On November 17, 2024, the Catholic Church observes the Eighth World Day of the Poor, guided by the theme, “The prayer of the poor rises up to God” (Sirach 21:5). In this year’s message, Pope Francis draws attention to the profound connection between prayer, humility, and charity, reminding us of the privileged place the poor hold in God’s heart and the Church’s call to respond to their needs with compassion and concrete action. Continue reading
Tag Archives: Pope Francis
Pope Francis leads Vatican Mass for 500 years of Christianity in PH
World Day of the Poor
We are not only sharing part of our wealth with the poor, we are also receiving something from them. In a true Christian community, there are no members who are just giving, and others who are just receiving. There are only neighbors who share because in Christ we are all one. Continue reading
Pope’s prayer to Mary during coronavirus pandemic
Here is a translation of the prayer Pope Francis recited by video March 11 for a special Mass and act of prayer asking Mary to protect Italy and the world during the coronavirus pandemic.
Mary,
you always shine on our path
as a sign of salvation and of hope.
We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick,
who at the cross took part in Jesus’ pain, keeping your faith firm.
You, Salvation of the Roman People,
know what we need,
and we are sure you will provide
so that, as in Cana of Galilee,
we may return to joy and to feasting
after this time of trial.
Help us, Mother of Divine Love,
to conform to the will of the Father
and to do as we are told by Jesus,
who has taken upon himself our sufferings
and carried our sorrows
to lead us, through the cross,
to the joy of the resurrection. Amen.
Under your protection, we seek refuge, Holy Mother of God. Do not disdain the entreaties of we who are in trial, but deliver us from every danger, O glorious and blessed Virgin.
Ash Wednesday – Start of Lent 2020
“Lent is a new beginning, a path leading to the certain goal of Easter, Christ’s victory over death. This season urgently calls us to conversion. Christians are asked to return to God “with all their hearts” (Joel 2:12), to refuse to settle for mediocrity and to grow in friendship with the Lord. Jesus is the faithful friend who never abandons us. Even when we sin, he patiently awaits our return; by that patient expectation, he shows us his readiness to forgive.” (Pope Francis)
SCJ Philippines Region 