. It definitely wasn't the top post, I can say that much. He held other posts in the Institute, becoming counselor of the General Counsel in 1985. Presumably that was an advancement, and soon he was Director General of one of their centers for spiritual formation. In 1988, he was ordained a deacon in New Hampshire, then a few months later a priest in Québec, so very much a two-worlds scenario. Or rather, three worlds, because from 1990 to 2000 he was back serving in Columbia, carrying out tasks from assisting at a local parish to acting as a radio host, presumably in Spanish, though Gérald was also comfortable in English and French because of his background. While in Columia he also established nine houses for the ISPX, and yeah I know I said what made the ISPX a secular institute was a focus on living in the world rather than in community but, well, it's complicated. You still want to have a stable situation and base of operations, so even secular institutes still have religious houses. It goes back to that constant Martha and Mary discussion, as it always does. Nine houses sounds like good growth for the order, and it seems they agreed, because in 2001 Father Lacroix became the top man for sure, the Director General, and that's how I know Secretary General was apparently not the top job. Usually I can have more confidence about the inner workings of the religious orders we're discussing because, frankly, they're older and bigger. In the case of the ISPX, I mean, the Church has only formally recognized the concept of a Secular Institute since 1947-which is an odd thing to read on the website of a Secular Institute founded eight years before that in 1939, but hey, these things usually do start at the local level and then bubble up. In 2008, deep into his second four-year term running the ISPX, Father Lacroix was established as a member of the Executive Council of the World Conference for the Secular Institutes. The following year, 2009, he was made an Auxiliary Bishop of Québec, becoming Titular Bishop of Ilta because as you may recall auxiliary bishops tend to become titular bishops of defunct diocesesA as a way of emphasizing the one-diocese one-bishop model while still allowing for additional admin help in larger sees. At the time, the Archbishop of Québec was Cardinal Marc Ouellet, though not for much longer as Cardinal Ouellet was made Prefect of the Congregation for Bishops, a Curial post of sufficient intensity that he left the Archdiocese for Rome full time. You won't be surprised to learn that the conveniently placed Auxiliary Bishop Lacroix was chosen to succeed him in the post, nor will you be surprised that Pope Francis made him a Cardinal in 2014, during his first consistory. That same year, he was made a member of the Congregation for the Institutes of Consecrated Life and the Societies of Apostolic Life, which makes sense given his background, as well as the Pontifical Councils for Interreligious Dialogue and for Culture. Later, in 2020, he was added to the Council for the Economy, and finally, just last year,, Pope Francis added him to both the Dicastery for Culture and Education and his elite Council of Cardinals. Considering Cardinal Hollerich also made his way onto the Council of Cardinals at the end of our last episode, you'd be forgiven for thinking everyone and their brother is a member, but no, there are only nine members, all Cardinals. Considering there are currently 236 Cardinals, it's an exclusive club within an exclusive club, though I'm sure Pope Francis wouldn't call it that. An advisory body within an advisory body, is that better? Anyways, unless he resigns early or something, which I am not predicting, Cardinal Lacroix is eligible to participate in future conclaves until he turns 80 in 2037. Today's episode is part of Cardinal Numbers, and there will be more Cardinal Numbers next week. Thank you for listening; God bless you all!
