News from the Church in Malta
“The Church endures and abides when God’s holiness is spread among its members” Pope Francis says. In people like Bishop Adeodato Micallef OCD, Bishop Sylvester Carmel Magro OFM, and Bishop Emanuel Barbara OFMCap, who passed on to eternal life in January, the true beauty and greatness of the Church shines through. They were three Maltese shepherds who gave their lives to the flock put in their care…
We are witnessing yet again, practically helplessly and without much general interest, to another tragedy of people who are perilously crossing the Mediterranean from the African continent searching with hope for a better life for themselves and their families. This time, in spite of the resistance met en route by these people, the danger of the latest crossing was significantly diminished due to the timely intervention of voluntary organisations that dedicate their resources and abilties to come to the aid of the poorest of the poor…
On Monday, Pope Francis promulgated Veritatis Gaudium, a new Apostolic Constitution governing how Ecclesiastical Universities and Faculties are to be set up and governed. As with most canonical documents, there are two distinct purposes, the first treats the motivating force for its promulgation, and the second is legal and technical – detailing how it is to be put into practice…
What is the sense of giving birth to a child who will die after maybe a dozen, or several dozen, minutes? This is a question people have to face at times. It’s not about getting into a discussion about the possibility of terminating a pregnancy, but about a much deeper reflection on the meaning of life and death in general…
Saint Mark 6:1-6
Jesus departed from there and came to his native place, accompanied by his disciples.
When the sabbath came he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished. They said, “Where did this man get all this? What kind of wisdom has been given him? What mighty deeds are wrought by his hands! …
Former gymnast Rachael Denhollander used her statement Wednesday against sex abuser Larry Nassar as a testimony and message of grace and forgiveness.
She was the final victim to make a statement in the sentencing hearing in Ingham County Circuit Court in Michigan. Judge Rosemarie Aquilina sentenced Nassar, the former USA Gymnastics team doctor, to up to 175 years in a Michigan prison for his abuse of young female gymnasts…
Following the information recently received regarding the case of His Excellency Mgr Juan de la Cruz Barros Madrid, Bishop of Osorno (Chile), the Holy Father Pope Francis has decided that His Grace Mgr Charles J. Scicluna, Archbishop of Malta and President of the College for the examination of appeals presented to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in administrative processes concerning More Serious Offences (Delicta Graviora), is to visit Santiago in Chile in order to listen to those persons who have expressed the wish to submit information in their possession…
The Vatican has presented the catecheses prepared for the World Meeting of Families, which will take place in Dublin from August 21 to 26.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell attended to explain the content of the catecheses.
CARD. KEVIN FARRELL
Prefect of Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life
“The seven catecheses are an explanation, it’s an invitation to all people, to all couples specially, to come together in their local communities, or in their parishes, or in the diocese to discuss marriage and the family and to help them to enter into a dialogue concerning Amoris Laetita.”
The cardinal explains the catecheses are a call for reflection on true love in marriage, something much-needed today as divorce becomes increasingly common.
Farrell reminded that Pope Francis strongly condemned abuse of minors by priests, most recently during his visit to Chile.
Thus, Cardinal Farrell assures this meeting of families in Ireland will also address the issue, and some victims will even share their testimonies.
CARD…
Saint Mark 5:21-43
When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a large crowd gathered around him, and he stayed close to the sea. One of the synagogue officials, named Jairus, came forward. Seeing him he fell at his feet and pleaded earnestly with him, saying, “My daughter is at the point of death. Please, come lay your hands on her that she may get well and live.” He went off with him, and a large crowd followed him and pressed upon him.
There was a woman afflicted with hemorrhages for twelve years. She had suffered greatly at the hands of many doctors and had spent all that she had…
In his speech to participants attending the Rome International Conference on the Responsibility of States, Institutions and Individuals in the Fight against Anti-Semitism in the OSCE Area, the Pope got right to the heart of his address by emphasizing three words, responsibility, indifference and memory.
Regarding responsibility, Pope Francis said, “we are responsible when we are able to respond…
