Blessed Junipero Serra

Today we honor Blessed Junipero Serra, a Franciscan priest and missionary, who converted thousands of native Americans.Miguel Jose Serra was born on the island of Majorca (Spain), on November 24, 1713, and took the name of Junipero in honor of Saint Juniper, who had also been a Franciscan and a companion of Saint Francis of Assisi. In 1730, he entered the Franciscan Order and was ordained seven years later. A brilliant man who had earned his doctorate...

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Sales of the Pope's Pectoral Cross model increase in Rome

June 30, 2013. (Romereports.com) This Roman bookshop is popular not just because it's on the Via della Conciliazione street, but also because it sells the same pectoral cross model, Pope Francis wears.  The store has been selling it since 2004, but most recently, since it became a symbol of Pope Francis' simple style, its sales have increased.FR. LUCIANO ORSIAncora Bookstore (Rome) “This cross, is the same model the Pope wears. We've had it for several years now, since 2004 more or less. But before we would sell one or maybe two a year,...

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A Conference in Rome on Understanding and Professing the Liturgy in the 21st Century

June 30, 2013. (Romereports.com) What's the best way to study, understand and appreciate the Liturgy? What's the most efficient way to profess it in the 21st century? These were some of the questions that were analyzed during a four day 'Sacred Liturgy' Symposium organized by French Bishop, Dominique Rey, in Rome.MSGR. DOMINIQUE REYBishop of Fréjus-Toulon (France)“The center, the source, the summit of Christian life, as said by the Council, is the Liturgy. Because in the Liturgy we have the presence of God.”Msgr. Dominique Rey says that when it...

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Pope to impose Pallium on metropolitan archbishops

June 28, 2013. (Romereports.com) During the Feast Day of St. Peter and St. Paul, the Church celebrates the pallium ceremony. That's when Pope Francis will impose a wool made garment on metropolitan archbishops from all over the world, who were named in the past year. On the list are 35 archbishops. Among them are the heads of major dioceses like Lisbon, in Portugal, San Francisco, Delhi, India, Monterrey, Mexico. There's also the archbishop of Buenos Aires, Mario Aurelio Poli, who takes over the post held by Cardinal Bergoglio, before being elected...

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The pallium: Three archbishops reflect

Archbishops from three American cities discuss the meaning of receiving the pallium and the challenges that face them as leaders of the chur...

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Grammy nominee's music is ministry

Catholic recording artist Matt Maher shows how he mixes his faith with his music. Read mo...

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Denver rally draws hundreds in support of religious freedom

Hundreds of people in the Archdiocese of Denver attended a prayer rally for religious freedom on June 22, standing up for the right to serve God in their public and private lives. Read the full sto...

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Meet Pope Francis

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Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, apostles

Sts. Peter and Paul are the co-founders of the Church - the solid rock on which it was founded. St. Peter Peter's original name was Simon. He was a fisherman and the brother of Saint Andrew, the apostle who led him to Christ. As an apostle of Christ, Simon was renamed "Peter" (in Hebrew Kephas) or "rock" by Jesus to indicate that Peter would be the rock-like foundation on which the Church would be built.Peter's house often became the scene of...

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Kansas bishops ask faithful not to lose hope and to pray in response to U.S. Supreme Court decisions

The leaders of the four dioceses in Kansas issued a statement Thursday, June 27, in response to the U.S. Supreme Court decisions on the DOMA and Proposition 8. Here is their statement:Archbishop Joseph Naumann of Kansas City in Kansas, Bishop John Brungardt of Dodge City, Bishop Edward Weisenburger of Salina, and Monsignor Robert Hemberger, Diocesan Administrator of Wichita, issued the following statement today in response to the United States Supreme...

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Papal Tweet of the Day

TWITTER @PONTIFEX06/28/2013Jesus didn’t save us with an idea. He humbled himself and became a man. The Word became Fle...

