Latest news with #DivineMercySunday
Herald Malaysia
09-05-2025
- General
- Herald Malaysia
Celebrating Divine Mercy: A week of hope, faith, and healing
With devotion, hope, and enthusiasm, they walked through the main streets of Jalan Kenari, Sungai Ara, undaunted by the blazing sun as they proclaimed Jesus' mercy and bore witness to His boundless love. May 09, 2025 The congregation touching the image of the Divine Mercy PENANG: With devotion, hope, and enthusiasm, they walked through the main streets of Jalan Kenari, Sungai Ara, undaunted by the blazing sun as they proclaimed Jesus' mercy and bore witness to His boundless love. The Divine Mercy Sunday procession through the neighbourhood surrounding the Church of Divine Mercy marked the joyful culmination of the parish's annual Feast Day and weeklong baptised parishioner Eric shared his experience: 'Being involved for the first time as a Divine Mercy image bearer, I naturally found it heavy at first. But it made me reflect on how much heavier it must have been for Jesus to carry the weight of our sins on His shoulders. As the procession continued, it truly felt as though the Lord was carrying it with us. We were all filled with joy and felt truly blessed.'The Feast began on a gentle note with the nine-day Novena starting on Good Friday, gradually building in spiritual momentum through the joyous celebration of Easter and culminating with great fervour on Divine Mercy Sunday. On Easter Monday, the Church was struck by sorrow with the passing of its chief shepherd, the beloved Holy Father, Pope Francis, a true disciple of Divine Mercy, whose death was mourned by the faithful around the honour of the late Holy Father, each day of the Divine Mercy Novena Masses included special prayers for his soul. A table bearing his image and a lit candle was placed beside the altar as a tribute to his life, legacy, and unwavering witness to Divine alignment with the Universal Church's milestone Jubilee Year theme, Pilgrims of Hope, celebrated by over a billion Catholics worldwide, the parish adopted the theme: Divine Mercy: Inspiring Hope Against All Hope, taken from the final verse of the Litany of Divine Praises. Throughout the week, the main celebrant, Fr Raymond Raj, expounded on daily Mass themes that reflected the core elements of the Jubilee. These included: (i) Be Awakened: Pilgrims of Hope, (ii) Be Healed: Hope through Reconciliation, (iii) Be Nourished: Hope in the Eucharist, (iv) Be United: Hope in the Gospel, and (v) Be Other-Centred: Missionaries of it down, Fr Raymond shared, 'The words mercy and hope are inseparable. The Feast of Divine Mercy invites us to reflect on and embrace the virtues of hope and mercy toward one another. I hope and pray that this feast has inspired the faithful to become instruments of God's love and mercy.'Throughout the week, various parish ministries organised activities based on the daily Novena intentions, helping devotees fully embrace the teachings of Divine Mercy. On Divine Mercy Monday, the congregation paused between decades of the Chaplet to pray for those yet to know God, reflecting the group whom Jesus instructed St Faustina, the 'Apostle of Mercy,' to bring to 'His ocean of mercy.'On Tuesday, each decade of the Chaplet was prayed for those separated from the Church. Short audio clips of individuals who feel alienated, representing groups such as divorcees, LGBTQ individuals, migrants, parents of special needs children, and those with mental health challenges, were interspersed between each decade. This helped bring the plight of marginalised groups to life, making their struggles more real and saw many families bringing their children for a special blessing, as the church prayed for the meek and little ones. After Mass, attendees received origami hearts prepared by the Catechism classes as a token of were also encouraged to spend time in quiet adoration at the JPII Adoration Room and to write notes of thanksgiving in line with Thursday's intention for those who especially venerate God's mercy. A special blessing for the sick and elderly was offered at the end of Mass that Friday, the faithful gathered to remember their deceased loved ones, whose names were offered during Mass as part of the Novena intention for souls in Novena concluded on the ninth day with a prayer for lukewarm souls, whom Jesus said 'cause me more suffering than any other.' Over the final four days of the Novena, attendees were encouraged to pray for themselves and others struggling with a lukewarm faith, urging them to reignite and make their faith vibrant and the week's Novena Masses, attendees were given special prayer cards. When collected over six days, the cards formed an image of Divine Mercy on the reverse side. Leading up to the 3.00pm Mass on Sunday, exposition and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament were held, along with opportunities for confession, all in preparation for the grand celebration that his inspiring weekend homilies, Bishop Bernard Paul of Malacca Johore spoke about three distinct groups of people. First, those without hope, those who have given up on life, the lost, and the aimless. Second, those with false hope, those who seek comfort in lies, half-truths, and 'build on sand.' Finally, he addressed those who hold fast to true hope, returning to the 'written word,' listening to the Holy Spirit within them, and building on a foundation of genuine shared three ways God inspires true hope in us. First, Christ-centred communities, similar to the early Christian communities, which became beacons of hope for others. Bishop Bernard encouraged us to be like little lights, guiding those in need of hope. The second way is through the 'written word.' It sustains and ignites our faith and love. The third way he mentioned is 'mercy encounters,' powerful moments of God's presence that bring deep, freeing peace. God is merciful, gentle, and forgiving. These mercy encounters transform lives, filling individuals with new purpose. Ultimately, our only true hope is Divine Mercy, the resurrected Christ — hope that never disappoints. Visitors from other parishes and even from different states, including a busload of pilgrims from Our Lady of Lourdes in Ipoh, joined in the feast day celebrations. Overwhelmed by the enthusiastic participation throughout the week, Parish priest, Fr Michael Raymond OFM Cap shared, 'Mercy is the name and the face of God.' His words perfectly captured the sense of God's abundant grace flowing freely, available for all to receive.
