reflections, updates and homilies from Deacon Mike Talbot inspired by the following words from my ordination: Receive the Gospel of Christ whose herald you have become. Believe what you read, teach what you believe and practice what you teach...
Loving God, as a mother gives life and nourishment to her children,
so you give life and care for your Church.
Bless these women, as we celebrate this day in their honor.
May they be strengthened as Christian mothers.
Let the example of their faith and love shine forth.
Grant that we, their sons and daughters, may honor and appreciate them
with a spirit of profound respect.
May the example of Mary, mother of Jesus, inspire them to live their
vocation as Christian mothers and call their children to faith.
Guide and protect them in challenging times and help them to continue
to trust in you all the days of their life.
Pope Leo XIV sends greetings to His Holiness Pope Tawadros on the annual “Day of Coptic-Catholic Friendship, praises the welcoming spirit of the citizens of the Canary Islands, and wishes all mothers Happy Mothers’ Day.
By Linda Bordoni
Mother's Day is celebrated in over 40 countries across the world on the second Sunday in May, and Pope Leo XIV did not neglect to dedicate a special thought to all mothers.
Speaking after the recitation of the Regina Coeli prayer in St Peter's Square, the Pope said, “Through the intercession of Mary, the Mother of Jesus and our Mother, let us pray with affection and gratitude for every mother, especially for those living in the most difficult conditions,” he said.
“Let us pray with affection and gratitude for every mother, especially for those living in the most difficult conditions.”
Day of Coptic-Catholic Friendship
The Pope also had fraternal greetings for the head of the Coptic Orthodox Church, as he recalled that “On May 10 each year, the 'Day of Coptic-Catholic Friendship’ is celebrated.”
“I extend a fraternal greeting to His Holiness Pope Tawadros II and assure my prayers for the entire beloved Coptic Church, in the hope that our journey of friendship may lead us to perfect unity in Christ, who has called us ‘friends,'" he added.
Gratitude to the Canary Islands
Pope Leo also had words of gratitude for the “welcoming spirit that characterizes the people of the Canary Islands.”
Noting that the Canary Islands have allowed passengers of the “Hondius Cruise Ship with hantavirus patients on board,” he said he is happy “to be able to meet you next month during my visit to the islands”.
The Pope is scheduled, in fact, to undertake an apostolic journey to Spain from 6 to 12 June, and he will spend the last two days of the trip on the islands of Tenerife and Gran Canaria, where he will meet with migrants and organization's dedicated to helping them.
