Dear Brothers in the Episcopate,
I greet you most cordially, thanking in a special way Archbishop Nikola Eterovic, Secretary General, for the words he addressed to me. Through you, my greeting extends itself to the particular Churches that are entrusted to your pastoral care. I am grateful for the help offered to the Bishop of Rome, in his office of President of the Synod of Bishops, for the elaboration and implementation of what has emerged in the Thirteenth Ordinary General Assembly. It is a precious service to the universal Church, one which requires readiness, commitment and sacrifice, even [calling on members] long journeys. A sincere “Thank you!” to each!
I would like to emphasize the importance of the theme of that Assembly: The new evangelization for the transmission of the faith. There is a close connection between these two elements: the transmission of the Christian faith is the purpose of the new evangelization and the entire evangelizing work of the Church, which exists precisely for this [purpose]. The term "new evangelization", then, highlights the increasingly clear awareness that even in countries with an ancient Christian tradition the need has arisen for a renewed proclamation of the Gospel, to lead [people] back to an encounter with Christ that transforms life and really is neither superficial nor by rote. This has consequences for pastoral activity. As the Servant of God Paul VI observed, "The conditions of society force us to revise methods, to seek by every means to study how to bring the Christian message to modern man, in which alone he can find the answer to his questions and strength for his commitment of human solidarity. (Address to the College of Cardinals, June 22, 1973)". The same Pontiff, in Evangelii nuntiandi, a rich text that has lost none of its relevance, reminded us, "[The commitment to proclaim the Gospel] is without any doubt a service rendered to the Christian community, but also to humanity. (n. 1)" I would encourage the whole ecclesial community to be evangelizing, not to be afraid of "going out" to announce themselves, trusting especially in the merciful presence of God to guide us. Techniques are certainly important, but even the most advanced [technique] could not replace the discreet but effective action of Him, who is the principal agent of evangelization: the Holy Spirit (cf. ibid., 75). We need to let ourselves be led by Him, even if He takes us on new roads; we need to let ourselves be transformed by Him, in order that our [gospel] proclamation be made through words that are always accompanied by simplicity of life, by a spirit of prayer, of charity towards all, especially the young and the poor, by humility and detachment from self, by holiness of life (cf. ibid., 76). Only in this way will it be really fruitful!
A thought on the Synod of Bishops: it has certainly been one of the fruits of the Second Vatican Council. Thank God, in these nearly fifty years, we have been able to experience the benefits of this institution, which, is placed permanently at the service of communion and the mission of the Church, as an expression of collegiality. I can also attest to this, on the basis of my personal experience, having participated in several Synod assemblies. Open to the grace of the Holy Spirit, soul of the Church, we are confident that the Synod of Bishops know further developments to facilitate even further the dialogue and collaboration between the Bishops and between them and the Bishop of Rome. Dear Brothers, your meeting this week in Rome has for purpose to help me in choosing the theme of the next Ordinary General Assembly. Thank you for the proposals submitted by the institutions with which the General Secretariat of the Synod is in correspondence: Synods of Eastern Catholic Churches sui iuris; the bishops’ conferences; the dicasteries of the Roman Curia; the Presidency of the Union of Superiors General. I am sure that with discernment accompanied by prayer, this work will bring abundant fruits to the whole Church, which, faithful to the Lord, want to proclaim with renewed courage Jesus Christ to the men and women of our time. He is "the way, the truth and the life, (Jn 14, 6)" for one and all.
Entrusting your ecclesial service to the maternal intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Star of the new evangelization, I cordially impart to you, to your employees and to your particular Churches Apostolic Blessing.
Good Catholic Apps: Catholic Answers Forum
Good Catholic Apps for Smart Phone - Catholic Answers Forums
I would like to share two apps that I find very helpful in my Catholic faith and wonder if anyone else have found any useful apps. Divine Mercy By: Marians of the ...
Angels and Saints at Ephesus CD
The awe-inspiring music of ANGELS AND SAINTS AT EPHESUS, the highly anticipated CD from the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles, is available today from De Montfort Music/Decca.
This follow-up to last year’s number one hit ADVENT AT EPHESUS is a year-round collection featuring 17 English and Latin pieces sung a cappella for the feasts of the holy Saints and angels. Recorded once again at their Priory in the heartland of America, this new album, also available for digital download, is a dynamic yet pure fusion of their contemplative sound.
