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The secret story of chapels on the railroad in the 20th century At one point, thousands of rural American Christians could access church services that arrived weekly by train. The invention and development of the railroad network in the late 19th century contributed greatly to America’s expansion. As each segment of the great American railway was built, cities emerged in locations that were previously scarcely inhabited. This new mode of transportation not only transformed America’s landscape, it also changed the way people could attend church services. Suddenly, rail networks enabled Catholics living in isolated locations to travel to bigger cities to attend church, and some pioneering priests took it a step further. To ensure that people living even in the most out-of-the-way locations could attend Mass, they created “railroad chapels.” As Wilma Taylor and Norman Taylor explained in the article “The Story of Americas Chapel Cars,” published in the journal Railroad History and cited by Jstor Daily, these railroad chapels moved from town to town to provide church services to communities that were too small to have a dedicated place of worship. The Episcopal Church built the first “railroad chapel” in 1890 and was soon followed by similar projects from different denominations. It is estimated that at least 13 railroad chapels were traveling on trains across America between 1890 and 1946 to provide church services to rural believers. These mobile churches did not have to pay passage fees thanks to a special agreement with the Northern Pacific Railroad that allowed railroad chapels to roam the US for free, making it financially viable for small congregations to keep operations running. As Taylor and Taylor reported, Francis Clement Kelley, a Catholic priest who learned about railroad chapels at the St. Louis World’s Fair in 1904, started the first Catholic railroad chapel. With knowledge of this new clever way to provide church services to rural people, Kelley ordered the purchase of a used railroad car from Chicago. The first Catholic railroad chapel, called “St. Anthony,” was officially blessed on June 16, 1906, at Chicago’s Union Station. The St. Anthony railroad chapel looked like any other railroad car from outside. It was 70 feet long and made of laminated steel, but the inside of the car showed the special purpose of the vehicle. There were special drawers to hold priest vestments, a table with a crucifix secured by screws to avoid damage during movement, and a movable communion railing that could work as a confessional. As the official log documents preserved in the Special Archive collection of Loyola University in Chicago show, up to 65 people could attend services held inside St. Anthony’s railroad chapel. Between 1907 and 1909, St. Anthony’s railroad chapel traveled across Kansas and South Dakota to bring Holy Communion and Confession to thousands of Catholics. As Taylor and Taylor noted, railroad chapels were more than just “moving churches,” offering a way to build a strong support system in communities that were just beginning to form. The authors of “The Story of America’s Chapel Cars” also note that they sometimes offered an inclusive place of worship for communities that were at the edges of society. Some carts were “specifically designed to welcome African Americans and members of other minority religions who were not accepted in other churches.” The popularity of railroad chapels started to decline after World War II, and by the 1970s, when cars overtook trains as the most common mode of transportation in America, they were discontinued. Thanks to digital archives from Loyola University, however, anyone can now learn about one of the most ingenious developments of Catholic faith in recent American history. #bible #christianity #jesuschrist #God #faith #prayerworks #ypシ #quotes #DailyGod

13 parishes close in Nigeria - but not for lack of parishioners, but because,… Fulani herdsmen replace Catholics, leading to the closure of 13 parishes. Nigeria is the country with the largest number of Catholics attending Mass in the world, according to a recent study. So, when a diocese loses 13 parishes, it affects a lot of people. That is the case of the Diocese of Makurdi, in central Nigeria, where attacks on mostly Christian villages over the past nine years have led to thousands of Catholics fleeing their homes. Adding to the mix is the fact that in Nigeria, Catholic parishes include more than one church building. A parish can cover a radius of 25 km and have dozens of outstations, serving thousands of faithful. Bishop Winfred Anagbe, CMF, of the Diocese of Makurdi, and Father Remigius Ihyula, who heads the Justice, Development and Peace platform, a branch of the diocese, described the situation in an exclusive interview this month. The bishop and priest spoke to Aleteia from the offices of Aid to the Church in Need in New York, which sponsored their visit to the United States. The diocese is located in Benue state, which is predominantly Christian. However, it is one of the Nigerian states most heavily affected by attacks from Muslim Fulani herdsmen. In 2022, Fulani herdsmen attacked 93 villages in Benue and killed 325 farmers, according to ACN. The Diocese of Makurdi is operating in some of the camps holding thousands of internally displaced people uprooted by violence. Contesting the Nigerian government’s claim that they have contained the Muslim terrorist group Boko Haram, Bishop Anagbe said that Boko Haram has actually turned into “different sects”, including bandits in northwest Nigeria, who are