Surprising contributions by Francis to the Magisterium...
The principle end of human existence is happiness. Even without Aristotle’s affirmation of this principle, no one would ever question that there are few things in this life as universal as the natural desire for happiness, which surges forth from the human heart: there is no one who does not desire happiness. The question is where to find it…the options are many and varied.Continue Reading
Jesus tells us in the Gospel that, ‘A sound tree cannot bear evil fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit’ (Mt 7: 18). Evidently, any botanist who claims a tree to be defective, even though it visibly produces appetizing and nutritious fruit, would be considered mad. He would be taken as a liar or a charlatan for making such an unfounded affirmation.Continue Reading
According to the Oxford Dictionary ‘proselytize’ means ‘convert or attempt to convert someone from one religion […] to another,’ while ‘proselyte’ means ‘a person who has converted from one opinion, religion […] to another.’ Ever since the time of Jesus, the Church – as guardian of the truth – has given special importance to attracting all people to its midst, thus leading them toward salvation. In other words, it employs a proselytism for the good, in the full sense of the word. However… perhaps other methods are more pleasing to God. Read further…
Imagine a sick beggar pleading for help at the door of a hospital run by religious. He is immediately welcomed with words of understanding: ‘Welcome, my friend, our doors are open to all.’ Continue Reading
Narcissists… without further ado, that is how Pope Francis has labeled several of the former “Heads of the Church” and members of the Roman Curia. We suppose, with all due respect, that after two thousand years of history, the Bishop of Rome does not consider his august person nor that of his immediate collaborators as the only ones free from such a kind description – which, at first sight, appears to disdain the work of previous Popes. Continue Reading
In the Declaration Nostra Aetate no. 4, Vatican Council II manifests the doctrine consistently recognized by the Church ever since the time of Saint Paul, that the Jewish People would finally convert to the Lord: “Nevertheless, God holds the Jews most dear for the sake of their Fathers; He does not repent of the gifts He makes or of the calls He issues. Continue Reading
‘Pope Francis to Pope Tawadros: ecumenism of blood unites us’ – that’s the title given by Radio Vaticana to the message from Pope Francis to the head of the Coptic orthodox church. Sent from the Vatican three days ago (May 10, 2015), the message marks two years since Tawadros’ visit to the Holy See.
The same news item by Radio Vaticana highlights two parts of the message: “‘Today more than ever we are united by the ecumenism of blood, which further encourages us on the path towards peace and reconciliation,’ writes Pope Francis. ‘I assure you and the Christian community in Egypt and throughout the Middle East of my unceasing prayer,’ continues Pope Francis, promising to remember in particular the Coptic faithful recently martyred for their Christian faith.”
Yesterday’s post on the Catholic Herald words the same event like this: “Ecumenism of blood unites us, Francis tells Coptic pope.” And adds a detail: “During his morning Mass in the chapel of the Domus Sanctae Marthae on Monday, Pope Francis also discussed a telephone conversation he had with Pope Tawadros on the previous day. ‘I remembered his faithful whose throats were slit on the beach (in Libya in February) because they were Christians,’ the Pope said. ‘By the strength the Holy Spirit gave them, these Christians were not scandalised. They died with the name of Jesus on their lips. It was the strength of the Holy Spirit. Witness. It’s true, martyrdom is the supreme witness.'”
And all this brings our study on the ‘ecumenism of blood’ even more into the limelight!
Not to mention that it was published on the (now in English!) Denzinger-Bergoglio just two days before the message, on May 8…
Besides the usual quality marked by pastoral zeal – no speculation, no opinions, just Church doctrine presented simply with abundant links to the texts cited – the post includes a citation that has not been available on the internet, in English, of Benedict XIV’s important De Servorum Dei beatificatione et Beatorum canonizatione . And also a very clear ‘Doctrinal Complement for Understanding Invincible Ignorance’.
Well worth a read! (here)
And yes, pass it on to your friends – so that they too can understand the recent news.
“We looked for peace, but no good came, for a time of healing, but behold, terror.” (Jer 8:15) Who does not long for peace? But… how to achieve it in a world agitated by numerous and complex problems?Continue Reading
Coming to know about a new birth, it is not unusual to hear that another child of God has been born. However, this common expression, though not intentionally erroneous, is nonetheless profoundly imprecise. Who can someone truly call their child? Can this title be given to the son or daughter of one’s neighbor? Continue Reading
From our most basic notions of Catechism we know that “Baptism of blood” incorporates into the Holy Church those who have died for their faith in Christ, even though they have not yet received sacramental Baptism. Francis, in turn, speaks of an “ecumenism of blood”, which would unite all of those who suffer persecution; Catholics, Orthodox, Copts and Lutherans, at times even including Muslims and ministers of other religions on the list. Consequently, many questions arise… Read more…
