Tuesday, February 25, 2025

Saint for Wednesday was a long-ago Bishop from Gaza

 

St. Porphyry of Gaza




Bishop of Gaza and hermit also called Porphyrius, not to be confused with the third century Neoplatonist philosopher. Born in Thessalonika, Macedonia, he belonged to a wealthy Greek family but, at the age of twenty-five, became a hermit in the desert of Skete, Egypt, later residing on the banks of the Jordan in Palestine, and finally in Jerusalem. With the help of his friend Mark, he gave away all of his inheritance, worked as a humble shoemaker for a time, and then received ordination as a priest. Against his will, he was made bishop of Gaza in 396, proving a brilliant and energetic prelate. One of his chief challenges came from the pagans of the region, but by the end of his life he had extirpated virtually all of the remnants of the old religion. He erected a church on the site of the most prominent pagan temple in the area as a symbol of his victory. His deacon, Mark, authored a biography of the bishop, a genuinely valuable historical document. Porphyrius died in Gaza on February 26.

Gaza Catholic Holy Family Parish sends special message to recovering Pope Francis

 

Fr Romanelli and the parishioners of the Holy Family parish in GazaFr Romanelli and the parishioners of the Holy Family parish in Gaza 

Gaza's Holy Family Parish sends well-wishes to Pope Francis

Gaza's Holy Family parish sends a video to Pope Francis, wishing him a speedy recovery as he is being treated for pneumonia in hospital.

By Francesca Merlo

For over a year, a relationship of mutual support has united Pope Francis and the Holy Family parish in Gaza. Since the outbreak of war, the Pope has called the parish and its community every evening at 7pm, checking in on their well-being amidst the Israeli offensive. Now, as he battles double pneumonia at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, the parishioners are returning that same closeness, sending him a short albeit heartfelt video message of prayer and encouragement.

The parish in Gaza City, not only continues its pastoral activities but currently hosts about 500 people who have been displaced by the Israeli bombings, offering shelter, food and accompaniment in a time of despair. 

In their video for the Pope, the parishioners, along with parish priest Father Gabriel Romanelli, can be seen wrapped up warm and standing before the altar of their parish.

"Dear Holy Father, we are gathered here in Gaza after today’s Mass. It is very, very cold, but we want to express our gratitude, our closeness, and our prayers. The whole world is praying for you and is deeply grateful, and we all wish you good health."



Thanks on both sides

Just as a man in the video says "Thank you so much, we wish you good health, we are praying for you always," beside him, the men, women, and children all nod in agreement before ending the message by saying in unison: "God bless you always. Shukran, shukran!"

Always in contact

Despite his hospitalisation on 14 February, the Pope defied a total blackout in Gaza, as well as his health struggles, and made two video calls to Gaza reiterating his solidarity and support. He was unable to do so in the following days due to difficulties tied to his health condition, but on Monday, after the Holy See Press Office reported a "slight improvement" in his health, he was able to call the Holy Family parish again, to express his closeness and personal thanks for the video message.

Advancing the path to Sainthood

 

Servant of God Emilio Joseph KapaunServant of God Emilio Joseph Kapaun 

Pope Francis paves the way for new saints

Pope Francis authorizes the promulgation of various decrees for the Causes of Saints, advancing the causes of canonization for US military chaplain Fr Emil Kapaun; Italian layman Bartolo Longo, the “Apostle of the Rosary” and five others.

By Vatican News

In an audience granted to Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, and Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, Substitute for General Affairs, Pope Francis authorized the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints to promulgate various Decrees concerning those on the path to sainthood.

The Holy Father recognized the “offering of life” of the Servants of God, Fr Emil Joseph Kapaun, who served as a United States Army chaplain during World War II and the Korean War; and Italian layman Salvo D’Acquisto.

The category of “offering of life” is “a new cause for the beatification and canonization procedure, distinct from the causes based on martyrdom and on the heroism of virtues.” This cause was introduced by Pope Francis in 2017 to recognize as saints “those Christians who, following more than closely the footsteps and teachings of the Lord Jesus, have voluntarily and freely offered their life for others and persevered with this determination unto death.”

With the decrees of "offering of life" and of heroic virtue, the Servants of God become Venerable. A confirmed miracle is required for Beatification, the next stage in the process of canonization.

