Pope celebrates Mass for local homeless people and invites them to lunch
The Mass was attended by around 110 people cared for by the local Caritas church charity, and the volunteers who run the diocese's shelters, clinics and social service offices.
In his homily, Leo celebrated the 'fire of charity' that had brought them together.
'And I encourage you not to distinguish between those who assist and those who are assisted, between those who seem to give and those who seem to receive, between those who appear poor and those who feel they have something to offer in terms of time, skills, and help,' he said.
In the church, he said, everyone is poor and precious, and all share the same dignity.
Leo, the former Robert Prevost, spent most of his adult life working with the poor people of Peru, first as an Augustinian missionary and then as bishop.
Former parishioners and church workers say he greatly reinforced the work of the local Caritas charity, opening soup kitchens and shelters for migrants and rallying funds to build oxygen plants during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Later on Sunday, Leo was to preside over a luncheon with the guests at the Borgo Laudato Si', the Vatican's environmental educational centre in the gardens of the papal villa in Castel Gandolfo.
The centre is named for Pope Francis' 2015 landmark environmental encyclical, Laudato Si (Praised Be).
According to the Albano diocese, local caterers were providing a menu of lasagne, eggplant parmesan and roast veal. For dessert, the menu called for fruit salad and sweets named for the pope, 'Dolce Leone'.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Press and Journal
6 hours ago
- Press and Journal
'Stand down': Tributes pour in for Skye and Lochaber mountain rescuer Bryan Powell
Heartfelt tributes have been paid to Bryan Powell, a deeply respected member of the mountain rescue community in Skye and Lochaber. Mr Powell's sudden loss has left a profound mark on those who worked with him – and on many who never met him but were touched by the selfless work he did for others. He died last month, at the age of 54, and a celebration on Skye is being planned in his honour. A dedicated volunteer with Skye Mountain Rescue Team (MRT), Mr Powell was also a former member of Lochaber MRT. He was also a committed dog handler with the Search and Rescue Dog Association (SARDA) Scotland. Over the years, he gave his time, his energy, and his quiet strength to search and rescue operations across the Highlands. He was described as 'diligent, modest, and utterly devoted,' in a moving Skye MRT tribute. The team add: 'Bryan brought his quiet expertise to countless search and rescue operations – from the large, complex incidents to the smaller, no-less-important ones. 'He was quiet, kind, self-effacing and thoughtful, never with a bad word for anyone.' Alongside his mountain rescue work, Mr Powell was known for his special bond with his dogs, Storm and Gwen. He handled them with deep affection and skill and was rightly proud of their many achievements. In his final callout, he helped locate and rescue a young Skye Trail walker who had fallen near Scorrybreac. 'None of us knew it would be the last time we'd see him,' the team said. The post poignantly added: 'Stand down, Dog Bryan, and rest in peace.' Throughout the challenges of the Covid pandemic, Mr Powell was a steady presence – guiding his teammates with a calm, measured voice and offering reassurance when it was needed most. His legacy, say those who knew him, is one of kindness, quiet courage and unwavering service. Others in the rescue community have also expressed their sorrow and admiration. 'An absolute gentleman and a pleasure to have worked alongside,' said Kintail Mountain Rescue. 'Such a good guy,' wrote fellow MRT volunteer Mark Chadwick online. 'He certainly made a very positive and supportive contribution to my – all too short – time knowing him.' 'A true gentleman for whom I had the utmost respect,' another friend shared. 'He is sorely missed.' A memorial service to celebrate Mr Powell's life will take place at the Sligachan Hotel on Saturday September 6, from 2-4pm. A funeral notice reads: 'Please come as you are, wearing whatever makes you feel most yourself. 'Bryan valued comfort and authenticity.' Mourners are encouraged to bring stories – of kindness, adventure, humour or humanity – and to share in the memory of a man who gave so much of himself in the service of others. Sign up for our weekly newsletter, curated by Oban-based reporter Louise Glen, for top local stories and community highlights. 👉 Subscribe here Join the chat on Facebook: West Coast Chat
The Sun
15 hours ago
- The Sun
COPY OF Leo weekly horoscope: What your star sign has in store for August 17
