When Pope Francis visits Abu Dhabi February 3-5, he will visit a land where inter-religious tolerance is mandated by law; while Catholics in the United Arab Emirates count their blessings for that, the pope is expected to nudge for something more.
Tolerance is praiseworthy, and Catholics in the Emirates do not take it for granted. But for Pope Francis, the next step - and often a big one - is mutual knowledge, respect and cooperation.
The word with which to open 2019 is the one launched by the Holy Father in his Urbi et Orbi discourse on Christmas day: fraternity. A word that indicates the truth that “is the basis of the Christian vision of humanity”. A vision that hinges on the harmony between unity and diversity, the very heart of fraternity. If this harmony exists, “our differences, then, are not a detriment or a danger; they are a source of richness. As when an artist is about to make a mosaic: it is better to have tiles of many colours available, rather than just a few!”.
In his message for the 27th World Day of the Sick, Pope Francis urges believers to promote a culture of generosity, noting that the joy of generous giving is a barometer of the health of a Christian.
Following is the text of the Pope's message:
“You received without payment; give without payment” (Mt 10:8)
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
“You received without payment; give without payment” (Mt 10:8). These are the words spoken by Jesus when sending forth his apostles to spread the Gospel, so that his Kingdom might grow through acts of gratuitous love.
His Holiness Pope Francis has paid tribute to the efforts exerted by Jordan in hosting the refugees, terming their hosting as falling within the framework of the spirit of brotherhood. This was reported in a speech delivered during his meeting Monday, January 7, with members of the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See on the occasion of the start of the New Year.
Having flipped through the calendar of the new year, we said, “O God, we rely on You.” We can only be optimistic, because falling into despair is a great danger. It involves a risk of passing a judgment on the new year with views abounding with negativity, bleakness, and monotony that overwhelm one with boredom and despair.
Pope Francis celebrates Mass in St. Peter's Basilica on the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord. The official English-language translation of the Pope's homily is below:
Christian tradition has given many interpretations to the adoration of Jesus by the Wise Men from the East, celebrated on Jan. 6.
What does the word “epiphany” mean? Before it became associated with the festival of the Kings’ Cake, the word had a much broader meaning. Derived from the Greek “epiphaneia” (manifestation), it designates the manifestations of God to man or “theophanies.”
Bethlehem’s rich history can be fully appreciated only by walking its streets. Every year, the city enters millions of homes worldwide through the image of the humble manger where Jesus was born. But that image does not compare to experiencing the Old City first-hand. Coming to Bethlehem is a unique experience that I would encourage everyone to pursue.
“The Chinese Catholic communities are reconciling” - says the Bishop of Qiqihar, not yet recognized by the government - “not because of a command coming from the outside, but because their faith asks them to do so”. It also scales down the issue of the demolition of a convent of nuns of his diocese.
Once again, it is that time of year. It is the season to be jolly and I take pleasure in wishing a very merry Christmas not only to my Christian friends, but to everybody.
Christmas this year coincides with the 175th anniversary of Charles Dickens’s wonderful novel: “A Christmas Carol”, and I admit without shame that Ebenezer Scrooge is my absolute favorite Dickensian character. A Christmas Carol became an icon of the season because it does not focus on religious symbolism but it epitomises the spirit of Christmas.