Fr Emil Kapaun

Born on 20 April 1916 in Kansas, Emil Joseph Kapaun was a chaplain in the Burma theater of World War II, then served again as a chaplain with the U.S. Army in Korea, where he was captured. He died in a prisoner of war in the Pyoktong Prison Camp.

Ordained a priest in 1940, he had joined the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps in 1944.  When taking as a prisoner of war in Korea, he ministered to fellow prisoners.

Salvo D’Aquisto

In addition, the Holy Father recognized the offering of life of the Servant of God Salvo D’Acquisto, lay faithful, born in Naples on 15 October 1920, and died in Palidoro, Italy, on 23 September 1943.

The Servant of God was a member of the Italian Carabinieri during the Second World War.




Salvo D'Acquisto


Heroic virtues recognized

Moreover, the Pope recognized the heroic virtues of three Servants of God:

  - Michele Maura Montaner, diocesan priest and founder of the Congregación de las Hermanas Celadoras del Culto Eucarístico, born in Palma de Mallorca (Spain) on September 6, 1843, and died there on September 19, 1915;

 - The heroic virtues of the Servant of God Didaco Bessi, diocesan priest and founder of the Congregation of the Dominican Sisters of Saint Mary of the Rosary, born on February 5, 1856, in Iolo (Italy) and died there on May 25, 1919;

 - The heroic virtues of the Servant of God Cunegonda Siwiec, lay faithful, born on May 28, 1876, in Stryszawa - Siwcówka (Poland) and died there on June 27, 1955.

Canonization of Blesseds

Furthermore, the Supreme Pontiff approved the favorable votes of the Ordinary Session of the Cardinals and Bishops of the Dicastery for the canonization of two Blesseds:

 - Blessed Giuseppe Gregorio Hernández Cisneros, lay faithful, born in Isnotú (Venezuela) on October 26, 1864, and died in Caracas (Venezuela) on June 29, 1919, and of

 - Blessed Bartolo Longo, lay faithful, born in Latiano (Italy) on February 10, 1841, and died in Pompeii (Italy) on October 5, 1926.

Blessed Bartolo was a lawyer from Naples who initially despised the Church, but converted and became responsible for establishing the Shrine of the Holy Rosary at Pompeii.

He has decided to convene a Consistory concerning the upcoming canonizations at a date to be determined.



Blessed Bartolo Longo

Journey together in hope: Lent 2025 message from Pope Francis

 

2025.02.24 Mercoledì delle Ceneri - Quaresima (Mirek Krajewski)

Pope Francis: Lent calls us to journey together in hope

In his Message for Lent 2025, Pope Francis invites the faithful to “journey together in hope," and to take the opportunity of the upcoming Lenten Season to ask ourselves whether we are truly willing to heed God's call to change our lives.

By Lisa Zengarini

The central theme of Pope Francis’ Lenten Message is encapsulated in the phrase "Let us journey together in hope," which ties into the broader theme of the Jubilee Year -"Pilgrims of Hope."

The Pope's reflection focuses on conversion and unfolds in three key dimensions: the importance of journeying, journeying together, and journeying with hope.

Our life of faith is a journey of conversion

Recalling the biblical Exodus of the people of Israel from Egypt to the Promised Land, the Pope reminds us that our lives too are a journey—one that should be directed toward God.

This journey is not merely a metaphorical one but involves a constant call to conversion, “to leave behind the occasions of sin” and situations that degrade our human dignity.

Pope Francis, therefore, urges the faithful during this Lenten Season to examine their own lives: are they actively progressing on the path of spiritual renewal or are they held back by fear and hopelessness or reluctant to move out of their comfort zone?

Drawing a parallel between the Hebrew people’s “arduous path from slavery to freedom” and the plight of modern migrants and refugees, the Pope invites us to use this period as an opportunity to consider how we relate our own lives with the struggles of those who are forced to flee “situations of misery and violence in search of a better life” and “in this way discover what God is asking of us." This, he writes, “would be a good ‘examination of conscience’ for all of us wayfarers.”

“It is hard to think of the biblical exodus without also thinking of those of our brothers and sisters who in our own day are fleeing situations of misery and violence in search of a better life for themselves and their loved ones. A first call to conversion thus comes from the realization that all of us are pilgrims in this life.”

