Almost two years after Assad’s fall, Israel continues to run roughshod over the Syrian villages where it has expanded its presence. A few days ago, a deaf man with Down syndrome who failed to hear an order was shot dead, sparking protests, but al-Sharaa’s words at the UN do not produce any results.
Commentary on the Gospel on the Solemnity of the Mother of God (Luke 2: 16-21).
Due to a “painful sciatica” Francis did not celebrate Vespers nor recite the end-of-year thanksgiving Te Deum. Cardinal Re read the Pope’s homily, which highlights the acts of “closeness” of many people working for the common good in healthcare, education and public service.
A great scholar, he spent 27 years in a forced labour camp, and later taught at a university. He was also appreciated by prison authorities. Upon becoming bishop in 1982, he divided his time between academic and pastoral work. After 1997 he was under constant police surveillance. He was a supporter of the Legions of Mary and founder of the Women's Congregation of Mount Calvary.
"To live is above all to have received" is the first of a long series of debts of gratitude to people who have cared for us "for free". A "thank you" that "we must say continuously, that the “gratitude” that Christians share with everyone, grows in meeting Jesus".
The Vatican COVID-19 Commission and the Pontifical Academy for Life issued a statement. Refusing “the vaccine may also constitute a risk to others”. The statement reminds world leaders that the vaccine must be provided to everyone in a fair and equitable manner, giving priority to those who need it the most.
For Christians in the Strip, the church is “the place where they have a home.” In order to control the pandemic, the authorities shut down all places of worship and imposed a curfew. No travel permits for Bethlehem and Jerusalem have been issued in a year. Despite this, there was no shortage of moments of celebration and sharing, like handing out food parcels and hygiene kits, even to some Muslim families.
The objective of the papal decision is “a better organisation of the administration, supervision and surveillance of the economic and financial activities of the Holy See to ensure transparent and efficient management and a clear separation of responsibilities and functions.”
During the Angelus, Pope Francis mentioned the Apostolic Exhortation promulgated on 19 March 2016. The year of reflection is set to last until June 2022, when the 10th World Meeting of Families will be celebrated in Rome. The “Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph” are the model through which we can “rediscover the educational value of the family unit”. The important “three words” for a family are: “please, thank you, and sorry”. The pontiff mentioned the families marked by the pandemic.
Sunday Gospel: the faithful God and the family (VIDEO)
During the Angelus, Pope Francis prayed “for those suffering persecution because of the name of Jesus.” The martyrs (i.e. the witnesses) “break the cycle of hatred with meekness and love.” “God guides history through the humble courage of those who pray, love and forgive.” Every day, “We too can change evil into good”.
In the Urbi et Orbi Christmas Message, Pope Francis asks that the distribution of anti-Covid vaccines does not become an opportunity for economic competition and individualism, but is given to everyone, first of all to the "most vulnerable" people. He recalls and prays to the Child Jesus for the Middle East, Africa, the American continent. For Asia, he remembers the Philippines, Vietnam, and the Rohingya. At Christmas, we need to rediscover the family, "as a cradle of life and faith".
Commentary on the Christmas Gospel (Mass of the day: John 1, 1-18)
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