Friday, March 31, 2023

Special Papal Prayer Intention for April 2023

 

The Pope's Monthly Intentions for 2023



April

For a culture of peace and non-violence
We pray for the spread of peace and non-violence, by decreasing the use of weapons by States and citizens.

The first Saint of the Day for the month of April

 

St. Ludovico Pavoni


Feastday: April 1
Patron: Sons of Mary Immaculate & Trade schools
Birth: September 11, 1784
Death: April 1, 1849
Beatified: 14 April 2002 by Pope John Paul II
Canonized: October 16, 2016, Saint Peter's Square, Vatican City by Pope Francis




Ludovico Pavoni was born in Brescia on September 11, 1784, the first of five brothers, Alexander and Lelia marriage Poncarali.

He lived in a time of profound political and social changes: the French Revolution (1789), the Jacobina (1797), the Napoleonic rule with different names and finally, since 1814, the Austrian. But the 'political' Ludovico Pavoni, ordained in 1807, was always and only the politics of love. Renouncing achieve high church officials, who seemed to be called when the Bishop Bishop Gabrio Maria Nava loves him as his secretary (1812), was able to engage creatively generous who had more need: young people and the poorest among them. For them he opened a training center, his "Oratorio" (1812). At the same time, surrender, as highlighting the bishop, "in support of the pastors to teach, catechize through homilies, catechesis, spiritual exercises, especially the youth and especially the poorest who had greatest need, with very good results. " On March 16, 1818 he was appointed Canon of the Cathedral and was entrusted with the stewardship of the Basilica of S. Barnabas.

Noting, then, that many of the kids in his oratory, especially the poor, decaying in their efforts and led astray when they had to enter the world of work, which unfortunately did not guarantee a healthy moral and Christian atmosphere Ludovico Pavoni decided to establish a "School of the Arts Institute or a charitable and private sectors, where at least the orphans or abandoned by their own parents were received, maintained, free, Christian educated and trained to perform some art, in order to form ones for religion, and useful to society and the state. " Thus was born in 1821, the Institute of S. Barnabas.

Among the arts, the most important was the typography, dear Pavoni as "Printing School" can be considered the first school in Italy chart and soon becomes a real publisher. With the passage of time multiply trades taught in S. Barnabas, in 1831, eight offices Pavoni existing lists: typography, book binding, paper, silversmiths, locksmiths, carpenters, turners, shoemakers.

The Institute of S. Barnabas first joined the educational aspect, the care and professional, but the deeper features "the idea feature" of the new Institute was that "poor boys abandoned by their parents and their closest relatives, they found everything they had Lost: ... not only ... bread, clothing and education in the humanities and the arts, but also the father and mother, the family, whom misfortune has deprived them, and the father, mother, everything a family could receive poor and enjoy. "

During the cholera of 1836, "with a simple invitation Municipal, and without the hope of receiving any financial contribution, are hosted for free on the Pius school, fed and educated with true fatherly love. ... many, many boys still unable. " Thus we read in the minutes of the extraordinary meeting of the Municipality of Brescia's August 21, 1841.

Pavoni also thought farmers and projected an Agricultural School. In 1841, the Institute welcomes the Deaf.

On June 3, 1844 was decorated by the Emperor of Austria with the title of Knight of the Iron Crown.

To sustain and continue the Institute, Ludovico Pavoni and walked for a long time to mature the idea of ??forming their most fervent youth "a congregation, which together with the close ties of love, and based on the evangelical virtues, devotes himself to accept and educate abandoned children, and also expand their care for free for the Houses of Industry, perhaps for lack of teachers and scholars working in the arts, felt prejudices and grievances ": so early as 1825 wrote to the Emperor Francis I, visiting Brescia.

Retrieved praise the end of the Congregation, by decree of March 31, 1843 by Pope Gregory XVI, arrives at last the imperial approval December 9, 1846.

Luchi Bishop, Vicar General Chapter, using the authority granted by the Holy See erected canonically the Congregation of the Sons of Mary, on August 11, 1847. After giving the formal resignations November 29th Chapter of the Cathedral, December 8, 1847, Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, her perpetual profession Pavoni issues.