A daily news briefing from Catholic News Agency, powered by artificial intelligence. Ask your smart speaker to play “Catholic News,” or listen every morning wherever you get podcasts. www.catholicnewsagency.com - In preparation for the 2025 Jubilee Year, two of the massive entry doors at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC, have been sealed. Archbishop Timothy Broglio, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, blessed and sealed the two doors, which are scheduled to be reopened on Christmas Eve next year as a Holy Door for pilgrims. The ceremony took place on the first Sunday of Advent — a little more than one year before the start of the 2025 Jubilee Year, which will center on the theological virtue of hope. Broglio said the jubilee theme “Pilgrims of Hope” indicates that “we are on a journey and not pessimistic travelers,” highlighting the need for a message of hope amid ongoing crises around the world. Holy Doors, which are traditionally sealed prior to jubilee years, provide special graces for pilgrims who walk through them. A pilgrimage through a Holy Door also permits one to receive a plenary indulgence when the other normal conditions for such an indulgence are met. The 2025 Jubilee Year begins on December 24, 2024 (Christmas Eve), and concludes on January 6, 2026 — slightly more than one calendar year. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/256174/holy-doors-sealed-at-nation-s-largest-catholic-church Climate activists in Italy over the weekend disrupted a Mass celebrated by Turin Archbishop Roberto Repole, with the demonstrators reading from Pope Francis' works on the environment during the incident. Activists with the climate group Extinction Rebellion appeared at the Turin Cathedral on Sunday during the archbishop's Mass there, according to the Italian newspaper la Republicca. The incident reportedly took place “in the moments before the homily,” the paper said, in which “activists stood up one at a time and read aloud the two writings.” The paper said the demonstrators quoted in part from Laudato Si' by repeating Francis' call for “a conversation which includes everyone, since the environmental challenge we are undergoing, and its human roots, concern and affect us all.” https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/256172/climate-activists-disrupt-archbishop-s-mass-in-turin The bishop of Saltillo in the Mexican border state of Coahuila, Hilario González García, has announced the automatic excommunication (“latae sententiae”) of the one or more thieves who broke into a Catholic church and stole and desecrated the Eucharist. The incident occurred the morning of November 25 at Sacred Heart of Jesus chapel, part of Our Lady of Schoenstatt Parish located on the outskirts of the city. “For the very serious offense committed against Our Lord,” González invited all the faithful to join in prayer, “performing acts of reparation and promoting love for Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.” For now, he explained, Mass will not be possible until reparation is made for the offense. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/256176/mexican-bishop-states-thief-who-stole-eucharist-is-excommunicated Today, the Church celebrates Saint Gerald, an English monk, and the bishop of Mayo in Ireland. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/st-gerald-bishop-of-mayo-74 The Church also celebrates Blessed Phillip Rinaldi, a 19th-century Salesian who served as Salesian provincial superior in Spain, where he opened many new houses and then served as vicar-general of the Salesians before becoming the Rector Major in 1922, Don Bosco's third successor. His humble and quiet leadership of the order combined with his tremendous saintly virtue and apostolic zeal, and a healing miracle attributed to him at the end of the Second World War, prompted his cause for canonization. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/blessed-phillip-rinaldi-408
“Inside the Vatican” is back from summer break this week, just as the Vatican wraps up an unusually jam-packed late August. On August 27, Pope Francis created 20 new cardinals, 16 of whom will help choose his successor. On the podcast, host Colleen Dulle and veteran Vatican correspondent Gerard O'Connell recap the appointments and what makes the solemn ceremony relatively simple by Vatican standards. Most of the world's cardinals came to Rome for the creation of the new cardinals, and stayed for meetings with the pope on Monday and Tuesday to discuss his reform of the Roman Curia that went into effect in June. Although no reporters were allowed inside the meeting, Gerry shares what he learned from several participants about what happened. In between these two important events, Pope Francis flew by helicopter to the central Italian city of L'Aquila, which has not fully recovered from an earthquake that killed nearly 300 people in 2016. The pope met with the families of those who had died, before visiting the tomb of Celestine V, the first pope to voluntarily resign. The visit to Celestine's tomb, combined with the unusual meeting with the cardinals, had led some to assume Pope Francis could resign this week. Gerry explains that, while he doesn't believe Francis intends to follow in Celestine's footsteps and resign yet, Francis has become the first pope in more than 700 years to follow Celestine's lead in opening the Holy Door of the L'Aquila basilica for a special feast of forgiveness known as the “Celestinian pardon.” Read more: Podcast: Is Pope Francis preparing for the next conclave? Meet the 16 New Cardinal Electors Pope Francis creates 20 new cardinals including Robert McElroy of San Diego Pope Francis prays at tomb of Celestine V, urges mercy and humility Pope Francis