“We are truly excited that ANGELS AND SAINTS AT EPHESUS is available today,” De Montfort Music co-founder Monica Fitzgibbons said. “This is a classic must-have recording for any collection of music, and an opportunity to experience the Heavenly sounds emanating from these holy hearts of the Benedictines of Mary whose singing sparks a heightened sense of the True and the Beautiful.”
De Montfort enlisted nine-time International Grammy® winning producer Christopher Alder, from Germany, and two-time Grammy® winning engineer Mark Donahue to capture the Sisters in their contemplative environment.
“I was surprised by how well [the sisters] sang,” Alder said. “I was already convinced that the quality of their singing was high, so I would enjoy myself musically. … The main feeling to listening to them is the belief in the thoughts that are being expressed and a familiarity and love of the style of music.”
Check out a visual sneak peek of the album.
This is the second album from the Benedictines of Mary. Last November and December, the Sisters’ debut album, ADVENT AT EPHESUS, with De Montfort Music/Decca, spent six weeks at #1 on Billboard’s Classical Music Chart, and the Sisters ended up as the #1 Classical Traditional Artist of 2012, according to Nielson’s Soundscan. Featured on NPR, USA Today, People Magazine and The Washington Times as well as countless other critically acclaimed press outlets, the Benedictines of Mary have created another beautiful recording of their music.
30-minute behind-the-scenes special to air this week
EWTN – the Eternal Word Television Network – has announced multiple broadcasts of a 30-minute special on the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles, and the making of ANGELS AND SAINTS AT EPHESUS, which is available now worldwide from De Montfort Music and Decca Records.
The special debuts at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT tonight, May 7. Other broadcasts are set for 3:30 a.m. ET/12:30 a.m. PT Wednesday, May 8; 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT Friday, May 24; and 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT Saturday, May 25.
About the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles
Founded in 1995, The Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles, are a young, monastic order of Sisters. The Sisters sing together eight times a day as they chant the Divine Office in Latin.
About De Montfort Music
De Montfort Music is a division of Aim Higher Media, both founded by music-industry veterans Kevin and Monica Fitzgibbons. Its special mission is to sign, develop, produce and bring to market the very best in Sacred Music.
This follow-up to last year’s number one hit ADVENT AT EPHESUS is a year-round collection featuring 17 English and Latin pieces sung a cappella for the feasts of the holy Saints and angels. Recorded once again at their Priory in the heartland of America, this new album, also available for digital download, is a dynamic yet pure fusion of their contemplative sound.
“We are truly excited that ANGELS AND SAINTS AT EPHESUS is available today,” De Montfort Music co-founder Monica Fitzgibbons said. “This is a classic must-have recording for any collection of music, and an opportunity to experience the Heavenly sounds emanating from these holy hearts of the Benedictines of Mary whose singing sparks a heightened sense of the True and the Beautiful.”
De Montfort enlisted nine-time International Grammy® winning producer Christopher Alder, from Germany, and two-time Grammy® winning engineer Mark Donahue to capture the Sisters in their contemplative environment.
“I was surprised by how well [the sisters] sang,” Alder said. “I was already convinced that the quality of their singing was high, so I would enjoy myself musically. … The main feeling to listening to them is the belief in the thoughts that are being expressed and a familiarity and love of the style of music.”
Check out a visual sneak peek of the album.
This is the second album from the Benedictines of Mary. Last November and December, the Sisters’ debut album, ADVENT AT EPHESUS, with De Montfort Music/Decca, spent six weeks at #1 on Billboard’s Classical Music Chart, and the Sisters ended up as the #1 Classical Traditional Artist of 2012, according to Nielson’s Soundscan. Featured on NPR, USA Today, People Magazine and The Washington Times as well as countless other critically acclaimed press outlets, the Benedictines of Mary have created another beautiful recording of their music.
30-minute behind-the-scenes special to air this week
EWTN – the Eternal Word Television Network – has announced multiple broadcasts of a 30-minute special on the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles, and the making of ANGELS AND SAINTS AT EPHESUS, which is available now worldwide from De Montfort Music and Decca Records.