About the appearance of the new religious family, contemporaries are unanimous in recognizing the novelty and originality, it is composed of religious priests for spiritual guidance, discipline and administrative work of religious and laity to conduct workshops and education young people. Looks like the new figure of the religious worker and educator pavoniano coadjutor brother, inserted directly into the specific mission of the Congregation, with equal rights and duties of priests.

The day after the outbreak of the insurrection against the Austrians, called "Ten Days", Saturday March 24, 1849, Ludovico Pavoni boys accompanied her Salan Hill, twelve miles from Brescia, to make them safe from looting and fires caused by the revolt, right on the square of S. Barnabas had set up a barricade. Not very good health, aggravated March 26 and at dawn on April 1, 1849, Palm Sunday, he dies.

The beatification of Ludovico Pavoni decree confirms that the June 5, 1947 emanated Pius XII on the heroic virtues, which is called "other Philip Neri ... precursor of John Bosco ... perfect emulator S. Joseph Cottolengo ".

While in hospital the Pope baptized little Miguel Angel

 

Pope Francis baptises baby at Gemelli HospitalPope Francis baptises baby at Gemelli Hospital 

Pope feeling better, visits young patients and baptises baby in hospital

The Director of the Holy See Press Office says Pope Francis is scheduled to be released from hospital on Saturday, and is expected to be present at the Palm Sunday Mass in St Peter's Square. On Friday afternoon he visited some of the little patients at the Hospital and baptized a baby.

By Vatican News

Pope Francis on Friday spent time with children who are being treated at the same Rome Hospital where he is receiving treatment for bronchitis.

A statement released by the Holy See Press Office Director, Matteo Bruni, said the Pope visited the children who are receiving treatment in the Gemelli Hospital's paediatric oncology ward.

"He brought them rosaries, chocolate easter eggs and copies of an Italian book for children about Jesus, born in Jerusalem of Judaea,” the statement said.

Bruni also said that during his visits, which lasted about half an hour, the Pope also baptized a little boy called Miguel Angel.

Afterwards, the Holy Father encouraged the baby's mother to tell the parish where the Baptism will be registered to say "the Pope baptised him!"

Pope Francis baptises baby boy during his stay at Rome's Gemelli Hospital

Expected to preside at Palm Sunday Mass

Earlier on Friday, Bruni announced that "As he is scheduled to leave the hospital tomorrow, Pope Francis is expected to be present in St. Peter's Square for the Eucharistic celebration of Palm Sunday, Passion of the Lord."

He also updated the press on the Pope's condition, noting that "the day passed well yesterday, following a normal clinical course."

"In the evening Pope Francis had dinner, eating pizza, together with those who are assisting him during these days of his hospital stay," including the doctors, nurses, assistants, and staff of the Gendarmerie.


The statement also said that this morning, after having breakfast, the Pope read some newspapers and resumed work.

"His Holiness," the statement concluded, "is expected to return to the Santa Marta home tomorrow, upon the outcome of the results of the last examinations this morning."

In a Thursday evening statement, Bruni conveyed that doctors at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome where the Pope was admitted on Wednesday afternoon, said he had been diagnosed with viral bronchitis that requires the administration of an antibiotic therapy administered by infusion, that “has resulted in a marked improvement in his state of health.”


Murdered L.A. Bishop's residential Tabernacle stolen from his home

 

Tabernacle stolen from murdered Bishop David O’Connell’s residence




An empty tabernacle that was bolted to the wall has been stolen from the residence of the late Los Angeles Auxiliary Bishop David O’Connell, who was murdered in his Hacienda Heights, California, home in February. 

A tabernacle is a structure found in a Catholic church or chapel that houses the holy Eucharist, which Catholics profess to be the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Jesus Christ. It is often made of gold and can cost tens of thousands of dollars.

News of O’Connell’s Feb. 18 murder shocked the nation following reports that he died after suffering multiple gunshot wounds. The local and wider Catholic community mourned O’Connell, who was remembered as a man of peace dedicated to serving the poor and immigrants.

First reported by LifeSiteNews, the burglary occurred sometime over the past weekend, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles told CNA in a statement. 


The archdiocese said that the tabernacle was located in O’Connell’s personal chapel. The theft was reported to law enforcement and “security has been enhanced,” the archdiocese’s statement said.