tells College of Cardinals to ‘speak freely' at first meeting since 2014 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A daily news briefing from Catholic News Agency, powered by artificial intelligence. Ask your smart speaker to play “Catholic News,” or listen every morning wherever you get podcasts. www.catholicnewsagency.com - Pope Francis created 20 new cardinals for the Catholic Church during a liturgy in Saint Peter's Basilica on Saturday. “Jesus calls us by name; he looks us in the eye and he asks: Can I count on you?” Pope Francis said in a homily addressed to the College of Cardinals and its new members on August 27. “The Lord,” he said, “wants to bestow on us his own apostolic courage, his zeal for the salvation of every human being, without exception. He wants to share with us his magnanimity, his boundless and unconditional love, for his heart is afire with the mercy of the Father.” During the ceremony, the new cardinals made a profession of faith by reciting the Creed. They then pronounced an oath of fidelity and obedience to the pope and his successors. Each cardinal then approached Pope Francis, kneeling before him to receive the red birretta, the cardinal's ring, and a document naming the titular church he has been assigned. Pope Francis embraced each new cardinal, saying to him: “Pax Domini sit semper tecum,” which is Latin for “the peace of the Lord be with you always.” Each cardinal responded: “Amen.” catholicnewsagency.com/news/252141/jesus-asks-us-can-i-count-on-you-pope-francis-creates-20-cardinals-for-the-catholic-church Pope Francis became the first pope in 728 years to open the Holy Door of a 13th-century basilica in L'Aquila, Italy, on Sunday. During a visit to the Italian city located about 70 miles northeast of Rome on Aug. 28, the pope participated in a centuries-old tradition, the Celestinian Forgiveness, known in Italian as the Perdonanza Celestiniana. The opening of the Holy Door marked a key moment in the annual celebration established by Pope Celestine V in 1294. In his brief Angelus message, the pope offered a prayer for the people of Pakistan, where flash floods have killed more than 1,000 people and displaced thousands more. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/252145/pope-francis-becomes-first-pope-in-more-than-700-years-to-open-the-holy-door-in-l-aquila Today, the Church commemorates the beheading of John the Baptist, who prepared the way for Jesus. As an adult, he lived as a hermit in the wilderness. After the Spirit inspired him, he went about preaching that the people should repent of their sins and be baptized in order to prepare for the Messiah. Herod imprisoned John because he had condemned Herod for committing adultery by living with his brother's wife, Herodias. At he celebration for Herod on his birthday, the daughter of Herodias danced for him, and Herod was so impressed that he said he would offer her anything she liked. She consulted with Herodias who told her to ask for the head of John the Baptist on a platter. Herod did not want to kill John for fear or what his follwers might do, but because of his promise to the girl he could not refuse, and so John was beheaded. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/the-beheading-of-john-the-baptist-578
The opening of the Holy Door at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela on December 31 shows us what 2021 has for us.
2021 will be a very special year on the Camino de Santiago: It will be a Holy Year! Never heard of it? Don't worry, we collected interesting facts, graphics, and stories for you. Different Camino Experts from all over the world shared their Holy Year experiences with us. We are very thankful for the great conversations with these members of the UK Confraternity of St James, the Canadian Company of Pilgrims, and the Americans on the Camino societies. In this Podcast: - What is a Holy Year? - What is a Camino Holy year? - What is St. James Day? - What is special about a Holy Year? - What is the Holy Door? - Pilgrim numbers in Holy years - Will we see you on the Camino in 2021? Thank you to all our guests: Reverend Colin Jones - Confraternity of St James UK David Donselar - American Pilgrims on the Camino Mary Virtue - Canadian Company of Pilgrims (Victoria Chapter) Tom Friesen - Canadian Company of Pilgrims (London, Ontario Chapter) Check out our blog post on this webinar! or You can watch the Youtube video of the interview! Please subscribe if you like our content. Start planning your Camino route at Follow the Camino for a walking holiday you will never forget! Buen Camino!
Last week, we talked about the idea of pilgrimage. Our acts of pilgrimage, to shrines and other holy places, are geographical journeys we take together. This week, we talk about indulgences, julbilees and holy years—reflections of incarnational piety that can be described as journeys transcending time. They unite us with each other in a less … Continue reading S2E13 – Please Indulge Us!
It's a national historic landmark. It's the only basilica in the US with a predominately African American congregation. It's the only Catholic church in Virginia with basilica status. It's entryway has been blessed as a "Holy Door". And it is falling apart. On the next Another View we'll hear the remarkable history of this church and discover why it is so critical to the neighborhood where it exists, and the efforts underway to save the historic structure. Our guests include Father Jim Curran, Pastor at Saint Mary's; Calvin Bailey, Deacon; Norfolk City Councilwoman Angelia Williams Graves, an alumni of Saint Mary's Academy, and Racquel Mayner, Director of Development. Join us for an Another View history lesson, Friday, December 2 at noon on 89.5 WHRV-FM, or stream us live on this blog!