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Pope's Prayer Intentions for July

Vatican City, 28 June 2013 (VIS) - The Pope's general prayer intention for July is: “That World Youth Day in Brazil may encourage all young Christians to become disciples and missionaries of the Gospel.”His mission intention is: “That throughout Asia doors may open to messengers of the Gospe...

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Pope Francis: Have patience, trust in God's mysterious ways

June 28, 2013. (Romereports.com) During his daily morning Mass at the Vatican, Pope Francis talked about patience. He called on Christians to trust God and His mysterious ways.Sometimes God intervenes in one's life immediately, he explained, but other times, the virtue of patience is needed. POPE FRANCIS“The Lord takes his time. But even He, in this relationship with us, has a lot of patience. We too have to show patience: He has it! He waits for us! And He waits for us until the end of our life! Think of the good thief, right at the end, at the...

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Audrey Assad, A unique style of Christian music

June 28, 2013. (Romereports.com) Meet song writer and singer Audrey Assad. She was born 30 years ago in the U.S, but her father is Syrian. Her passion for music began when she was still a little girl. In fact, by the age of two,  she was already playing around with the piano.Her first album, titled 'The House You're Bulding' topped the Billboard charts for Christian music. In 2010, Amazon's digital music department named it best album of the year in its genre.Her style is a unique mix of jazz and folk. It's been described as having a  harmonious...

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7 Quick Takes Friday (vol. 222)

--- 1 ---I have finally decided to join Jen in 7 Quick Takes.  I have no idea of how to do this, but I had no idea of what I was doing when I started blogging almost ten years ago. I just jumped right in. I enjoy doing new things, even if they are a little scary. "Be not afraid"! I can hear John Paul II's powerful voice every time I begin something new and am afraid of making a mistake. I felt the same way when I began work on my second Master's...

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St. Irenaeus: Bishop of Lyons and Father of the Church

The saint of the day for June 28th is St. Irenaeus (c.130 - c.200), Bishop of Lyons and Father of the Church.Irenaeus was born in Smyrna (modern-day Turkey), although he later settled in Rome. He was well educated and was influenced by men who knew the Apostles, especially St. Polycarp, who had been a pupil of St. John the evangelist.  He became Bishop of Lyons (France) in 178. As bishop, he divided his activities between the duties of a pastor...

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Twenty One Years Ago Today....

we were celebratingTHISThanks be to God for the Sacrament of Matrimo...

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Novena to the Mother of God for the Nation for Religious Liberty

Catholics have always turned instinctively for help to the Mother of God in times of need. And so, in 2013 we turn to Our Lady for help. Many of the values that shaped our Country from the beginning seem to be at risk. Pope Francis and the American Bishops have noted the erosion of religious freedom in the United States, the first value guaranteed by the Constitution.This Novena to the Mother of God for the Nation will remind us of some of the central truths of the faith, in particular, the Incarnation, passion, death, resurrection of the Lord...

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How to defend traditional marriage

Tracey Rowland, an Australian philosopher, discusses how the Catholic Church should respond to proponents of same-sex marria...

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Our Lady of Perpetual Help

Today we commemorate Our Lady of Perpetual Help. I have had a long-time devotion to Our Blessed Mother under many titles, but began praying to Our Lady of Perpetual Help early in my childhood and continue to pray for her intercession today. She is such a sweet mother who always asks Jesus to grant me that which will draw me closest to Him.The IconOur Lady of Perpetual Help is a Byzantine icon from the middle ages that has resided in Rome since the...

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Archbishop: Traditional marriage supports social justice

Related Post:  U.S. Supreme Court and the 'gay marriage rulings: the good, the bad, and the u...

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U.S. Supreme Court and the 'gay marriage rulings: the good, the bad, and the ugly

by Michelle Bauman, assistant editor for Catholic News Agency and EWTN News from CNA blog:This morning, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and dismissed an appeal of California’s Proposition 8 on grounds of standing. But what does this mean? What are the implications of the court decisions?Here’s the good, the bad and the ugly from today’s rulings:The Good:The court did not claim to have discovered...

