Rome, Italy, Mar 11, 2020 / 03:21 pm (CNA).- As the Diocese of Rome holds a day of prayer and fasting for victims of coronavirus, Pope Francis sent a message asking for the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, invoking her under her title of Salus Populi Romani.
“Under Your protection we seek refuge, Holy Mother of God. Do not despise the entreaties of us who are in trial, and free us from every danger, glorious and blessed Virgin,” Francis prayed March 11 via video.
“You, Protectress of the Roman People, you know what we need and we are sure that you will provide so that, as in Cana of Galilee, joy and celebration may return after this trying moment,” he said.
The pope’s prayer video was sent as part of the Diocese of Rome’s call to spend March 11 in prayer and fasting for those who are sick with or have died from coronavirus.
The vicar general of the Diocese of Rome, Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, said Mass at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Divine Love, on the outskirts of Rome, as part of the day’s special prayers.
The diocese is also collecting monetary donations to provide support to healthcare workers as they sacrifice to care for the sick.
A communication from the vicariate of Rome said the day is “a moment of grace, when united in spiritual communion, we will feel like brothers and sisters in faith, in solidarity, and not suspicious of each other.”
“We will pray not only for our city, but for Italy and for the whole world,” it said.
In Italy, as of March 11, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases reached over 10,500. At least 827 people have died from the virus in the country. Rome has 99 active cases.
The Italian government put the country on a nationwide lockdown through April 3 to help contain the spread of the virus.
The quarantine prevents movement within the country and limits other travel. People are required to stay at home except to go to work, the supermarket, or the pharmacy.
“Oh Mary, you always shine on our way as a sign of salvation and hope,” Pope Francis prayed. “We rely on you, Health of the Sick, that at the cross you were associated with the pain of Jesus, keeping your faith firm.”
“Help us, Mother of Divine Love, to conform to the will of the Father and to do what Jesus will tell us, which took our suffering upon itself and took on our pains to lead us, through the cross, to the joy of the resurrection.”
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Pope Francis and José María Del Corral, president of the Scholas Occurrentes youth movement, smile during a meeting with the group’s volunteers in Cascais, Portugal, on Aug. 3, 2023. / Daniel Ibáñez/CNA
Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Aug 3, 2023 / 08:50 am (CNA).
In his first encounters with young people ahead of his arrival at World Youth Day later in the day, Pope Francis on Thursday urged his audiences to use their knowledge and skills to care for the planet and the poor.
The Holy Father began his second day in Portugal with a meeting with students at the Portuguese Catholic University in Lisbon, followed by a visit with young volunteers in a coastal town outside the city who promote education in poor communities.
At the university, the pope first heard the testimonies of four students who shared their academic experiences and hopes for the future. The theme there was “integral ecology,” a view of the interconnected nature of the world’s problems that Francis developed in Laudato Si’, his 2015 encyclical on the environment.
Tomás Virtuoso, 29, a second-year theology student with undergraduate and master’s degrees in economics, speaks to Pope Francis at the Portuguese Catholic University in Lisbon, Portugal, on Aug. 3, 2023. Daniel Ibáñez/CNA
“It seems to me that my generation is being asked not to ignore the many insights that Laudato Si’ offers us,” said Tomás Virtuoso, 29, a second-year theology student with undergraduate and master’s degrees in economics.
“First, when it encourages us to bring the best of science to bear, trusting in the divine gift of reason, to continue to find effective solutions to the challenges we face,” he explained.
“Secondly, when it asks us to reject technological progress that does not have a strong ethical and spiritual root, that does not ensure respect for the inviolable dignity of the person and of all creation,” he continued.
“Thirdly, when it leads us to the firm decision to live according to the demands of the common good, the structuring principle of the Church’s social doctrine,” which “places the preferential option for the poor at the center,” he said.
“Finally, when it encourages young Catholics of my generation to evangelize, to fearlessly affirm that an authentic integral ecology is not possible without God, that there can be no future in a world without God.”
Working for a just society
In his remarks, Pope Francis urged students to “seek and risk,” reminding them that an education like theirs is both a gift and a responsibility.
“A university would have little use if it were simply to train the next generation to perpetuate the present global system of elitism and inequality, in which higher education is the privilege of a happy few. Unless knowledge is embraced as a responsibility, it bears little fruit,” he said.
“An academic degree should not be seen merely as a license to pursue personal well-being but as a mandate to work for a more just and inclusive — that is, truly progressive — society.”
Pope Francis meets with students at the Portuguese Catholic University in Lisbon, Portugal, on Aug. 3, 2023. Daniel Ibáñez/CNA
Speaking of the responsibility of environmental stewardship, the Holy Father challenged students not to be content with mere “palliative” or “halfway measures” that “simply delay the inevitable disaster,” as he observes in Laudato Si’.
“Rather, it is a matter of confronting head-on what sadly continues to be postponed: the need to redefine what we mean by progress and development,” he explained.