The call to journey together: a summons to synodality

A fundamental aspect of the Lenten Message is the emphasis on community and synodality—the idea that Christians must walk together rather than in isolation.

Pope Francis reminds us, “The Holy Spirit impels us not to remain self-absorbed, but to keep walking towards God and our brothers and sisters.”

“Journeying together,” he writes, “means consolidating the unity grounded in our common dignity as children of God (…) without letting anyone be left behind or excluded.”

Again, he challenges the faithful to reflect on whether we are capable of walking together with others in our families, workplaces, and communities, resisting the temptation to become self-absorbed. Are we welcoming to others? Do we include those who feel marginalized?

“Let us ask ourselves in the presence of the Lord whether, as bishops, priests, consecrated persons and laity in the service of the Kingdom of God, we cooperate with others. Whether we show ourselves welcoming, with concrete gestures, to those both near and far. Whether we make others feel a part of the community or keep them at a distance.”

The call to journey in hope

The third fundamental dimension of the Lenten journey is hope, anchored in God’s promise of salvation and eternal life fulfilled in Jesus' Resurrection, the victory over sin and death.

This hope is not abstract but must be lived concretely. Pope Francis invites us to examine whether we truly trust in God’s mercy. Do we believe in His forgiveness, or do we fall into the trap of self-reliance? And do we concretely experience the hope that inspires in us “a commitment to justice and fraternity, to care for our common home and in such a way that no one feels excluded?”

Referencing Saint Teresa of Avila, the message urges the faithful to remain watchful and patient, understanding that God’s promises will be fulfilled in His time.

“This was the prayer of Saint Teresa of Avila: 'Hope, O my soul, hope. You know neither the day nor the hour. Watch carefully, for everything passes quickly, even though your impatience makes doubtful what is certain, and turns a very short time into a long one.'”

Pope concludes by entrusting this journey of hope to the intercession of the Virgin Mary, "Mother of Hope," praying that she may accompany the faithful as we prepare to celebrate the joy of Easter.

Tuesday morning update on Pope Francis hospitalization and recovery

 

The faithful recite the Rosary outside of Gemelli hospitalThe faithful recite the Rosary outside of Gemelli hospital  (VATICAN MEDIA Divisione Foto)

Another restful night for Pope Francis

In its daily morning update, the Holy See Press Office says Pope Francis rested well throughout the night and continues his therapy.

By Vatican News

“Pope Francis rested well throughout the night,” according to the latest update from the Holy See Press Office.

After the restful evening, the Holy Father got up and continued his daily therapy. His condition is similar to yesterday, and there will be another medical statement later this evening. There were no other respiratory crises, like that of Saturday morning.

On Monday, the Pope met at the hospital with the Vatican's Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and Substitute for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State, Archbishop Peña Parra, to sign several decrees related to causes for sainthood that were promulgated on Tuesday.

The Holy Father is being treated in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital for bronchitis and pneumonia; a health update last week noted that he is also showing signs of mild renal insufficiency, which appears to be under control.

A statement Monday evening noted that, despite the severity of the Pope’s condition, he has shown slight improvement. “No episodes of asthma-like respiratory distress occurred [Monday], and some laboratory tests have shown improvement. The monitoring of his mild kidney insufficiency has not raised any concerns. Oxygen therapy continues, although with slightly reduced flow and oxygen levels.”

The statement said doctors are maintaining a “cautious" prognosis “given the complexity of the clinical picture.”

Activity on Monday

The Press Office also noted that Pope Francis had received the Holy Eucharist on Monday morning, and in the afternoon, he continued his work.

As has become customary, the Pope called the pastor of Holy Family parish in Gaza to express his paternal closeness to the people there. Reports have emerged that the people of the parish had sent a video message to the Pope, for which he thanked them during his phone call.

Finally, the update on Monday evening expressed the Pope’s gratitude “to the entire People of God, who in these days have gathered to pray for his health.”