On this weeks programme, Lorraine takes us through a reflection on the Jubilee of Mercy which is in its final week. On April 11, 2015, right before First Vespers of the Vigil of Divine Mercy Sunday, the Holy Father stood before the closed and sealed Holy Door in St. Peter's Basilica and announced an historic event: an extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy. "Jesus Christ is the face of the Father's mercy," Pope Francis says in opening his papal bull Misericordiae Vultus (The Face of Mercy). In this light, "Merciful like the Father" is the motto he chose for the Jubilee Year. It comes from Luke 6:36, "Be merciful just as your Father is merciful." The extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy ran from Dec. 8, 2015, the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, up until next week Nov. 20, 2016, the solemnity of Christ the King. By calling for the Jubilee Year, Pope Francis has underscored the signature message of his pontificate: mercy. Mercy is the Holy Father's answer to evil, following the teaching of St. John Paul II who, in his last book, Memory and Identity, wrote "[T]he limit imposed upon evil, of which man is both perpetrator and victim, is ultimately Divine Mercy." Pope Francis explained, "Here, then, is the reason for the Jubilee: because this is the time for mercy. It is the favourable time to heal wounds, a time not to be weary of meeting all those who are waiting to see and to touch with their hands the signs of the closeness of God, a time to offer everyone the way of forgiveness and reconciliation."
Father Ryan joins me to talk about the year of mercy.
Jesus is the door of mercy, and walking through the Holy Door this year at the Cathedral helps us to remember and even receive that mercy.
President of the English Benedictine Congregation (EBC), Abbot Richard Yeo, talks to parishioners at Downside Abbey. Click here to read more about the opening of the Holy Door at Downside Abbey: https://downsidepress.wordpress.com/2015/12/21/downside-abbey-opens-holy-door/
Fr. Bob Zilliox *Being a priest preparing for Christmas*Preparing for engagement* What is a "Holy Door"?*
Dom Leo Maidlow Davis talks to parishioners about the opening of the Holy Door and the Year of Mercy. To learn more about the opening of the Holy Door at Downside, visit: https://downsidepress.wordpress.com/2015/12/21/downside-abbey-opens-holy-door/
This 22 minute presentation offers a quick overview of the Holy Door in the Jubilee Year of Mercy. Here are 4 key points of the presentation: Old Testament roots of Jubilee The Catholic Church use of a Jubilee Year Some thoughts about a Holy Door Practical application for a pilgrim today May this Year of Mercy transform us all! December 13, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.
In the last two weeks over three thousand people in Iceland have joined a spiritual organization that follows Zuism, the religion of the ancient Sumerian people. It's become so popular there are now more Zuists than Muslims in the country. So is a crisis of faith pushing people towards this ancient form or worship or are there other motives? Holger Páll Sæmundsson, a recent convert and one of the leading 'elders' talks to Edward. The number of Muslims attacked each week in London has more than tripled since the terrorist attacks on Paris attacks last month. Trevor Barnes has been talking to the Metropolitan police about the rise in incidents, and to Muslims who have experienced them. Pope Francis has launched the Year of Mercy by opening the Holy Door at St Peter's Basilica in Rome, the first time it has been opened since the turn of the century. Cardinal Vincent Nichols tells Sunday what the Year of Mercy might mean - for individual Catholics, the wider Church and the World. There's a new trend in Advent calendars this year - no chocolate and cardboard, but large art installations in public places. Sunday reports from Brighton and Hove where it has been doing this for years with the ritual opening every night of one of its beach huts. Producers: Rosie Dawson Zaffar Iqbal Series Producer: Amanda Hancox.
Catholic Bishops' Advent Reflections on Mercy and Forgiveness
Bishop Richard Moth, the Bishop of Arundel and Brighton, looks at Holy Doors and the significance of passing through one this year to make a pilgrimage of mercy and hope.
Catholic Bishops' Advent Reflections on Mercy and Forgiveness
Bishop Mark O'Toole, the Bishop of Plymouth, gives us an Advent reflection on the day Pope Francis opened the Holy Door in St Peter's to inaugurate the Jubilee of Mercy.
Holy Door in the Archdiocese of Miami- Cathedral, and five other churches: St. Mary Star of the Sea, La Ermita Gesu church, St Anthony, and Our Lady of Mercy
1st Sunday of Advent Happy New Year! Today we begin, in the Church, a new liturgical year with Advent - the season of waiting, watching, and praying for the coming of the Lord at Christmas. Pope Francis has also proclaimed this coming year a Jubilee Year of Mercy, wherein the Holy Door of St. Peter's basilica will be opened. We are all invited, in spirit, to step through that door from a life of sin into a life of grace, to recommit ourselves as disciples of Jesus Christ, and, in a special way, to both receive God's mercy in our own lives and to be agents of that mercy in the lives of those around us.