known for kidnapping, raping, killing and destroying property, and Fulani terrorists, who are operating in North Central Nigeria, including Benue. Psychological effect Father Ihyula said that the herdsmen are well armed with AK-47s, machetes and other weapons. In one case, in January 2018, more than 80 people died in an attack, and others died from their wounds afterward. “So, the entire village and surrounding villages, out of fear, evacuated to nearby villages for safety,” the priest said. “So you are talking about thousands of people leaving because they fear that maybe the next attack could target them.” Even those who flee from these towns and end up in camps for internally displaced people often face danger, Father Ihyula said. “The herdsmen sometimes try to come and attack them in the camps and kill them,” he said, noting that such an attack occurred last February. In addition, many who have lived through attacks by Fulani herdsmen, especially those who witnessed relatives being killed, suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. A general sense of hopelessness occurs because people do not know when they can return to their homes. Caused by climate change? Bishop Anagbe strongly rejected the government’s claim that the main reasons behind the attacks include climate change - causing herdsmen to seek new grazing areas for their cattle - and disputes between farmers and herdsmen. “It goes beyond climate issues because climate issues are not peculiar to Nigeria; it’s a global issue,” he said. Countries do not kill citizens to solve climate issues because no amount of killing can solve global warming or climate change. “And it’s not farmer-herder conflicts, as they say in Benue, because no Fulani herdsman is from Benue,” the bishop went on. "They are intruders, invaders into the state, and whether they are talking about climate change or grazing land, why when they attack, they take over the place of the farmers, and the natives do not come back? I regard these things as an enlargement of Muslim territory, that is for me - I call it a religious war. And their attacks are such that churches are being ruined, Christians are being killed, and so that is a clear way of Islamizing. The bishop condemned the lack of action of previous governments to stop further attacks. A new president, Bola Ahmed Adekunle Tinubu, was elected in March. “I think it’s not because they lack the ability, but the will is not there,” Bishop Anagbe said. “But now we have a new government, and a Christian one, we are people of hope, and we pray that the new government has a different way.” #bible #christianity #jesuschrist #God #faith #prayerworks #ypシ #quotes #DailyGod

Pope warns: The devil is more frightening when he is sweet and polite We need to look at the crucified Christ and review our lives, Francis says, to see if the devil has subtly affected our actions Pope Francis warned that the devil is trying to lure us, and he sneaks into our lives “so gently and nicely” to take over our attitudes. The pope said this today in his morning sermon, based on today’s Gospel reading about the evil spirit who leaves a person but then decides to come back, and brings along seven other spirits “more evil than itself.” Vatican Radio reported Pope Francis’ stress that the passage shows how demons enter quietly, gradually becoming more and more part of a person’s life. The devil slowly alters our attitudes, disguising himself to lead us to what’s called worldliness, Francis explained. This attitude makes us look at things in ways opposite to the spirit of the Gospel. When the devil enters “so gently, nicely and takes possession of our attitudes,” the pope said, our values shift from serving God to worldliness. Thus we become “tepid Christians, worldly Christians.” Francis described this as being like a fruit salad — a bit of the spirit of the world and a bit of God’s spirit. Prevention However, the Holy Father also said there is a way to prevent this gradual progression of the devil’s temptation: “pausing for a while to examine my life, whether I am a Christian, whether I raise my children, whether my life is Christian or worldly.” The daily examination of conscience is one of the spiritual practices most encouraged by the Society of Jesus, the religious order that the pope belongs to. It involves taking a few minutes at the end of the day to look over one’s day — to see the gifts that God offered, and to thank him for them, and to see the moments when we rejected his grace and chose to act in a way against the Gospel. The examen ends with a specific resolution to work on the next day. The pope suggested today that this examen can be done while looking at Christ crucified, saying that the crucifix saves us from the charms and temptations that lead us to worldliness. The examination of conscience, the pope said, is done always before Christ crucified, with prayer, after which one has to break away from one’s comfortable attitudes, through works of charity, visiting the sick, helping someone in need and so on. This breaks up the spiritual worldliness that the group of demons tries to create in us, the pope said. The devil wants to deceive us, and he creeps into our lives “so softly and kindly” to control our attitudes, Pope Francis cautioned. The pope said this today in his morning homily, drawing from today’s Gospel reading about the impure spirit who departs from a person but then decides to return, and brings with him seven other spirits “more wicked than itself.” Vatican Radio reported Pope Francis’ emphasis that the passage illustrates how demons enter silently, progressively becoming