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Pope's General Audience: Each Christian must contribute in building the Temple of the Church

June 26, 2013. (Romereports.com)  During his weekly general audience, the Pope explained the views of the Church, as expressed by the Second Vatican Council. He said the Church can be considered a 'Temple,' where Christians are like 'living stones'  who reveal the beauty of the Christian message.CATECHESIS IN ENGLISH: Speaker: “Dear Brothers and Sisters: In our continuing catechesis on the Creed, today we consider the Church as God’s temple.  The great temple of Solomon in Jerusalem, a place of prayer and encounter with the Lord,...

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"The Miracle of Father Kapaun" Book and DVD Giveaway

Emil Kapaun—priest, soldier and Korean War hero—is a rare man. He has been awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military award, and is also being considered by the Vatican for canonization as a saint. He is an inspirational figure, especially as we celebrate the Fortnight for Freedom.In honor of the Fortnight for Freedom,  I am giving away both the book and the DVD that chronicle his heroic life, "The Miracle of Father...

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St. Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer

The saint of the day for June 26th is St. Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer (1902-1975), Spanish priest and founder of Opus Dei.You can read his biography HERE and find his writings HERE.A Few of My Favorite Quotes:"You go to pray; to become a bonfire, a living flame, giving light and heat.""The world thrives on lies even twenty centuries after the Truth came among men.—We have to tell the truth! This is precisely what we have to do as children...

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Pope Francis: "We're not Christians by chance"

June 25, 2013. (Romereports.com) During his daily morning Mass at the Vatican, Pope Francis explained that God never leaves His people alone and that no-one is ever a Christian by chance. As an example, the Pope talked a reading from the Book of Genesis, where Abram discusses division on earth.POPE FRANCIS“God accompanies us, God calls us by name, God promises us we will have a line of heirs. This is a type of 'given' that comes with being a Christian. It is not a coincidence, it's a calling - a calling that keeps us going. Being a Christian is...

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Benedict XVI wants to spend the summer at the Vatican

June 25, 2013. (Romereports.com) Benedict XVI is “relaxed. He has a good memory and his eyes are bright and cheerful.” These were the words of father Stephan Otto Horn, president of the Ratzinger Alumni Association who visited the Pope Emeritus early in June.According to his former student, Benedict XVI wants to spend his summer at the Vatican. He also suggested that his successor, Pope Francis spend a few days at Castel Gandolfo, to bear the summer heat.  Pope Francis has offered Benedict XVI, full access to the Pope's summer residence in...

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St.William of Vercelli

Image SourceThe saint of the day for June 24th is St. William of Vercelli. William was born to noble and wealthy parents in Vercelli, Italy in 1085. He lost his father and mother in his infancy and was raised by a relative. At age fifteen, he made a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, Spain. When he returned, he became a hermit in Naples and lived there on an uninhabited mountain in solitude. However, he became famous after he worked a miracle,...

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Best Books for Catholic Women 2013

Here are my top five picks (in no special order):1. Blessed, Beautiful, and Bodacious: Celebrating the Gift of Catholic Womanhood by Pat Gohn2. Catholic Mom’s Café: 5-Minute Retreats for Every Day of the Year by Donna Marie Cooper O'Boyle3. Rooted in Love: Our Calling as Catholic Women by Donna Marie Cooper O'Boyle4. StangeGods: Unmasking the Idols in Everyday Life by Elizabeth Scalia5. The Ear of the Heart: An Actress' Journey...

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Pope Francis: Christians cannot be anti-Semitic, we share common roots!

June 24, 2013. (Romereports.com) While speaking to a delegation of the International Jewish Committee on Interreligious Consultations, Pope Francis underlined the importance of the strong bond that unites Christian and Jews. After addressing the audience as 'elder brothers and sisters', the Pope reminded that the Second Vatican Council and its declaration 'Nostra Aetate' were in the forefront of promoting cooperation between the two religions. POPE FRANCIS“In that Council text, the Church recognizes that “the beginnings of its faith and election...

