Pope’s Message for World Day of the Sick 2023
Pope Francis releases his message for the 31th World Day of the Sick, and urges Catholics to heed the example of the Good Samaritan showing compassion and taking care of the sick in a world that discards the most vulnerable. As the Church journeys along the synodal path, Pope Francis is inviting the faithful to…
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Christmas Greetings from the Catholic Grandparents Association
We are sending you warm greetings for Christmas from the Catholic Grandparents Association: Wishing the light of the Christmas star to you. The warmth of home and hearth to you. The cheer and good will of friends to you. The hope of a childlike heart to you. The joy of a thousand angels to you.…
Read MoreAdvent has begun: Let’s celebrate Bambinelli Sunday!
Advent has begun. Advent, (from Latin adventus, “coming”), in the Christian church calendar, is the period of preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas and also of preparation for the Second Coming of Christ. Advent is often described as a time of devout and expectant delight. Advent is also best described as…
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Spread Peace this New Church Year
We are living a famine of peace – Pope Francis In his message for the second World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, Pope Francis addressed the need for peace in our world. He said, “Our world is passing through a time of trial and testing, beginning with the sudden, violent outbreak of the pandemic,…
Read MoreRe-read your life’s story to discover Christ – Pope Francis
Pope Francis continued his catechesis series on discernment at the Wednesday General Audience on 19 October, and urged each of us to examine the story of our life in order to discover the hidden footsteps of Jesus. The Pope focused his attention on how our life’s story can reveal God’s hidden actions. He said, “Our…
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Ministry Seminar to assist parishes to reach out to Grandparents and Elders
On Saturday 1 October next, the Catholic Grandparents Association (CGA) will host a Ministry Seminar to facilitate those interested in establishing a Grandparents’ Ministry in parishes. The Ministry Seminar is aimed at those starting out and those wishing to enrich and enhance recently established ministries for Grandparents. So, if you are a parish that would like…
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Some prayers and reflections for Autumn
We are delighted to share some prayers, reflections and quotes with you as we move on into a real feeling of Autumn and the changing of the Seasons. Pope Francis’ Sunday Angelus on 11 September 2022 This first piece is from Pope Francis’ Sunday Angelus address on 11 September 2022. As you read these words…
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Pope Francis at Audience: ‘Alliance between youth and elderly will save humanity’
At the Wednesday General Audience, Pope Francis reflected on the value of old age, focusing on Daniel’s prophetic dream about the Ancient of Days (Dan 7:9-10). The Pope said the vision—known as a theophany—highlights the connection between old age and youth. Everything about the man in the vision is full of “vigour, strength, nobility, beauty,…
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Press Release: Grandparents to gather at Knock Shrine for National Pilgrimage and to celebrate the Second World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly
Sunday 24 July will see grandparents from across Ireland gathering in Knock Shrine for their annual pilgrimage which coincides with the celebration of the second World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, the newly introduced universal celebration instituted by Pope Francis last year. This year’s pilgrimage will mark a number of firsts: it will be the…
Read MoreTeachers of tenderness – the Pope Video for July
The Pope Video for July has just been released with the prayer intention that Francis is entrusting to the entire Catholic Church through the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network. This month, the Holy Father prays “for the elderly, who represent the roots and memory of a people; may their experience and wisdom help young people to…
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