more and more part of a person’s life. The devil slowly modifies our attitudes, masking himself to lead us to what’s called worldliness, Francis explained. This attitude makes us look at things in ways contrary to the spirit of the Gospel. When the devil enters “so softly, kindly and takes possession of our attitudes,” the pope said, our values change from serving God to worldliness. Thus we become “lukewarm Christians, worldly Christians.” Francis described this as being like a fruit salad — a bit of the spirit of the world and a bit of God’s spirit. Prevention Nonetheless, the Holy Father also said there is a way to stop this gradual progression of the devil’s seduction: “stopping for a while to examine my life, whether I am a Christian, whether I educate my children, whether my life is Christian or worldly.” The daily examination of conscience is one of the spiritual practices most recommended by the Society of Jesus, the religious order that the pope belongs to. It involves taking a few minutes at the end of the day to look over one’s day — to see the graces that God offered, and to thank him for them, and to see the moments when we refused his grace and chose to act in a way opposed to the Gospel. The examen concludes with a specific resolution to work on the next day. The pope suggested today that this examen can be done while looking at Christ crucified, saying that the crucifix saves us from the charms and temptations that lead us to worldliness. The examination of conscience, the pope said, is done always before Christ crucified, with prayer, after which one has to break free from one’s comfortable attitudes, through works of charity, visiting the sick, helping someone in need and so on. This breaks up the spiritual worldliness that the band of demons tries to create in us, the pope said. #bible #christianity #jesuschrist #God #faith #prayerworks #ypシ #quotes #DailyGod

Daily Word of God “July 29: Saint Martha, Mary and Lazarus (Jn 11:19-27)” I still believe that you are Christ, the Son of God. Reading 1: 1 Jn 4, 7-16 If we love one another, God remains in us. Excerpt from the first letter of Saint John the Apostle. 7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Whoever loves has been born of God, and he knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. 9 God’s love for us was revealed like this: God sent his only Son into the world so that through his Son we might have life. 10 Love is this: not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God has loved us so much, we must also love one another. 12 God, no one has ever seen him. If we love one another, God remains in us, and his love in us becomes perfect. 13 Based on this, we know that we remain in him, and he in us: that is, he has given us his Spirit. 14 As for us, we have seen and testify that: The Father sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God remains in him and he in God. 16 And we, we have known the love of God in us, and have believed in that love. God is love: whoever remains in love remains in God, and God remains in him. Response: Ps 33, 2-3.4-5.6-7.8-9.10-11 (R. c.9a) R.See how good the Lord is. 2I will never cease to praise the Lord, his song of praise never ceases on my lips.3My soul boasts of the Lord let the poor hear me speak and rejoice. R.See how good the Lord is. 4Let us praise the Lord together, we sing praises to his name together.5I sought the Lord, and he answered me, delivered me from all my fears. R.See how good the Lord is. 6Those who look to the Lord will be joyful and glad, never ashamed or disgraced.7This poor man cried out and the Lord heard him, saved him from all his troubles. R.See how good the Lord is. 8The angel of the Lord encamps around to deliver those who fear him.9See how good the Lord is: happy are those who take refuge in him! R.See how good the Lord is. 10Fear the Lord, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing.11The rich have to be poor and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack nothing. R.See how good the Lord is. Gospel: Jn 11, 19-27 19 At that time, many Jews came to console Martha and Mary, because their brother Lazarus had just died. 20 As soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, Martha went out to meet him. But Mary stayed at home. 21 Martha said to Jesus: "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But now I know: Whatever you ask of God, he will give it to you." 23 Jesus said: “Your brother will rise again!” 24 Martha said: “I know he will rise again, when the dead rise again on the last day.” 25 Jesus said: "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" 27 Martha answered: “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world.” Amen

12 apostles of Jesus and their corresponding zodiac signs Did you know that the 12 zodiac signs in astronomy also have a connection to the 12 apostles of Jesus? In this article, we will introduce you to the similarities between the 12 zodiac signs and the 12 apostles, as well as the meanings of each pair of correspondences. Let’s explore together! 12 apostles and the 12 zodiac signs have similarities in personality, abilities and mission. Here is a table that compares the 12 apostles and the 12 zodiac signs: However, not all sources agree with this comparison. Some sources3 argue that the 12 zodiac signs have nothing to do with the 12 apostles and are just a form of astrology that has no scientific basis. They claim that the 12 apostles are people who have a history and a mission in Christianity and should not be confused with the 12 zodiac signs that are areas on the sky divided by the cycle of the Sun.

