A year ago, Putin established days dedicated to the "minor states" and the "languages of the peoples" of Russia, intending to express the ideal of “sobornost”, the great, universal union that embodies the historical mission of Orthodox Russia. Yet today, rather than a "union of peoples”, what is increasingly proclaimed is a “division of Churches”.
"Salvation can not be bought! Jesus is the door and it's free! Salvation is free. It is a sign of a true conversion of our hearts. When we cross that door, we should remember that we must also keep open the door of our heart. " "Scattered around the world and organized in many particular Churches, however, it is always and only the One Church that Jesus Christ wanted."
On 8 December, Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral in Ulaanbaatar opened its Holy Door in “a very beautiful ceremony, with great participation of the people of God." The world’s youngest Church will "focus its pastoral plan on forgiveness and reconciliation." The conversion of Mongolians "almost always comes from the experience of Christian embrace."
"A humble Church, one that does not show of its power and greatness". Poor in spirit means to be "only attached to the riches of God." "Where is my faith? In power, in friends, in money? In the Lord! This is the legacy that we promised the Lord: 'I will leave in your midst a people humble and lowly, that will trust in the name of the Lord'. "
In his message for World Day of Peace, Pope Francis says, “The first kind of indifference in human society is indifference to God, which then leads to indifference to one’s neighbour and to the environment." Indifference perpetuates situations of injustice and serious social imbalance. States should cancel the debt of poor countries, ensure the protection of life and respond to the demand for land, housing and work.
Archbishop Paolo Pezzi led the ceremony. In his homily, he said that mercy is not only us who thirst for Christ, but also He who is thirsty for us. An inter-diocesan pilgrimage from Russia to Rome is planned for 2016.
Data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) show that the US still dominates the sector with 54 per cent; however, US companies’ arms sales decreased. Emerging manufacturers come from Asia, with Russia, India, Turkey and South Korea in the lead. In Europe, sales increased only for German and Swiss companies.
"How beautiful the freedom, generosity, hope of a man and a woman of the Church. Instead, how ugly and evil the rigidity of a woman or a man of the Church, that clerical rigidity that has no hope". "God forgives everyone, He is just waiting for you to approach".
Implementation will begin only after 2018. The renewable energy sector is enthusiastic for it is expected to account for 59 per cent of investments over the next decade. For scientists, it is a good deal, but must be implemented. A 1.5 degrees increase already threatens island nations.
Entitled ‘Identity and Mission of the Religious Brother in the Church’, a document was presented today at the Vatican, centred on the vocation of men and women to "be like Jesus", and on brotherhood. Also presented were the events to mark the end of the Year of the Consecrated Life in Rome from 28 January to 2 February 2016.
Pope Francis opens Holy Door in the Cathedral of Rome, at the very same moment as cathedrals around the world. "We cannot let ourselves be overcome by fatigue" or "sadness" when faced with the "multiple forms of violence that wound our humanity". Do works of justice and "look to the needs of those in need”. Christians are called to a "more radical commitment": to "be an instrument of mercy", to "witness a love that goes beyond justice, a love that knows no bounds."
At the Angelus Pope Francis calls for "change of direction", inviting people to choose "the path of justice, of solidarity, of sobriety". Conversion of the tax collectors, to “no longer accept bribes." Whoever converts and draws close to the Lord must take into account "the needs of the poor and the most vulnerable." A greeting to the inmates in Padua prison, where "Door of Mercy" has been opened. To Christian and Muslim friends of the Focolare: "Move forward with courage. We are all children of God".
On the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Francis reflects on Mercy: "Merciful love is God’s most striking attribute condensed in the synthesis of the Gospel message, the Church's faith". The Pope announces an apostolic trip to Mexico for next February.
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