Today's host(s): Scot Landry and Fr. Chris O'Connor Links from today's show: Today's topics: The Year of Faith Summary of today's show: Pope Benedict XVI has declared a Year of Faith to begin in October that will encourage all Catholics to a greater understanding of what they believe and what the Catholic faith teaches. Scot Landry and Fr. Chris O'Connor prepare for the Year of Faith by reviewing the Holy Father's apostolic letter Porta Fidei, introducing the Year, as well as the recommendations from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith on how dioceses, parishes, and religious communities can make the Year of Faith a great success and make it spiritually fruitful for the entire Church. They include the Top Ten list of suggestions for both parishes and dioceses. 1st segment: Scot welcomed Fr. Chris back to the show. On Saturday, many of the 4th year seminarians will be ordained to the transitional diaconate at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross. Some from other dioceses will be ordained in their cathedrals as well. They will serve as deacons in their parishes until the end of June. The ordination to the priesthood is later this year because Deacon Eric Bennett will be coming back from Rome then to join his classmates for ordination. They also have the St. Andrew Dinners as well, which brings young men, mostly high school age, to the seminary for a holy hour, dinner, and some talks to give the young men an experience of the seminary and to see that the seminarians are normal guys like them. Scot and Fr. Chris discussed the football playoffs and the prospects for the Patriots this weekend. Fr. Chris also talked about the upcoming March for Life coming up next Monday. Many seminarians go down for them. Scot said we will have a special show tomorrow, traveling up to St. Mary High School in Lynn, which is sending about 100 students, to interview some of the students and adult leaders. Today's topic is the Year of Faith that Pope Benedict has declared for the year beginning in October 2012. 2nd segment: Scot said they would be discussing the Pope's document Porta Fidei, a letter issued last October 11, which begins: The “door of faith” (Acts 14:27) is always open for us, ushering us into the life of communion with God and offering entry into his Church. It is possible to cross that threshold when the word of God is proclaimed and the heart allows itself to be shaped by transforming grace. To enter through that door is to set out on a journey that lasts a lifetime. It begins with baptism (cf. Rom 6:4), through which we can address God as Father, and it ends with the passage through death to eternal life, fruit of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, whose will it was, by the gift of the Holy Spirit, to draw those who believe in him into his own glory (cf. Jn 17:22). To profess faith in the Trinity – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – is to believe in one God who is Love (cf. 1 Jn 4:8): the Father, who in the fullness of time sent his Son for our salvation; Jesus Christ, who in the mystery of his death and resurrection redeemed the world; the Holy Spirit, who leads the Church across the centuries as we await the Lord's glorious return. Ever since the start of my ministry as Successor of Peter, I have spoken of the need to rediscover the journey of faith so as to shed ever clearer light on the joy and renewed enthusiasm of the encounter with Christ. During the homily at the Mass marking the inauguration of my pontificate I said: “The Church as a whole and all her Pastors, like Christ, must set out to lead people out of the desert, towards the place of life, towards friendship with the Son of God, towards the One who gives us life, and life in abundance.”[1] It often happens that Christians are more concerned for the social, cultural and political consequences of their commitment, continuing to think of the faith as a self-evident presupposition for life in society. In reality, not only can this presupposition no longer be taken for granted, but it is often openly denied.[2] Whereas in the past it was possible to recognize a unitary cultural matrix, broadly accepted in its appeal to the content of the faith and the values inspired by it, today this no longer seems to be the case in large swathes of society, because of a profound crisis of faith that has affected many people. We cannot accept that salt should become tasteless or the light be kept hidden (cf. Mt 5:13-16). The people of today can still experience the need to go to the well, like the Samaritan woman, in order to hear Jesus, who invites us to believe in him and to draw upon the source of living water welling up within him (cf. Jn 4:14). We must rediscover a taste for feeding ourselves on the word of God, faithfully handed down by the Church, and on the bread of life, offered as sustenance for his disciples (cf. Jn 6:51). Indeed, the teaching of Jesus still resounds in our day with the same power: “Do not labour for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life” (Jn 6:27). The question posed by his listeners is the same that we ask today: “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?” (Jn 6:28). We know Jesus' reply: “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent” (Jn 6:29). Belief in Jesus Christ, then, is the way to arrive definitively at salvation. In the light of all this, I have decided to announce a Year of Faith. It will begin on 11 October 2012, the fiftieth anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council, and it will end on the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Universal