Monday, February 24, 2025

Saint of the Day for Tuesday

 

St. Walburga




St. Walburga, Virgin (Feast day - February 25) Walburga was born in Devonshire England, around 710. She was the daughter of a West Saxon chieftain and the sister of St. Willibald and Winebald. Walburga was educated at Wimborne Monastery in Dorset, where she became a nun. In 748, she was sent with St. Lioba to Germany to help St. Boniface in his missionary work. She spent two years at Bishofsheim, after which she became Abbess of the double monastery at Heidenheim founded by her brother Winebald. At the death of Winebald, St. Walburga was appointed Abbess of both monasteries by her brother Willibald, who was then Bishop of Eichstadt. She remained superior of both men and women until her death in 779. She was buried first at Heidenheim, but later her body was interred next to that of her brother, St. Winebald, at Eichstadt. at a small church called Holy Cross around which a group of canonesses were gathered.

Day 10 update on Pope Francis recovering from double pneumonia

 

Several people gather outside Gemelli Hospital to pray for Pope FrancisSeveral people gather outside Gemelli Hospital to pray for Pope Francis  (AFP or licensors)

Pope had good tenth night in hospital

Pope Francis slept well on his tenth night at Rome's Gemelli Hospital, where he is being treated for double pneumonia, according to the Holy See Press Office.

By Vatican News

Pope Francis had a restful tenth night in the hospital, according to a statement published on Monday morning by the Holy See Press Office.

"The night went well; the Pope slept and is resting," read the statement.

The Pope is receiving treatment for double pneumonia at Rome's Gemelli Hospital.

On Sunday evening, the Holy See Press Office said his condition remains critical, though he has not experienced any respiratory crises since Saturday morning.


Pope Francis had received blood transfusions to bring up his hemoglobin levels.

"The thrombocytopenia remains stable; however, some blood tests show early, mild renal insufficiency, which is currently under control," said the Sunday press statement, adding that "High-flow oxygen therapy continues through nasal cannulas."

Earlier on Sunday, the Pope attended Mass in his apartment in Gemelli Hospital with the doctors and nurses who are overseeing his treatment.

Sunday, February 23, 2025

Monday Saint of the Day

 


Bl. Tommaso Maria Fusco

Feastday: February 24
Birth: 1831
Death: 1891
Beatified: Pope John Paul II




Thomas Mary Fusco, the seventh of eight children, was born on1 December 1831 in Pagani, Salerno, in the Diocese of Nocera-Sarno, Italy, to Dr Antonio, a pharmacist, and Stella Giordano, of noble descent. They were known for their upright moral and religious conduct, and taught their son Christian piety and charity to the poor.

He was baptized on the day he was born in the parish of S. Felice e Corpo di Cristo. In 1837, when he was only six years old, his mother died of cholera and a few years later, in 1841, he also lost his father. Fr Giuseppe, an uncle on his father's side and a primary school teacher, then took charge of his education.

Since 1839, the year of the canonization of St Alphonsus Mary de' Liguori, little Tommaso had dreamed of church and the altar; in 1847 he was at last able to enter the same diocesan seminary of Nocera which his brother Raffaele would leave after being ordained a priest in 1849.

On 1 April 1851, Tommaso Maria received the sacrament of Confirmation and on 22 December 1855, after completing his seminary formation, he was ordained a priest by Bishop Agnello Giuseppe D'Auria.

In those years, sorrowful because of the loss of his loved ones, including his uncle (1847) as well as his young brother, Raffaele (1852), the devotion to the Patient Christ and to his Blessed Sorrowful Mother, already dear to the entire Fusco family, took root in Tommaso Maria, as in fact his biographers recall: "He had a deep devotion to the crucified Christ which he cherished throughout his life".

Right from the start he saw to the formation of boys for whom he opened a morning school in his own home, while for young people and adults, bent on increasing their human and Christian formation, he organized evening prayers at the parish church of S. Felice e Corpo di Cristo. This was a true place of conversion and prayer, just as it had been for St Alphonsus, revered and honoured in Pagani for his apostolate.

In 1857, he was admitted to the Congregation of the Missionaries of Nocera under the title of St Vincent de Paul and became an itinerant missionary, especially in the regions of Southern Italy.

In 1860 he was appointed chaplain at the Shrine of our Lady of Carmel (known as "Our Lady of the Hens") in Pagani, where he built up the men's and women's Catholic associations and set up the altar of the Crucified Christ and the Pious Union for the Adoration of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus.