Bishops reject water cremation as incompatible with Catholic faith US bishops urge Catholics to steer clear of alkaline hydrolysis as a way of burial until respectful disposal of remains is ensured, as the method gains legal status in more states. The Catholic Church has a tradition of burying the dead in the ground or in a tomb or mausoleum. The Church also permits cremation, but with some conditions – such as that the ashes must still be buried or placed in a columbarium – and forbids the scattering of the ashes. However, there is a new method of cremation, which uses a water-based solution that completely dissolves organic matter, and bishops are warning that it is not acceptable for Catholics. The method is called alkaline hydrolysis, aquamation, or “water cremation,” and it is legal in 24 states, with seven more considering its legalization. The Cremation Association of North America explains that the method involves putting the body of the deceased in a sealed container, where a watery mixture with high pH breaks down the body under pressure and heat. The method is claimed to have less environmental impact than traditional cremation and produces more remains – in the form of bones, which have to be ground to powder – which would need a bigger urn. The liquid waste that contains the dissolved organic matter, however, is simply flushed into the sewer system, or even used as fertilizer, and this is where the Catholic Church has a serious issue with the method. The Catholic Church requires that human remains be treated with respect to safeguard the dignity of the dead, as they were when they were alive. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches: “The bodies of the dead must be treated with respect and charity, in faith and hope of the Resurrection. The burial of the dead is a corporal work of mercy; it honors the children of God, who are temples of the Holy Spirit.” While the Vatican has not yet commented on water cremations, US bishops have provided guidance to the faithful. According to the Archdiocese of St. Louis, former Washington Archbishop Donald Cardinal Wuerl said that the way of disposal associated with water cremations is “unnecessarily disrespectful of the human body.” The Archdiocese of St. Louis also judged the method unsuitable for Catholics. Recently retired Archbishop Robert J. Carlson concluded that “this form of cremation in its current practice violates the dignity of the deceased human person.” The archdiocese advised Catholics to avoid water cremations “until another suitable means of disposing of the liquid remnant can be established.” The Texas Conference of Catholic Bishops addressed water cremations in 2019: “Treating the dead with respect is a duty of the living and a right of the dead and this bill fails to treat the dead with respect. Proponents of alkaline hydrolysis claim that the result is similar to that of cremation with some remains of bones able to be buried. What they fail to explain is that there is also a large volume of liquid, approximately 100 gallons, in which the rest of the body has been dissolved. Usually the liquid is poured into the sewer.” The Texas bishops also doubted if the method was truly more environmentally friendly, as the waste and chemicals used to break them down are all flushed into the wastewater. They also pointed out that, even though water cremations cost less, “Human bodies must not be treated with less respect and reverence for a faster, cheaper disposal for medical research facilities.” #bible #christianity #jesuschrist #God #faith #prayerworks #ypシ #quotes #DailyGod

Were There Any Other Betrayers of Jesus Besides Judas? There were some other people who betrayed Jesus besides Judas, but none as famous as him. Some examples are: 😊 1. Caiphas, the high priest of the Jews, not only wanted to arrest and condemn Jesus, but also wanted to kill Him to stop the spread of faith in Him. Caiphas feared that if Jesus continued His ministry, the Romans would come and take away both their power and their nation. Caiphas regarded Jesus as a deceiver, a self-proclaimed Son of God and King of the Jews. Caiphas did not believe in the miracles that Jesus performed, but thought that He used the power of the devil to act. Caiphas also hated Jesus because He criticized the hypocrites and the greedy like him. Caiphas used every means to find a pretext to accuse Jesus, and finally bribed Judas, one of His disciples, to show them where He was. Caiphas organized a mock trial to interrogate Jesus, and when He admitted that He was the Savior, he accused Him of blasphemy and asked the Romans to crucify Him. 2. Pontius Pilate, was the fifth governor of the Roman province of Judea from 26 to 36 AD under the emperor Tiberius. He was the highest authority in the region and had jurisdiction over criminal cases. He was also responsible for maintaining order and security, and dealing with the rebellions of the Jews against the Roman domination. According to the Gospels, when Jesus was arrested and brought before Pilate with the accusation of being the king of the Jews, he did not find Him guilty of anything worthy of death. However, he also did not want to provoke the anger of the Jewish crowd, so he tried to avoid making a decision. When he learned that Jesus was from Galilee, he sent Him to King Herod, who ruled that area. But Herod also did not judge Him and sent Him back to Pilate. Pilate continued to look for a way to release Jesus by taking advantage of a custom of pardoning a prisoner on the occasion of Passover. He let the crowd choose between Jesus and Barabbas, a notorious criminal. He hoped that they would choose to pardon Jesus, but they cried out to kill Him and pardon Barabbas. Pilate washed his hands to indicate that he was not responsible for the death of Jesus, and ordered the Roman soldiers to take Him away and crucify Him. According to some historical sources, after executing Jesus, Pilate had many difficulties in managing Judea. He was summoned by the Roman emperor to Rome to explain his actions. It is not clear whether he survived or died afterwards. 