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Religious freedom advocates light up

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Stop the HHS Mandate

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Quote of the Day: Archbishop Chaput on the New Evangelization

Blessed Pope John Paul II saw the outline of our new “new world” more than 30 years ago.  And following his lead, the Church has been calling Catholics to the work of a “new evangelization” ever since.  But there’s a natural human tendency to attach magic powers to slogans, which then replace serious thought and effort — as if saying the slogan, or talking about it, actually makes mission work happen.  In practice, the words “new evangelization”...

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Pope Francis on St. Thérèse of Lisieux

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Solemnity of the Birth of St. John the Baptist

Today, June 24th is the Solemnity of the Birth of St. John the Baptist.Jesus called John the greatest of all those who had preceded him: “I tell you, among those born of women, no one is greater than John....” But John would have agreed completely with what Jesus added: “[Y]et the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he” (Luke 7:28).John spent his time in the desert, an ascetic. He began to announce the coming of the Kingdom, and to call everyone...

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Sts.Thomas More and John Fisher

Today is the feast of Sts.Thomas More, martyr and John Fisher, bishop and martyr. St. Thomas More was born in London, England and was Chancellor of King Henry VIII. He was a devoted, loving husband and father and a dedicated public servant.St. John Fisher studied Theology in Cambridge and became Bishop of Rochester. He and his friend St. Thomas More gave up their lives in testimony to defend Church unity and the indissolubility of the sacrament...

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More from Fr. Barron on Man of Steel

Original Post: Fr. Barron comments on Man of Ste...

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Pope Francis: Our hearts tire if we only seek material wealth

June 21, 2013. (Romereports.com) During his daily morning Mass at the Vatican, Pope Francis explained that God gave people 'a restless heart' that is always seeking treasures. But, he said it's easy to get lured in by 'fake treasures' that don't bring true happiness.POPE FRANCIS“The Lord has made us restless to seek Him, to find Him, to grow. But if the treasure is a one that is not close to the Lord, that is not from the Lord. Our hearts becomes restless for things that simply don’t work, for these treasures . . . So many people, even we ourselves,...

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St. Aloysius Gonzaga

by Jean M. HeimannToday's saint, Aloysius Gonzaga (1568-1591), was the firstborn in a highly wealthy and influential Italian noble family.  His father was a famous mercenary soldier.  Aloysius assumed adult responsibilities at an early age. He began his training as a soldier and courtier at the age of four and, when he was only eight, served in the court of Grand Duke Francesco I de’Medici. While serving in the court, he studied in Florence,...

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Archbishop Lori Discusses Fortnight for Freedom 2013

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Cardinal Burke: Families Must Proclaim the Gospel of Life

Created on Thursday, 20 June 2013 18:46  Written by Stefano Gennarini, J.D.ROME, June 21 (C-FAM) The family is the central way of proclaiming the "Gospel of Life," a top Vatican official said this week during a weekend-long celebration of Blessed John Paul II's letter by that name.In the family “children witness the Gospel of life in the relationship of their parents with one another and in the relationship of the parents with them,” Cardinal...

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Fr. Barron comments on Man of Steel

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Pope: "We cannot pray to our Father, if we have enemies in our hearts"

June 20, 2013. (Romereports.com) The 'Our Father' prayer was the focus of the Pope's homily during his daily Mass at the Vatican. Pope Francis said that prayer is not some kind of magic spell. He explained that it's about putting one's trust in God. He alone, said the Pope, understands one's needs. POPE FRANCIS“No, you cannot pray with enemies in your heart, with brothers and enemies in your heart, you cannot pray. This is difficult, yes, it is difficult, not easy. 'Father, I cannot say Father, I cannot'. It’s true, I understand. 'I cannot say...

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St. Alban, patron of converts

The saint of the day for June 20 is St. Alban, the first Christian martyr in Britain during the early 4th century. He is the patron saint of converts and torture victims.Even though he was not a man of faith, St. Alban was very hospitable and compassionate. As a soldier, he sheltered a persecuted priest, Amphibalus, during a time that Christians were being put to death in Britain. The priest struck St. Alban with his faith and piety, as well as his...

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