Lt. Michael Modica, a homicide detective with the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department who has been in the late bishop’s residence, told CNA Thursday that he remembered seeing the tabernacle “bolted to the wall.” 

The man who was charged with the murder of O’Connell is 61-year-old Carlos Medina, the husband of the woman who was O’Connell’s housekeeper.

Medina pleaded not guilty at his arraignment in court March 22. It remains unclear what the motive for the murder might have been. 

Medina is being held on more than $2 million bail and will have his next court hearing May 17.

Before his not-guilty plea, Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón said in a Feb. 22 press conference that Medina admitted to the murder.

“He admitted that he had done the killing and we believe we recovered the weapon that they were using, and we have other evidence from the bed, certain things that indicate that they were in the place where the killing occurred,” Gascón said in Spanish, translated here by CNA.

Following the revelation of the alleged admission, a current and former colleague of Gascón criticized him for breaking the L.A. District Attorney’s Office’s policy of forbidding the disclosure of a defendant’s admission in an open criminal case.

John Lewin, a former deputy district attorney for Los Angeles, told Fox News Digital that the statement could affect the outcome of the trial.

“It cannot be more simply stated, George Gascón is a D.A. who either doesn’t know the basic ethical rules that govern the agency he leads or doesn’t care to follow them,” he said.

“What if a court decides that the confession will not be admitted to trial? You can’t put that genie back into the bottle,” he added.

John McKinney, a current L.A. deputy district attorney, told Fox News Digital that the disclosure was contrary to police department rules. 

“By disclosing a defendant’s confession in an open criminal case, George Gascón has not only committed a blatant violation of LADA policy but has also potentially violated the due process rights of the accused.” 

Obtained by CNA, the District Attorney’s Legal Policy Manual states that “at the time of arrest, the issuance of an arrest warrant, the filing of a complaint, or the public revelation of an indictment,” information about a confession, admission, or statement given by the accused shall not be released.

Marc Debbaudt, a former career deputy district attorney for Los Angeles, told CNA Feb. 27 that he didn’t think Gascón’s announcement of the admission could cause the case to be thrown out but said that “it could result in motions to change jurisdiction.”

Three days of memorial services were held for O’Connell, 69, in early March. O’Connell’s funeral was attended by thousands as Los Angeles Archbishop José Gomez called him an intercessor for souls.

Speaking briefly at the conclusion of the funeral liturgy, Gomez said “Bishop Dave,” as O’Connell was affectionately known, would be sorely missed, but “we know that he’s in heaven.” 

“From there he’s going to continue to intercede for us,” Gomez said, “as he has done his whole life.”

Cardinal Cantalamessa gives his 5th Lenten sermon

 

File photo of Cardinal Cantalamessa giving Lenten homilyFile photo of Cardinal Cantalamessa giving Lenten homily  (Vatican Media)

Cardinal Cantalamessa gives fifth Lenten sermon

Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa, the Preacher of the Papal Household, delivers his fifth sermon for Lent 2023 to Roman Curia, reassuring that Jesus is always with us and that the Holy Spirit is a constant source of energy and empowerment.

By Deborah Castellano Lubov

Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa, O.F.M. Cap., Preacher of the Papal Household, gave his fifth sermon for Lent 2023.

His sermon, which focused on the Church taking courage in Christ, was given in the Vatican on Friday morning to the Roman Curia.

Cardinal Cantalamessa centred his remarks on the need to take courage as the Holy Spirit leads their steps, and reminded his listeners how Jesus is never absent and that the Holy Spirit is always a great source of energy.

The Franciscan Cardinal reassured those before him that even at the most dramatic and stormy times, Jesus accompanies them.

However, he observed, that "part of the weakness of our evangelization and our action" in the world is due to "division and mutual struggle between Christians."

Take courage

“Today I dare to proclaim that word again, knowing that it is not just a quotation, but of an ever-living word that always does what it promises. Courage, courage, because I am with you, says the Lord. My Spirit will be with you!””

Cardinal Cantalamessa underscored how Jesus calls His Church "to embrace all believers in Him and all the baptized."