3. Peter After Jesus rose from the dead, He appeared to the apostles and talked to them. Once, when the apostles were fishing on the Sea of Tiberias, He called them to the shore and had breakfast with them. After the meal, He took Peter aside and asked him three times: “Simon, do you love me?”. Each time Peter answered: “Lord, you know that I love you”, He said: “Feed my lambs”. In this way, He gave Peter the opportunity to repair his three denials of Him before. He also entrusted Peter with the responsibility of taking care of His flock, that is, those who believe in Him. He also prophesied to Peter that he would suffer for His name. He said: “When you were young, you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go”. This meant that Peter would be martyred for his loyalty to Jesus. Then He said to him: “Follow me”. And Peter followed Him throughout his life, preaching the Gospel everywhere and finally being crucified upside down in Rome. #Bible #Christianity #Jesus #God #faith #prayer

Pope Francis’ 6 most encouraging thoughts on our elders “Proclaiming the Gospel and passing on traditions to your grandchildren is a work that does not end with retirement,” Pope Francis said. Pope Francis has frequently emphasized the vital role that elders have in our society during his pontificate. This theme is so important to the Pontiff that he established the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly in January 2021, to be celebrated every year on the fourth Sunday of July. He said that this was to celebrate the day “close to the feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, Jesus’ grandparents,” whose feast day is on July 26. As we approach the third edition of this day on July 23, 2023, Aleteia presents Pope Francis’ most powerful thoughts on the elderly. 1. The elderly and grandparents are a treasure for young people Pope Francis also highlighted the elderly in a message for young people who are preparing for the 2023 World Youth Day in Lisbon. “To prepare well, it’s good to look at your roots. Try to spend time with the elderly. […] Talk a little with your grandparents. They will give you wisdom,” he said in a video message published in May 2023. The dialogue between generations as a way for young people to keep their roots is a key aspect of Pope Francis’ thoughts on the elderly. “What is our calling today, at our age? To preserve our roots, to transmit the faith to the young and to take care of the little ones. Never forget this,” Francis said in his first message for the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. This calling involves various duties towards young people, such as sharing with them difficult memories, such as “the painful memory of war” to make sure that they can recall the horrors of history in order to “build a more human and hospitable world.” Moreover, the elderly, having more experience, can assist young people in finding the right path in their lives. “The new generations expect from us, the elderly, a word that is prophecy, that opens the doors to new horizons outside that careless world of corruption, of the habit of corrupt things. […] The meaning is this: being a prophet of corruption and saying to others: ‘Stop, I have taken this path and it does not lead you anywhere! Now I will tell you about my experience.’ We, the elderly, should be prophets against corruption,” the Pontiff said during a general audience. “Proclaiming the Gospel and passing on traditions to your grandchildren is a work that does not end with retirement.” 2. Young people, also reach out to your elders The relationship between young and old is not only beneficial for young people, but also for the elderly. Pope Francis has stressed how the bond between young and old “will be the transmission of wisdom in humanity.” “God wants young people to bring joy to the hearts of the elderly, as Mary did to Elizabeth, and learn from their experiences,” he said in his 2023 message for the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. “Who, if not the young, can take the dreams of the elderly and make them come true?” he said in his first message. “But for this to happen, we need to keep dreaming. Our dreams of justice, of peace, of solidarity can inspire our young people to have new visions; in this way, together, we can build the future.” Young people also need to be aware that many elderly are lonely and need companionship. In Pope Francis’ 2021 for the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, when many countries were still facing the COVID-19 pandemic, he reminded the elderly of those who came to visit them during these difficult times as “angels” sent by the Lord. “May every grandfather, every grandmother, every older person, especially those among us who are most alone, receive the visit of an angel!” the Pope said. During a general audience he also urged parents to “please, bring your kids” to the elderly. 