“In the name of progress, we have often regressed. Yours can be the generation that takes up this great challenge. You have the most advanced scientific and technological tools, but please, avoid falling into the trap of myopic and partial approaches,” he stressed.
“Keep in mind that we need an integral ecology, attentive to the sufferings both of the planet and the poor. We need to align the tragedy of desertification with that of refugees, the issue of increased migration with that of a declining birth rate, and to see the material dimension of life within the greater purview of the spiritual,” he said.
“Instead of polarized approaches,” the pope underscored, “we need a unified vision, a vision capable of embracing the whole.”
Order out of ‘chaos’
Later in Cascais, a picturesque medieval town and popular coastal resort west of Lisbon, Pope Francis met with young members of the Portuguese chapter of Scholas Occurrentes, an international youth movement. It was the pope himself, as the archbishop of Buenos Aires, who founded the group, which promotes education in poor communities around the world.
A view of the “Life between Worlds” mural project at the Portuguese headquarters of the Scholas Occurrentes youth movement in Cascais, Portugal. Pope Francis visited with members of the community on Aug. 3, 2023. Daniel Ibáñez/CNA
While there, the pope was given a paintbrush he used to put the finishing touches on an elaborate “Life Between Worlds” mural that decorates the walls and ceiling of the group’s headquarters. “Old people and young people, rich and poor, children of different religions and nonbelievers, and young people of different nationalities participated in this work of art,” the group said in a statement.
In his unscripted remarks, the pope addressed the “chaos” some of the volunteers referenced in describing the challenges they face in their lives.
The pope reminded them that God always brings some good out of chaos, beginning with the first moments of creation.
“There it is in poetic language, how God makes light one day out of chaos, another day he makes man and goes on creating things and transforming chaos into cosmos,” he noted.
“The same thing happens in our lives. There are moments of crisis … that are chaotic … then the job of the people who accompany us, of a group like this, is to transform [that situation into] a cosmos,” he said.
After some time to eat and rest, the pope was set to arrive at the site of World Youth Day for a welcome service Thursday evening.
Major Serhiy Volyna, who has been leading the 36th marine brigade in the battle for the Ukrainian port city of Mariupol, pictured holding his letter to Pope Francis. / Religious Information Service of Ukraine
Pray to God Almighty, in the name of Jesus Christ! Not Mary, that is an abomination to God. Folks, do what’s written in the Bible, not what the leader of a corrupted religion says.
May I suggest that you read Brent Pitre’s book Jesus and the Jewish Roots of Mary? Then when you understand the role of the Queen Mother in the Old Testament you will understand why we ask Our Lady to intercede for us.
Eve,
We believe in the Communion of Saints. Perhaps you do too?
If I ask you to pray for our protection against this virus it’s not an abomination. Nor if you ask me or if we ask that of Our Lord’s Mother.
I understand how it might seem confusing if you’re not Catholic but maybe this helps explain a little bit.
Can doctrine be an acceptable alternative to scriptural guidance? People can find comfort in tradition, yet is the apostolic tradition not the best for our eternal souls?
This has been a debate over the generations and if we depart from scripture, what will validate an alternative view? To endorse the perspective that (Mary may her name be blessed) is given a capacity that falls outside of the limits of the Bible, may not be paying proper obeisance to our Lord and saviour!?
The purpose is not to destroy another’s faith, rather, to put matters into the context of Holy Writ. Where do we find the Church doctrinal position confirmed in the Bible?
1 Peter 1:10-12 Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.
1 Corinthians 2:5 That your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.
Romans 11:33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!
I (and others) have addressed this several times already, Brian. You write: “and if we depart from scripture, what will validate an alternative view?” But when you accept the NT canon, you “depart” from Scripture, as Scripture does not tell us which books belong in, well, Scripture! But, Scripture does point us to “the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and bulwark of the truth” (1 Tim 3:15). Now, we know that this household of God, the Church, is not Protestant, as the Protestant Revolution took place in the 1500s. It’s not complicated. But it is life-changing, so I understand why you keep avoiding it.
After a fulsome day of celebrating the Lord, who turns up but your problem child? As we dialogue, our focus is to honour the Lord and clear up misunderstandings which are part and parcel of life.
“But when you accept the NT canon, you “depart” from Scripture, as Scripture does not tell us which books belong in, well, Scripture!”
Is the NT not the fulfillment of the OT? It is a well settled fact through the various councils, the NT is divinely inspired!
We will not look at the Apocrypha as Jerome didn’t consider it part of the canon, however others differed and it found its way in. Yet, did I read somewhere that it is not included in the updated Vulgate?
John 14:26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.
1 Corinthians 2:10-13 these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.
In any event, what is the scriptural basis on which the churches position is envisioned and extrapolated?
Once again thank you for taking the time, you bring out the best in yours truly (as meagre as it may be)!
Continued blessings,
Brian
1 Corinthians 2:10-13 these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.
John 14:26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.
God has given you energy in abundance. In reading your articles, He has also given you a quest for truth and the desire to educate.
Never the less, your alter ego presents itself as you deliver zingers to recalcitrant commenters on various topics. Yes indeed, it’s the “Papal Bull” in this corner, ladies and gentleman.