A Hail Mary for Pope Francis

The Holy Father was not present as he continues to recover in Rome's Gemelli hospital from a respiratory infection.

According to statements from the Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, the Pope's clinical situation is improving as he continues his treatments, and he is very touched by all the messages and prayers for his recovery.

At the beginning of the Lenten Sermon, they prayed together for Pope Francis and his continued recovery, praying a Hail Mary together.

All of Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa's Lenten sermons can be found on Cardinal Cantalamessa's website.

Prayers and best wishes pour in for Pope Francis

 

Pope Francis at 29 March General AudiencePope Francis at 29 March General Audience  (Vatican Media)

Best wishes and prayers pour in for Pope Francis

As Pope Francis is expected to be discharged from the hospital on Saturday, prayers and best wishes continue to pour in from around the world.

By Deborah Castellano Lubov

As Pope Francis prepares to be discharged tomorrow from Rome's Gemelli hospital, where he has been being treated for a respiratory infection, prayers and best wishes for the Holy Father have been pouring in from around the world.

The Holy Father, as expressed in statements issued by Director of the Holy See Press Office, and the Pontiff's own Twitter account, has expressed how touched he has been by the outpouring of prayers for him.

The President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, issued a statement saying that as Pope Francis recovers, "we pray intensely for our Holy Father.”

“On behalf of my brother bishops, I invite all the faithful to pause, if possible before the Blessed Sacrament, and pray for his speedy recovery.”

"May our dear shepherd and all those in need of healing," he said, "experience the comfort of Christ."


For the first Pope from the Americas, the bishops of the Latin American Episcopal Council (CELAM), urged all their brothers in the episcopate, and all the holy and faithful people of God who are pilgrims in Latin America and the Caribbean, "to intensify their prayers for the intentions of Pope Francis and for his health during this time of Lent in which we prepare for the celebration of Holy Week."

They invited all faithful to pray for the full recovery of the health of Pope Francis "under the intercession of "our Mother, under the invocation of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of this continent."

World leaders have also expressed their closeness to the Pope, including the President of Italy, Sergio Mattarella, who offered his "most intense and affectionate wishes to Pope Francis, with the wish for a full recovery in health."

India's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, said on Twitter, he is "praying for the good health and speedy recovery of Pope Francis."

The President of the United States, Joe Biden, also said he would be saying an "extra prayer" for Pope Francis, having described the Pope as one of the most "Christ-like figures I've ever met." In a tweet, the US President said, "[First Lady] Jill [Biden] and I are keeping Pope Francis in our prayers and send our best wishes for his swift and full recovery. The world needs Pope Francis."

Pope Francis expects to be present for Palm Sunday Mass

 

Rome's Gemelli hospitalRome's Gemelli hospital 

Pope expected to be present at St Peter's for Palm Sunday Mass

The Director of the Holy See Press Office says Pope Francis is scheduled to be released from hospital on Saturday, and is expected to be present at the Palm Sunday Mass in St Peter's Square.

By Deborah Castellano Lubov

On Friday, the Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, said, "As he is scheduled to leave the hospital tomorrow, Pope Francis is expected to be present in St. Peter's Square for the Eucharistic celebration of Palm Sunday, Passion of the Lord."

In an earlier statement Friday morning, Mr Bruni updated the press on the Pope's condition: "Yesterday's day," the statement began, "passed well, with a normal clinical course. In the evening Pope Francis had dinner, eating pizza, together with those who are assisting him during these days of his hospital stay: with the Holy Father were the doctors, nurses, assistants, and staff of the Gendarmerie."
 

It added that this morning, after having breakfast, he read some newspapers and resumed work.

"His Holiness," the statement concluded, "is expected to return to the Santa Marta home tomorrow, upon the outcome of the results of the last examinations this morning."

In a Thursday evening statement, Bruni conveyed that doctors at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome where the Pope was admitted on Wednesday afternoon, said he has been diagnosed with viral bronchitis that requires the administration of an antibiotic therapy administered by infusion.

In that statement, Bruni conveyed information received from the medical staff treating the Pope at the hospital and said that following the results of the planned clinical check-ups, it was found that the Holy Father is affected by a viral bronchitis that requires the administration of antibiotics that “have resulted in a marked improvement in his state of health.”