3. Producing fruit even in old age In his second message for the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, Pope Francis quoted the Psalm “they will still yield fruit in old age” (92:15) to inspire the elderly to rediscover the beauty of their age. “We are tempted to avoid old age by hiding our wrinkles and pretending to be eternally young, while on the other hand, we imagine that the only thing we can do is wait, thinking sadly that we cannot ‘still yield fruit,’” he explained. However, the Pontiff emphasized that old age is the ideal time to testify to one’s faith, especially for younger generations. “Old age is the stage in life best suited to spreading the joyful news that life is the beginning of a definitive fulfillment,” he said during a general audience. “The elderly are a promise, a witness of promise. And the best is yet to come. The best is yet to come: It is like the message of elderly believers.” Francis suggests that the elderly can testify either through practical help or through prayer, which he defines as “the most precious tool” at the elderly’s disposal and the “best adapted” for their age. “Old age must testify to children that they are a blessing. This testimony consists in their initiation — beautiful and hard — into the mystery of our destiny in life that no one can destroy, not even death,” the Pope said. “I was chosen to become the Bishop of Rome when I had reached, so to speak, retirement age and thought I would not be doing anything new,” Pope Francis said as an encouragement. “You know that the Lord is eternal; he never, ever retires.” 4. End the slow euthanasia of the elderly and oppose the “throw-away” culture Pope Francis has firmly defended the elderly’s right to live, condemning a “hidden and gradual euthanasia” against them, which consists for example in withholding the appropriate medical care in order to “save money.” This phenomenon reflects a more general mentality that Pope Francis calls “throw-away culture,” which sees the elderly as non productive members of society that can thus be discarded. “A culture of profit insists on getting rid of the old like a ‘burden.’ Not only do they not produce — this culture thinks — but they are a burden: in short, what is the result of thinking like this? They are thrown away. It’s cruel to see how the elderly are thrown away, it is a cruel thing, it is a sin! No one dares to say it openly, but it’s done! There is something wicked in this adherence to the throw-away culture. But we are used to throwing people away. We want to remove our growing fear of weakness and vulnerability; but by doing so we increase in the elderly the anxiety of being poorly accepted and neglected,” the Pope said during a general audience on the family in 2015. In fact the Pontiff has also emphasized that society offers the elderly “care plans, but not projects of life,” to allow them to “live fully.” “Being old is just as important — and beautiful — it is equally important as being young,” he said, emphasizing that old age makes up a third of the entire life span as people increasingly live longer. 5. Old age as oriented toward fulfillment and a life that doesn’t end with death Pope Francis emphasized in one of his general audiences that the elderly have the privileged position of seeing clearly, and with joy, what the true purpose of life is. “In old age the works of faith, which bring us and others closer to the Kingdom of God, are by now beyond the power of the energy, words, and impulses of youth and maturity. But precisely in this way they make the promise of the true purpose of life even more transparent. And what is the true purpose of life? A place at the table with God, in the world of God,” he explained during a general audience. The Pontiff also reassured the elderly that death is not something to be afraid of. “Our life is not made to be enclosed in itself, in an imaginary earthly perfection. It is destined to go beyond, through the passage of death — because death is a passage. Indeed, our stable place, our destination, is not here; it is beside the Lord, where he dwells forever,” he explained. ““When will my Lord come? When will I be able to go there”? A little bit of fear, because I don’t know what this step means, and passing through that door causes a little fear. But there is always the hand of the Lord that carries us forward, and beyond the door there is the party,” the Pope said as he described going to the Kingdom of God. “The time of aging that God gives us is already in itself one of those ‘greater’ works Jesus speaks of. In effect, it is a task that was not given to Jesus to fulfill: his death, his resurrection and his ascent to heaven made it possible for us!” 6. So many biblical examples to inspire the elderly! During Pope Francis’ cycle of catecheses on old age, from February to August 2022, he also mentioned certain biblical figures as inspiring role models for the elderly. For example he tells the story of Naomi and Ruth, an elderly mother-in-law and her young daughter-in-law, both widows, who through their relationship manage to help each other out of hardship. Similarly, in this year’s message for the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, Pope Francis highlights Mary’s visit to Elizabeth as an example of “the bond that unites young and old.” Another example the Pontiff mentions is Eleazar, a 90-year-old man who refuses to fake-follow a king’s decree in