Surprising contributions by Francis to the Magisterium...
The veneration of the faithful toward the Holy Father has been a constant trace of Catholicism. This is understandable, considering his dignity as Vicar of Christ on earth and successor of Peter, who ‘presides over the Church in charity,’ with the power to bind and loose received from the very Redeemer of humanity.Continue Reading
“About Jesus Christ and the Church, I simply know they’re just one thing, and we shouldn’t complicate the matter,” replied Saint Joan of Arc during her trial (cf. CCC 795), evidencing impressive theological precision – despite her lack of education – that was due to her great union with the Divine Savior.Continue Reading
The constant changes in a society in which God is increasingly ignored present real pastoral challenges for the Church. Nevertheless, faithful to its mission, She cannot betray certain principles despite having to adapt some aspects of pastoral praxis to the new circumstances. Continue Reading
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
“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
‘A second plank [of salvation] after the shipwreck of lost grace.’ Since the first centuries of Christianity, the sacrament of Penance has been described in this manner (cf. Dz 1542). A vivid and eloquent image, indeed, for when a soul loses its baptismal innocence by committing a serious transgression, it falls like a person drowning into the murky waves of sin. In order not to suffer eternal perdition and to recover the lost treasure of grace, one must have recourse to Confession, the secure plank of salvation for the baptized who do not wish to perish. However, this divine remedy comes with certain conditions. Does God always pardon? Does He pardon even those who do not wish to escape from the seas of sin? Such an important topic requires a profound analysis. Enter into the Denzinger-Bergoglio…