King, on 24 November 2013. The starting date of 11 October 2012 also marks the twentieth anniversary of the publication of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, a text promulgated by my Predecessor, Blessed John Paul II,[3] with a view to illustrating for all the faithful the power and beauty of the faith. This document, an authentic fruit of the Second Vatican Council, was requested by the Extraordinary Synod of Bishops in 1985 as an instrument at the service of catechesis[4] and it was produced in collaboration with all the bishops of the Catholic Church. Moreover, the theme of the General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops that I have convoked for October 2012 is “The New Evangelization for the Transmission of the Christian Faith”. This will be a good opportunity to usher the whole Church into a time of particular reflection and rediscovery of the faith. It is not the first time that the Church has been called to celebrate a Year of Faith. My venerable Predecessor the Servant of God Paul VI announced one in 1967, to commemorate the martyrdom of Saints Peter and Paul on the 19th centenary of their supreme act of witness. He thought of it as a solemn moment for the whole Church to make “an authentic and sincere profession of the same faith”; moreover, he wanted this to be confirmed in a way that was “individual and collective, free and conscious, inward and outward, humble and frank”.[5] He thought that in this way the whole Church could reappropriate “exact knowledge of the faith, so as to reinvigorate it, purify it, confirm it, and confess it”.[6] The great upheavals of that year made even more evident the need for a celebration of this kind. It concluded with the Credo of the People of God,[7] intended to show how much the essential content that for centuries has formed the heritage of all believers needs to be confirmed, understood and explored ever anew, so as to bear consistent witness in historical circumstances very different from those of the past. The name Porta Fideo comes from the first few words of the document in Latin, “the door of faith” We need to let people know that the door of faith is always open and invite them to walk through. Fr. Chris said he was brought back to Rome in the four major basilicas, each of which has a Holy Door, which is opened every 25 years during the Jubilee Years. There are blessings that come through walking through those Holy Doors, but there is also blessings and richness that come from walking through the doors of our church. We come to faith but asking the Lord to give us faith, by using what we have allowing it to prosper and grow in our lives. Scot said the Year of Faith's timing is the anniversary of Vatican II and the introduction of the Catechism. Pope Benedict says of this timing: It seemed to me that timing the launch of the Year of Faith to coincide with the fiftieth anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council would provide a good opportunity to help people understand that the texts bequeathed by the Council Fathers, in the words of Blessed John Paul II, “have lost nothing of their value or brilliance. They need to be read correctly, to be widely known and taken to heart as important and normative texts of the Magisterium, within the Church's Tradition … I feel more than ever in duty bound to point to the Council as the great grace bestowed on the Church in the twentieth century: there we find a sure compass by which to take our bearings in the century now beginning.” Scot said the Holy Father is emphasizing that Vatican II is underappreciated now just 50 years on, that councils aren't fully appreciated until decades or a century or more have passed. Fr. Chris said he loves to teach the course on ecclesiology because students appreciate learning about what saints, theologians, bishops and more have taught about the Church. He suggested one of the best Vatican II documents is Lumen Gentium, which deals specifically with the Church. He notes also that the Holy Father specifically mentions the Catechism of the Catholic Church, because there is the basic teachings of our faith, along with the beauty and goodness of our faith, and ultimately Christ. Scot said the holy Father wants us to encounter Christ through the Vatican II documents and the Catechism. We can prepare for the Year of Faith by reading those, in small doses, a few pages at a time, perhaps some of the Scripture referenced in what you read as well. Fr. Chris said the Catechism is a rich resource. It's like a dessert, you don't have too much of a rich things. Take it in small doses. Start with a topic you're interested in: marriage and family, confession, or the life of prayer. Scot said the holy Father promises: Today as in the past, he sends us through the highways of the world to proclaim his Gospel to all the peoples of the earth (cf. Mt 28:19). Through his love, Jesus Christ attracts to himself the people of every generation: in every age he convokes the Church, entrusting her with the proclamation of the Gospel by a mandate that is ever new. Today too, there is a need for stronger ecclesial commitment to new evangelization in order to rediscover the joy of believing and the enthusiasm for communicating the faith. In rediscovering his love day by day, the missionary commitment of believers attains force and vigour that can never fade away. Faith grows when it is lived as an experience of love received and when it is communicated as an experience of grace and joy. It makes us fruitful, because it expands our hearts in hope and enables us to bear life-giving witness: indeed, it opens the hearts and