order to save his life. “The central point is this: dishonoring the faith in old age, in order to gain a handful of days, cannot be compared with the legacy one must leave to the young, for entire generations to come. But well done Eleazar!” exclaimed the Pope. Or Judith, “a biblical heroine” who defeated a dictator and went on to live until she was 105. “Judith was soon widowed and had no children, but, as an old woman, she was able to live a season of fullness and serenity, in the knowledge that she had lived to the fullest the mission the Lord had entrusted to her. […] As a young woman, she had won the respect of the community with her courage. As an old woman, she garnered respect because of the tenderness with which she enriched their freedom and affections.” “Remember: One of these days, take the Bible and look at the Book of Judith: it is very short, it is easy to read. It is ten pages long, no more,” Pope Francis said. #Bible #Christianity #Jesus #God #faith #prayer

The different meanings of the cross turned upside down. Exploring the symbolism of the inverted cross The inverted cross is a symbol that originated from Christianity, but is used by different groups with different meanings. In this article, we will introduce the history, meaning and use of the inverted cross in different cultures. The history of the inverted cross According to Christian tradition, the inverted cross is the symbol of St. Peter, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. When he was arrested and executed for his faith, St. Peter asked to be hung on an inverted cross, because he thought he was not worthy to die like Jesus. Therefore, the inverted cross is also called the Cross of Peter, and is a symbol of humility, sacrifice and loyalty to God. However, the inverted cross also has other meanings in other cultures. In the 19th century, the inverted cross was used by some movements against Christianity, such as Satanism, Luciferianism and Thelema. These groups considered the inverted cross as a symbol of opposition, mockery and denial of Jesus and Christian doctrines. The inverted cross was also associated with concepts such as black magic, reverse magic and inversion of moral values. In addition, the inverted cross was also used by some groups that had different views on Christianity, such as Gnosticism, Catharism and Templarism. These groups considered the inverted cross as a symbol of enlightenment, balance and harmony between good and evil, male and female, heaven and hell. The inverted cross was also said to be related to ancient mysteries, such as the Holy Grail, Baphomet and Tarot. The use of the inverted cross The inverted cross can be used for different purposes, depending on the perspective and intention of the user. Some common ways to use the inverted cross are: Wearing jewelry or tattooing an inverted cross to show respect for St. Peter or groups related to the inverted cross. Using an inverted cross in rituals or magic to summon or banish evil spirits, or to express power or personal will. Displaying an inverted cross in the home or public places to show one’s religious, political or cultural views, or to attract attention or controversy. Using an inverted cross in artistic, literary or entertainment works to create images, meanings or emotions related to the inverted cross. Conclusion The inverted cross is a multi-meaning symbol that can be understood in different ways. Depending on its origin, history and use, the inverted cross can bring respect, opposition, enlightenment or shock. The inverted cross is a part of human culture, and can be used to express oneself, communicate with others or explore the secrets of the universe. #Bible #Christianity #Jesus #God #faith #prayer

The boy who lives with his head upside down shares his journey - trust in God Claudio had to overcome many difficulties from the first moment of his life. When life seems chaotic and crazy, think of Claudio Vieira de Oliveira, a young Brazilian who defied the doctors’ predictions for over 40 years. They thought he would not live more than a day. Claudio was born with arthrogryposis, which causes two or more joints to contract and his head to turn backwards down his back. The doctors were sure that he would not live more than a day. One of the doctors, afraid that Claudio would die sooner, even baptized him. - Claudio said: “He was my godfather. He told me that I only had 24 hours to live, so he had to baptize me before I died.” But Claudio survived and eventually learned to walk on his knees. He then trained and became a great acrobat. As a speaker, he inspired at many conferences and talks, actively participating in social initiatives. He even met Pope John Paul II and Pope Francis! The fight for better days Claudio said: “Although I have a slightly different body, but because of courage and will to fight for a better future, I have no limits.” His shares are full of wisdom, not only because they represent a great testimony of faith throughout his life, but also because they show how he continues to move forward in life regardless of the collisions and difficulties he faces. We will always encounter situations or events that seem contradictory and unclear. In such times, Claudius determines that the only thing that can increase our strength is to go with God, because He is the great guide of His children’s steps at all times and everywhere. For us, when everything seems upside down there is only one thing necessary: trust in God.