OUR much-loved astrologer Meg sadly died last March but her column will be kept alive by her friend and protégé Maggie Innes. Read on to see what's written in the stars for you today. Sign up for the Mystic Meg newsletter. Your info will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy LEO JULY 23 - AUG 23 1 Face value of people and objects is not enough for you right now; your chart says you should, you must, go deeper. This is how you can feel richer on every level of life and love. So try not to be too dazzled by shiny surfaces or expensive habits. Your personal pathway is clear and calm as Mercury takes charge, but you still need to do your homework, especially at work. DESTINY DAYS Any day that includes letter 'N' can be a stand-out winner. You cope well with time changes on Thursday. Saturday, invite an out-of-touch friend along. What is your star sign's element? In astrology, the elements — Air, Water, Earth, and Fire signs — serve as foundational principles that influence the characteristics and behaviours associated with the twelve star signs. Earth signs: Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn The Earth signs are grounded in the tangible and practical aspects of life, embodying the stable and nurturing qualities of their element. These signs are known for their pragmatism, reliability, and strong connection to the physical world, often excelling in matters that require patience and persistence. Air Signs: Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius The Air signs are characterised by their intellectual, communicative, and social nature. This reflects the light and dynamic essence of their elemental influence. Overall, these signs tend to excel in the realms of ideas, relationships, and innovation, bringing a breath of fresh air to their interactions and thought processes. Water Signs: Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces The Water element signs are profoundly impacted by their element. With each astrological sign, water gives way to emotional depth, strong intuition, and a capacity for deep empathy and connection. Fire Signs: Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius Fuelled by the element of Fire, these fire signs in astrology are known for their passion, boldness, energy, enthusiasm, courage, and a zest for life that often leads them to adventurous and creative endeavours. LUCKY LINKS A book with a diagram on the cover. Contests where strangers compete together. A relative who's a gifted artist. NEW MOON NEW START On one level, the new moon brings Leo a simple message: it's not too late to turn back time and restart a set of cash calculations. But this must happen when you're ready. This is also a moon of knowing your own values and being prepared to stand up for them, and for people who represent them. You may need to get firmer with family or people close to you. A debt you may have forgotten is ready to be paid back in full. Fabulous is the home of horoscopes, with weekly updates on what's in store for your star sign as well as daily predictions. hook up with for the steamiest sex to what it's like to .
The Independent
2 days ago
- The Independent
Pope Leo invites local homeless people to lunch at summer villa
Pope Leo XIV spent the final Sunday of his summer break with several dozen homeless people, alongside the church volunteers who support them. The pontiff celebrated a special Mass for them at the St. Mary sanctuary in Albano, near the papal summer retreat in Castel Gandolfo, where he is vacationing, and invited them into the Vatican 's lakeside estate for a lunch of lasagna and roast veal. The Mass was attended by around 110 people cared for by the local Caritas church charity, as well as the volunteers who run the diocese's shelters, clinics and social service offices. In his homily, Leo celebrated the 'fire of charity' that had brought them together. 'And I encourage you not to distinguish between those who assist and those who are assisted, between those who seem to give and those who seem to receive, between those who appear poor and those who feel they have something to offer in terms of time, skills, and help,' he said. In the church, he said, everyone is poor and precious, and all share the same dignity. Leo, the former Robert Prevost, spent most of his adult life working with the poor people of Peru, first as an Augustinian missionary and then as bishop. Former parishioners and church workers say he greatly reinforced the work of the local Caritas charity, opening soup kitchens and shelters for migrants and rallying funds to build oxygen plants during the COVID -19 pandemic. Later on Sunday, Leo was to preside over a luncheon with the guests at the Borgo Laudato Si', the Vatican's environmental educational centre in the gardens of the papal villa in Castel Gandolfo. The centre is named for Pope Francis 's 2015 landmark environmental encyclical, Laudato Si (Praised Be). According to the Albano diocese, local caterers were providing a menu of lasagna, eggplant parmesan and roast veal. For dessert, the menu called for fruit salad and sweets named for the pope, 'Dolce Leone'.