minds of those who listen to respond to the Lord's invitation to adhere to his word and become his disciples. Believers, so Saint Augustine tells us, “strengthen themselves by believing”. Fr. Chris said this is exercising the muscle of faith in order to have it grow and bear fruit. Faith without charity bears no fruit, while charity without faith would be a sentiment constantly at the mercy of doubt. Faith and charity each require the other, in such a way that each allows the other to set out along its respective path. Indeed, many Christians dedicate their lives with love to those who are lonely, marginalized or excluded, as to those who are the first with a claim on our attention and the most important for us to support, because it is in them that the reflection of Christ's own face is seen. Through faith, we can recognize the face of the risen Lord in those who ask for our love. “As you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me” (Mt 25:40). These words are a warning that must not be forgotten and a perennial invitation to return the love by which he takes care of us. It is faith that enables us to recognize Christ and it is his love that impels us to assist him whenever he becomes our neighbour along the journey of life. Supported by faith, let us look with hope at our commitment in the world, as we await “new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells” (2 Pet 3:13; cf. Rev 21:1). Scot said the work of the Church is to know Jesus Christ and love him back, and to be able to practice our acts of charity and love the way Jesus wants us to. Christian charity and secular charity might look the same, but in the hearts of those who practice them, they are not the same. Fr. Chris said when we recognize who Christ is, that he is a gift, it can only prompt us to make a gift of our life to Christ as a mom, dad, priest, etc. 3rd segment: Scot said the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith also issued recommendations on the implementation of the Year of Faith at three levels: the Universal Church, bishops' conferences and dioceses, and parishes and families. The list includes 10 items. The first is to read and meditate upon Pope Benedict's letter Porta Fidei. Fr. Chris noted listeners today are doing that. It helps readers to consider how they can grow in faith. The second recommendation is to intensify the celebration of the faith in the liturgy, especially in the Eucharist. The Holy Faith wants to ensure that the liturgy is prayed in the way that people live it. Fr. Chris said maybe arrive to Mass a little early to prepare yourself and quiet self before Mass. Maybe don't leave before the closing prayer and give self completely to the liturgy. Bring to the Eucharist those things things affecting us, including the blessings and sufferings of the week, and say, Lord, I am giving these to you. And make ourselves attentive to the Lord's Word being proclaimed. Scot added that we should understand we're not passive spectators at church, but respond to prayer with vigor. Also think through how your children and others are watching what we do, so do everything with intention, like receiving Communion. Third, priests should devote greater attention to the study of the documents of Vatican Council II and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, drawing from them resources for the pastoral care of their parishes – catechesis, preaching, Sacramental preparation. Fr. Chris said it reminds priests that they have a sacred role as teacher and if they're going to teach the faith, then they need to be able to articulate. Fr. Chris said every time he looks at the documents of Vatican II, something new catches his attention. Just because you've read it before doesn't mean the Holy Spirit isn't going to inspire you with something new. Fourth, Catechists should hold more firmly to the doctrinal richness of the Catechism of the Catholic Church and, under the direction of their pastors. Scot said all good catechesis starts with the Catechism. Put all lessons in the proper context of the teaching of the Church. Have a fresh reading of the Catechism in order to be able to respond to questions about the faith. Fr. Chris said the Theological Institute for the New Evangelization offers a whole certificate program that focuses primarily on the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Fifth, It is hoped that there will be a renewed commitment in parishes to the distribution of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and of other resources appropriate for families, which are true domestic churches and the primary setting for the transmission of the faith. This can be done appropriately during home blessings, baptisms, confirmations, and marriages. It emphasizes that families shouldn't be outsourcing the faith formation to religious education classes. Fr. Chris said most of the catechism is readily accessible to the average reader and it helps unpack the truth, beauty, and goodness of our faith. He has a friend who said the Catechism certificate revolutionized how he practices his faith. Sixth, The promotion of missions and other popular programs in parishes and in the workplace can help the faithful to rediscover the gift of Baptismal faith and the task of giving witness, knowing that the Christian vocation “by its very nature is also a vocation to the apostolate.” Scot said parish missions used to be a very big deal in parishes and it would be a good for parishes to make a commitment of three or four nights in a row. Fr. Chris called it a parish retreat and opportunity to grow in the faith and to remind us of our faith and reenergize