As you don your cape and step into the ring to address your challenging characters, a win for the Lord is the goal.
We can agree on a great deal as God leads us. The wonder of His love for us!
We know that Luther and Calvin didn’t show up at the councils, however we can postulate that some of their views may have been discussed long before they were born!
The New Vulgate and the versions used amongst protestant believers are much the same. Koine Greek is used to render the most accurate translation in both cases (NIV, Vulgate, etc)!
God bless you,
Brian
2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
Romans 15:4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
2 Peter 1:19-21 And we have something more sure, the prophetic word, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
Mark 12:24 Jesus said to them, “Is this not the reason you are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God?
Psalm 19:7-11 The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
Be with us O Mary along the way – Guide every step we take.
Pray to God Almighty, in the name of Jesus Christ! Not Mary, that is an abomination to God. Folks, do what’s written in the Bible, not what the leader of a corrupted religion says.
God came to us through Mary, do you not think he would listen to those who come to HIM through her also? She only leads to Jesus.
May I suggest that you read Brent Pitre’s book Jesus and the Jewish Roots of Mary? Then when you understand the role of the Queen Mother in the Old Testament you will understand why we ask Our Lady to intercede for us.
Eve,
We believe in the Communion of Saints. Perhaps you do too?
If I ask you to pray for our protection against this virus it’s not an abomination. Nor if you ask me or if we ask that of Our Lord’s Mother.
I understand how it might seem confusing if you’re not Catholic but maybe this helps explain a little bit.
Can doctrine be an acceptable alternative to scriptural guidance? People can find comfort in tradition, yet is the apostolic tradition not the best for our eternal souls?
This has been a debate over the generations and if we depart from scripture, what will validate an alternative view? To endorse the perspective that (Mary may her name be blessed) is given a capacity that falls outside of the limits of the Bible, may not be paying proper obeisance to our Lord and saviour!?
The purpose is not to destroy another’s faith, rather, to put matters into the context of Holy Writ. Where do we find the Church doctrinal position confirmed in the Bible?
1 Peter 1:10-12 Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.
1 Corinthians 2:5 That your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.
Romans 11:33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!
With respect and appreciation.
I (and others) have addressed this several times already, Brian. You write: “and if we depart from scripture, what will validate an alternative view?” But when you accept the NT canon, you “depart” from Scripture, as Scripture does not tell us which books belong in, well, Scripture! But, Scripture does point us to “the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and bulwark of the truth” (1 Tim 3:15). Now, we know that this household of God, the Church, is not Protestant, as the Protestant Revolution took place in the 1500s. It’s not complicated. But it is life-changing, so I understand why you keep avoiding it.
Dear Carl:
After a fulsome day of celebrating the Lord, who turns up but your problem child? As we dialogue, our focus is to honour the Lord and clear up misunderstandings which are part and parcel of life.
“But when you accept the NT canon, you “depart” from Scripture, as Scripture does not tell us which books belong in, well, Scripture!”
Is the NT not the fulfillment of the OT? It is a well settled fact through the various councils, the NT is divinely inspired!
We will not look at the Apocrypha as Jerome didn’t consider it part of the canon, however others differed and it found its way in. Yet, did I read somewhere that it is not included in the updated Vulgate?
John 14:26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.
1 Corinthians 2:10-13 these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.
In any event, what is the scriptural basis on which the churches position is envisioned and extrapolated?
Once again thank you for taking the time, you bring out the best in yours truly (as meagre as it may be)!
Continued blessings,
Brian
1 Corinthians 2:10-13 these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.
John 14:26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.
“After a fulsome day of celebrating the Lord, who turns up but your problem child?”
Ha! I appreciate your sense of humor, Brian.
“Is the NT not the fulfillment of the OT?”
Yes, absolutely! We agree on this. But–on what basis do you accept the 27 books in the NT as inspired by Holy Spirit, etc.?
“It is a well settled fact through the various councils, the NT is divinely inspired!”
Ah, there you go. And were those councils Protestant?
Hello Carl:
God has given you energy in abundance. In reading your articles, He has also given you a quest for truth and the desire to educate.
Never the less, your alter ego presents itself as you deliver zingers to recalcitrant commenters on various topics. Yes indeed, it’s the “Papal Bull” in this corner, ladies and gentleman.
As you don your cape and step into the ring to address your challenging characters, a win for the Lord is the goal.
We can agree on a great deal as God leads us. The wonder of His love for us!
We know that Luther and Calvin didn’t show up at the councils, however we can postulate that some of their views may have been discussed long before they were born!
The New Vulgate and the versions used amongst protestant believers are much the same. Koine Greek is used to render the most accurate translation in both cases (NIV, Vulgate, etc)!
God bless you,
Brian
2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
Romans 15:4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
2 Peter 1:19-21 And we have something more sure, the prophetic word, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
Mark 12:24 Jesus said to them, “Is this not the reason you are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God?
Psalm 19:7-11 The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.