The special debuts at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT tonight, May 7. Other broadcasts are set for 3:30 a.m. ET/12:30 a.m. PT Wednesday, May 8; 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT Friday, May 24; and 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT Saturday, May 25.
About the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles
Founded in 1995, The Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles, are a young, monastic order of Sisters. The Sisters sing together eight times a day as they chant the Divine Office in Latin.
About De Montfort Music
De Montfort Music is a division of Aim Higher Media, both founded by music-industry veterans Kevin and Monica Fitzgibbons. Its special mission is to sign, develop, produce and bring to market the very best in Sacred Music.
Pray for Me: The Life and Teachings of Pope Francis
On March 13, 2013, in Rome, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires, Argentina, was elected pope. As he stepped onto the balcony, and overlooked the crowd in St. Peter’s Square, he made a humble and unexpected gesture. Before offering the traditional apostolic blessing, he greeted the faithful with a request, “Pray for me.”
This simple appeal set a beautiful precedent for his papacy and was the inspiration behind the title for a new book on his life — Pray for Me: The Life and Spiritual Vision of Pope Francis, First Pope From the Americas (Image Books, April 30, 2013) by Dr. Robert Moynihan, founder and editor of Inside the Vatican magazine.
In Pray for Me, Moynihan offers a three-part introduction to the life and teachings of Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who was chosen by the cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church to be the 266th successor of the Apostle Peter.
In Part One, Moynihan provides a firsthand account of the first two weeks of Pope Francis’ papacy, capturing the historical moments of those early days — his first Angelus, his first Wednesday audience, his inauguration Mass — as they happened.
Part Two is a brief biography, providing context for understanding Pope Francis’ origins: from his youth to his election as Pope at the age of seventy-six. This part offers insight into the spiritual influence behind actions taken during his years as a Jesuit priest and later as Archbishop of Buenos Aires.
Part Three is titled “In His Own Words” and is a collection of Pope Francis’ thoughts on various theological and philosophical topics. Taken from homilies, interviews and public addresses, this section gives readers an insight into the spiritual vision of the new pontiff with a look at his most inspirational teachings on God, prayer, marriage and family, religious freedom, and more.
In the introduction, Moynihan writes that the central purpose of the book is to offer “readers an opportunity to journey alongside this new pope, not only by walking with him in the first days of his papacy, but also by allowing readers to experience the soul of this man, his strength, passion, and tenderness.”
Speaking to the significance of the title, Moynihan writes “This book is intended to help those who are responding to the first request made by this pope to all of us, a simple request, from his heart: ‘Pray for me.’”
This simple appeal set a beautiful precedent for his papacy and was the inspiration behind the title for a new book on his life — Pray for Me: The Life and Spiritual Vision of Pope Francis, First Pope From the Americas (Image Books, April 30, 2013) by Dr. Robert Moynihan, founder and editor of Inside the Vatican magazine.
In Pray for Me, Moynihan offers a three-part introduction to the life and teachings of Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who was chosen by the cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church to be the 266th successor of the Apostle Peter.
In Part One, Moynihan provides a firsthand account of the first two weeks of Pope Francis’ papacy, capturing the historical moments of those early days — his first Angelus, his first Wednesday audience, his inauguration Mass — as they happened.
Part Two is a brief biography, providing context for understanding Pope Francis’ origins: from his youth to his election as Pope at the age of seventy-six. This part offers insight into the spiritual influence behind actions taken during his years as a Jesuit priest and later as Archbishop of Buenos Aires.
Part Three is titled “In His Own Words” and is a collection of Pope Francis’ thoughts on various theological and philosophical topics. Taken from homilies, interviews and public addresses, this section gives readers an insight into the spiritual vision of the new pontiff with a look at his most inspirational teachings on God, prayer, marriage and family, religious freedom, and more.
In the introduction, Moynihan writes that the central purpose of the book is to offer “readers an opportunity to journey alongside this new pope, not only by walking with him in the first days of his papacy, but also by allowing readers to experience the soul of this man, his strength, passion, and tenderness.”
Speaking to the significance of the title, Moynihan writes “This book is intended to help those who are responding to the first request made by this pope to all of us, a simple request, from his heart: ‘Pray for me.’”
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