us. He encouraged listeners to approach their pastors to ask for them. Seven addresses religious communities to work toward the new evangelization; Eight, contemplative communities, during the Year of Faith, should pray specifically for the renewal of the faith among the People of God and for a new impulse for its transmission to the young; and Nine, Associations and Ecclesial Movements are invited to promote specific initiatives which, through the contribution of their proper charism and in collaboration with their local Pastors, will contribute to the wider experience of the Year of Faith. Tenth, All of the faithful, called to renew the gift of faith, should try to communicate their own experience of faith and charity[35] to their brothers and sisters of other religions, with those who do not believe, and with those who are just indifferent. In this way, it is hoped that the entire Christian people will begin a kind of mission toward those with whom they live and work, knowing that they “have welcomed the news of salvation which is meant for every man.” Fr. Chris said faith is never lived in a vacuum, but is instead shared and offered to others. He said Cardinal Christoph Schoenborn's book says that from the first sin of Adam and Eve to the present day, wherever sin is, it's a result of a lack of faith. Where faith abounds, sin decreases. 4th segment: Scot mentioned the diocesan recommendations, starting with “It is hoped that each particular Church would have a celebration of the opening of the Year of Faith and a solemn conclusion to it, in which to “profess our faith in the Risen Lord in our cathedrals and in the churches of the whole world.”” Fr. Chris said it calls the people of the diocese together. Every diocese in the world is asked to do this, which showcases our universal nature. We're all connected together in this beautiful faith, rooted in the Eucharist. Second, each diocese would organize a study day on the Catechism of the Catholic Church. How many people have read the Catechism substantially? And if so, how many have done so recently? Fr. Chris said the Daughters of St. Paul edition includes the Scripture passages referenced connected to the Catechism. It helps priests preparing for Mass to reference the Catechism. Third, it encourages each bishop to write a pastoral letter on the topic of faith, reminding them of the importance of the Second Vatican Council and the Catechism. Scot said Cardinal Seán will probably write one of his own. Fr. Chris said it helps the Church in Boston to reflect on what we should all be considering together. Fourth, it is hoped that in each Diocese, under the leadership of the Bishop, catechetical events will be organized, especially for the youth and those searching for a sense of life, helping them to discover the beauty of ecclesial faith, promoting encounters with meaningful witnesses to the faith. Scot said do a youth event with a goal of teaching what the Church believes through witnesses. Fr. Chris said the Church is again saying the young people are the future of our Church. We need to help them encounter Christ because once you encounter Him there is no turning back. Fifth, each diocese should review the reception of Vatican II and the Catechism in its own life and mission, particularly in the realm of catechesis. Fr. Chris said so many people want to quote Vatican II until you ask them to show you where it is in the text. The more we can all look at what the documents actually teach, the better off we'll all be. When we teach the truth, it's attractive. Anything less isn't worth hanging your soul on. If we can proclaim it convincingly, there'd be no stopping us. Scot said he guess less than 5,000 people in this diocese have read the Catechism or documents of Vatican II. his hope is that number would multiply by several times so that most people who are passionate about their faith will be able to pass it on to others. Fr. Chris said faith is an investment. The more fully you give yourself to it, the more fully you will reap the rewards. Sixth, The continuing education of the clergy can be focused during this Year of Faith on the documents of Vatican Council II and on the Catechism of the Catholic Church, treating such themes as “the proclamation of the Risen Christ”, “the Church - sacrament of salvation”, “the mission of evangelization in the world today”, “faith and disbelief”, “faith, ecumenism and inter-religious dialogue”, “faith and eternal life”, “the hermeneutic of reform in continuity” and “the Catechism in ordinary pastoral care.” Seventh, Bishops are invited to organize penitential celebrations, particularly during Lent like The Light Is On For You, in which all can ask for God's forgiveness, especially for sins against faith. This Year also provides an appropriate occasion in which all can approach the Sacrament of Penance with greater faith and more frequently. Fr. Chris said sins against the faith could include just saying I don't believe anymore. Faith is not an emotion. It's a choice we have to make. There is also a sin of presumption, that presumes on God's mercy that we will get to heaven no matter what. Eight encourages a renewed creative dialogue between faith and reason in the academic and artistic communities. Nine promotes encounters with those persons who, “while not claiming to have the gift of faith, are nevertheless sincerely searching for the ultimate meaning and definitive truth of their lives and of the world”. Ten encourages greater attention to Catholic schools, especially through the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the YouCat.
© 2020-2025 Ivy Podcast Discovery LLC