In 1862 he opened a school of moral theology in his own home to train priests for the ministry of confession, kindling enthusiasm for the love of Christ's Blood; that same year, he founded the "(Priestly) Society of the Catholic Apostolate" for missions among the common people; in 1874 he received the approval of Pope Pius IX, now blessed.

Deeply moved by the sorry plight of an orphan girl, a victim of the street, after careful preparation in prayer for discernment, Fr Tommaso Maria founded the Congregation of the "Daughters of Charity of the Most Precious Blood" on 6 January, the Solemnity of Epiphany in 1873. This institute was inaugurated at the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, in the presence of Bishop Raffaele Ammirante, who, with the clothing of the first three sisters with the religious habit, blessed the first orphanage for seven poor little orphan girls of the area. It was not long before the newborn religious family and the orphanage also received the Pope's blessing, in response to their request.

Fr Tommaso Maria continued to dedicate himself to the priestly ministry, preaching spiritual retreats and popular missions; and from his apostolic travels sprang the many foundations of houses and orphanages that were a monument to his heroic charity, which was even more ardent in the last 20 years of his life (1870-1891).

In addition to his commitments as founder and apostolic missionary, he was parish priest (1874-1887) at the principal church of S. Felice e Corpo di Cristo in Pagani, extraordinary confessor to the cloistered nuns in Pagani and Nocera and, in the last years of his life, spiritual father of the lay congregation at the Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

It was not long before Fr Tommaso Maria, envied for the good he achieved in his ministry and for his life as an exemplary priest, was faced with humiliation and persecution and, in 1880, even a brother priest's slanderous calumny. However, sustained by the Lord, he lovingly carried that cross which own Pastor, Bishop Ammirante had foretold at the time of his institute's foundation: "Have you chosen the title of the Most Precious Blood? Well, may you be prepared to drink the bitter cup".

During the harshest of trials, which he bore in silence, he would repeat: "May work and suffering for God always be your glory and in your work and suffering, may God be your consolation on this earth, and your recompense in heaven. Patience is the safeguard and pillar of all the virtues".

Wasting away with a liver-disease, Fr Tommaso Maria died a devout death on 24 February 1891, praying with the elderly Simeon: Lord, now let your servant depart in peace, according to your word" (Lk 2, 29).

He was only 59 years old! In the notice issued by the town council of Pagani on 25 February 1891 the Gospel witness of his life, known to one and all, was summarized in these words: "Tommaso Maria Fusco, Apostolic Missionary, Founder of the Daughters of Charity of the Most Precious Blood, an exemplary priest of indomitable faith and ardent charity, worked tirelessly in the name of the Redeeming Blood for the salvation of souls: in life he loved the poor and in death forgave his enemies".

His life was directed to the highest devotion of Christian virtues by the priestly life, lived intensely in constant meditation on the mystery of the Father's love, contemplated in the crucified Son whose Blood is "the expression, measure and pledge" of divine Charity and heroic charity to the poor and needy, in whom Fr Tommaso Maria saw the bleeding Face of Jesus.

His writings, preaching and popular missions marked his vast experience of faith and the light of Christian hope that shone from his vocation and actions. He had a vital, burning love for God; it enflamed his words and his apostolate, made fruitful by love for God and neighbour, by union with the crucified Jesus, by trust in Mary, Immaculate and Sorrowful, and above all by the Eucharist.

Fr Tommaso Maria Fusco was an Apostle of Charity of the Most Precious Blood, a friend of boys and girls and young people and attentive to every kind of poverty and human and spiritual misery.

For all these reasons he enjoyed the fame of holiness among the diocesan priests, among the people and among his spiritual daughters who received his charism, and witness to it today in the various parts of the world where they carry out their apostolate in communion with the Church.

The cause for the beatification of Fr Tommaso Maria Fusco was initiated in 1955 and the decree of his heroic Christian virtues was published on 24 April 2001. The miraculous healing of Mrs Maria Battaglia on 20 August 1964 in Sciacca, Agrigento, Sicily, through the intercession of Fr Tommaso Maria Fusco was recognized on7 July 2001.

With his beatification, Pope John Paul II presents Fr Tommaso Maria Fusco as an example and a guide to holiness for priests, for the people of God and for his spiritual daughters, the Daughters of Charity of the Most Precious Blood.