At the Angelus, Pope Francis explains the words used by Mary in the Magnificat: Magnify and rejoice. "If we want our life to be happy, God must be placed first, because he alone is great". Closeness to the peoples of South Asia affected by the monsoons. The rosaries blessed by the Pope will be distributed to Syrian families.
In Beijing, the "patriotic" formation of Mindong priests. "Is this still the Catholic Church?"
by Deng Wenlong | CHINA - VATICANAt the resumption of catechesis after the summer break, Pope Francis comments on the first miracle described in the Acts of the Apostles. The "game of looks" between the cripple, Peter and John. The Church "place of liberation and healing". The memory of Edith Stein and her courageous choices: "an authentic conversion to Christ", the "gift of her life against all forms of intolerance and ideological perversion". Many pilgrims from Asia are present.
Pope Francis wants to express his gratitude to the priests who work "in the trenches", to encourage them in joy and to praise the Lord with Mary. The letter was born from the "pain" for the victims of abuse by members of the clergy and from that experienced by so many consecrated persons, for the "suspicion" that is also poured on them, that can generate "doubt, fear and mistrust ". "Brothers, let us indeed acknowledge our weaknesses, but also let Jesus transform them and send us forth anew to the mission."
At the Angelus, Pope Francis explains the parable of the rich fool who "in practice denied God, did not reckon with Him". "Material goods are necessary for life, but they must not be the only goal of our existence, rather a means of living honestly and sharing with those most in need". A Hail Mary for the attacks in Texas, California and Ohio (United States). The announcement of the Letter to Priests all over the world on the occasion of the 160th anniversary of the death of the Curate of Ars.
In the audience with the young people of the Euromoot, Pope Francis emphasizes that the starting point in life is "not having, but giving: Give, that is, start putting your life into play". Everyone has a unique and important contribution to make to the world: the example of Mother Teresa. "Creation has no borders ... we are in the world to meet others, to create communion". The commitment to "a renewed Europe; not protector of spaces, but generator of encounter".
The Chinese Communist Party has become the great promoter of the "Church Unity", under its control. The Chinese leaders want to "what is rendered unto Caesar remain with Caesar, and what is God’s be rendered unto Caesar". Third and last part of the essay "The unity of the Church in China after the Sino-Vatican agreement".
Part II of the essay "Church unity in China after the Sino-Vatican agreement". Patriotic association and council of bishops, controlled by the government, continue to exalt an "independent church", "synicized", "led by the Chinese Communist Party". And they hide the reality of persecution. Even figures of the Western church are used as "ambassadors of government propaganda".
The dialogue between the Vatican and the Chinese government, which led to the signing of the agreement on the appointment of bishops, does not seem to have created more unity in the Church. The government and the United Front continue to promote an "independent Church", totally submitted to the Communist Party. The latter’s policy towards Catholics has only been updated, not changed.
"We wanted,” said Cardinal Filoni,” to respond to the invitation of John Paul II who, at the beginning of the new millennium, said that Asia was going to be the vast continent to be evangelised.” “Macau,” he added, “has historically represented the ‘door’ or bridge for the mission of the Church in the East.”
During the Angelus, Pope Francis spoke about the refugees who died off Libya, asking the international community to act "promptly and decisively, to avoid the repetition of similar tragedies and to guarantee the safety and dignity of everyone". The prayer taught by Jesus to his disciples is an invitation to put oneself "directly in communication with the Father" in "a personal relationship with Him". It is a dialogue between "father and son".
The pontiff awarded the star of the lyric of the Grand Cross of the Pontifical Order of Saint Sylvester and celebrated her 35th birthday with her family. Kasyan, called "the new Callas" has invited the pontiff to Russia.
Although no official announcement has been made, the pope is expected in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The trip might include a visit to Thailand. Catholics expect a "message for a world without war" and a meeting with Jesus.
Message from the Vatican Dicastery for the service of integral human development. "Work, which is not only employment, but the way in which man realizes himself in society and in the world, is an essential part in determining the integral development of both the person and the community in which they live".
AsiaNews source speaks of controversy and poor understanding around the letter addressed by the pontiff to the Syrian leader. Among the ranks of loyalists, "criticism" and "misunderstanding" prevail. Applause and appreciation of the opposition. Meanwhile, violence and attacks continue in Idlib, Hama and Aleppo with deaths and material damage.
The Archbishop of Colombo rededicated St Sebastian Church three months on the day since the Easter Sunday attacks. A monument was unveiled in memory of the 263 victims. Even Muslims in Muslims countries suffer. The Vatican donated US$ 85,000 for the victims.