Jesus risked everything for his mission Jesus said to St. Catherine: I have the ability to give people everything they need for their soul and body; but I desire that they need each other and that they are my co-workers in distributing the graces and generosity that they have received from me. In this Sunday’s Gospel passage from St. Matthew we read: Then Jesus summoned his twelve disciples; and following that: these are the names of the twelve apostles. In the blink of an eye, these followers change from “disciples” to “apostles”. It is a transformation that we desire for ourselves. After all, every week in the Nicene Creed, we profess the Church to be “apostolic”. This mystery is captured in a painting from the 17th century entitled “Christ, the true vine”. It is a perfect example of Jesus’ statement on the night before he died (Jn 15, 1-8). I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower… I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit… By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples. The artist has identified Christ’s vine with the cross. The apostles become potential grapevines sprouting from the cross. God the Father stands at the foot of the cross, tending to its roots, and the Virgin Mary stands on the other side of the cross to water it. A community gathered under the cross is a group of great saints, including St. Francis of Assisi and St. Dominic, who longed for holiness, as evidenced by their vision of the Church they saw. The risk that Christ took St. Paul writes, The Church is built on “the foundation of the apostles” (Eph 2:20). But Jesus was too risky in doing this. That means He established the Roman Catholic Church on frail, weak people - you and me and Jesus’ witnesses, whom Christ Himself chose and sent out to preach. Biblical commentator Erasmo Leiva-Merikakis observes: The grace of calling is not for the benefit of those who are called but for the benefit of all those whom they will serve. This mystery contains a full awareness of the unworthiness of each Apostle, for there is nothing to distinguish them from the commonness of the crowd. Only Jesus’ free choice - by pure grace - accounts for their transformation into Apostles. The origin of our calling lies in Jesus’ absolute free choice, not in any quality or personal talent available to us beforehand, determining everything that happens later in our role as disciples and surely being an inexhaustible source of repentance, wonder and gratitude. “Lord, why did you choose me, I am a sinner?” This is wisdom that we all need to follow. Holy dependence The “way” of the Apostles shapes for us a truth at the very core of the Church’s existence (and it is depicted in the painting) To profess that the Church is truly apostolic is to profess that it depends on divine power residing in God Triune, which then descends into Christ’s humanity, then into his twofold body (sacramental and magisterial), and finally into Christians. (Cardinal Charles Journet) God revealed mysteriously to St. Catherine of Siena: I have the ability to give people everything they need for their soul and body; but I desire that they need each other and that they are my co-workers in distributing the graces and generosity that they have received from me. In Mass, when we pray that: “O Lord eternal Shepherd, through your holy Apostles you always protect and keep”, we see most of that protection involving protecting us from pride, vanity, self-reliance, self-righteousness, and all related vices. The holy dependence that we have on the apostles of Christ keeps us in purity and peace. It preserves us in truth. The painting affirms visually that the source of power and strength of the apostles is the suffering of Christ crucified, with whom they are closely united. The wealth of the apostles The apostolic nature of the Church blesses God’s people with great mercy. The Lord entrusted to the apostles the task of communicating his grace to everyone. St. Irenaeus (3rd century) observed: The apostles, like a rich man depositing his money in a bank, entrusted to the Church’s care everything that pertains to the truth, so that every person, whoever wishes, may draw from the Church the water of life. #Bible #Christianity #Jesus #God #faith #prayer

Which hand should you wear your wedding ring on? People usually wear their wedding ring on the fourth finger, but which hand it goes on depends on the place. People usually wear their wedding ring on the fourth finger, often called the “ring finger”. However, the hand to wear it on varies from country to country. That’s right, depending on customs and traditions, in the Catholic world, wedding rings can be worn on either the left or the right hand. In ancient times, in the time of Hippocrates, Greek doctors believed that the fourth finger of the left hand was connected directly to the heart, because of the veins that surround it, one of which was called the “vein of love” (vena amoris). So what better finger than this one – the ring finger on the left – to symbolize the union and love of two people? That is why in the Western world, most people wear their wedding ring on their left hand, although science has long proven that there is nothing special about the vein in the ring finger of the left hand. While in America, Canada, Portugal, France, Italy, Slovakia, Switzerland, Croatia and Slovenia, and some other countries, couples wear their wedding rings on their left hand, in Ukraine, Poland, Spain, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela and even Cuba, wedding rings are worn on the ring finger of the right hand. In some places, the right hand is preferred because the Bible described the right side of the body as the best part: “Your right hand, O LORD, glorious in power. Your right hand, O LORD, shatters the enemy” (Ex 15:6). Is there a right or wrong answer? Father Pierre-Marie Castaignos, who regularly works with engaged couples, tells us: “There is no theological statement about this event. Left or right hand… The symbol is not the hand that wears it but the ring itself”. The ring has a strong symbolic meaning of its own: they are a symbol of fidelity in marriage. In the sacrament of marriage they have a specific meaning in relation to God’s faithful mystery with his people in Christ. One of the formulas that the priest can use to bless the rings of the bride and groom is: Lord bless these rings that we bless in your name. Grant that those who wear them may always have a deep faith in each other. May they always live together according to your will and live together in peace, goodwill and love. We ask this through Christ our Lord. So it doesn’t matter whether you wear your wedding ring on your right or left hand. “The important thing is to wear it as a symbol of dedication, love and fidelity of the couple”. #Bible #Christianity #Jesus #God #faith #prayer 13:49 Hôm nay