Herald Malaysia
09-05-2025
- General
- Herald Malaysia
At jubilee, teens urged to listen
What began as a joyful pilgrimage for thousands of teenagers marking the Jubilee Year of Hope became a profound moment of mourning, as news broke of Pope Francis' death on April 21. May 09, 2025 Cardinal Pietro Parolin, former Vatican secretary of state, receives the gifts offered by a group of young people while celebrating Mass on the second day of the 'novendiali' – nine days of mourning for Pope Francis marked by Masses in St Peter's Square at the Vatican April 27, 2025. (CNS photo/Pablo Esparza) VATICAN: What began as a joyful pilgrimage for thousands of teenagers marking the Jubilee Year of Hope became a profound moment of mourning, as news broke of Pope Francis' death on April 21.'We've been preparing since January,' said 22-year-old Vincenzo Pirico from Pisa. 'The spirit with which we participated truly changed.' Many young pilgrims felt they were not just celebrating faith, but also honouring the memory of a pope who deeply loved and listened to Molina from Ecuador called the news 'a cold shower,' yet said being in Rome allowed his group to say a final goodbye to 'a pope very much loved, especially in the Hispanic community.'The Jubilee had planned to include the canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis. Though Pope Francis approved the decree in May 2024, the closing Mass instead became a memorial for the late pope. His funeral on April 26 marked the start of nine days of the spirit of hope endured. Around 200,000 teenagers gathered in St Peter's Square, waving flags and singing hymns. Archbishop Nelson noted, 'Pope Francis said young people are the now of God — and they're showing it today.'Many teens had known no other pope. Béatrice, 14, from France, said, 'We wondered if the Jubilee would still happen… Luckily, it did!' Anna from Switzerland added, 'It became a time of mourning and thanksgiving. The Pope was close to young people. I remember his smile.'Fr Andrea Filippucci, from the US Virgin Islands, said his group of 100 pilgrims shifted focus from indulgences to reflection on St Peter, 'a man who failed but was still loved.' Youth pilgrim Briah Ryan said, 'Despite the sadness, I was grateful. I'll remember this for the rest of my life.'On Divine Mercy Sunday, Cardinal Pietro Parolin urged the youth to carry on Francis' legacy: 'In mercy, we discover the path to peace.'A final word came from Pope Francis himself, in a video recorded January 8 and released posthumously. 'Dear boys and girls… one of the most important things in life is to listen,' he said. 'Listen, listen a lot.' As teenagers continued their pilgrimage, they bore witness to Francis' final message: listen, love, and walk together. --CNS
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
'He loved the poor': Pope Francis remembered as humble leader who broke barriers
As people filled the pews of Saints Simon and Jude Cathedral in Phoenix for Sunday Mass following the death of Pope Francis, Bishop John Dolan of the Diocese of Phoenix opened his sermon by referencing the Y2K computer glitch that spurred an international panic a quarter century ago. 'If you remember, the computers were to focus primarily on the last two digits of the Millennium,' Dolan said the morning of April 27. 'So that, conceivably, that in the year 2000, when the clock ticked at midnight to the year 2000, the numbers would revert back to 1900 and not to 2000.' Dolan shared how programmers scrambled to address the issue as the rest of the world held its breath. 'There were a number of people who were in a very uncomfortable panic mode,' Dolan said. 'They had no idea what would happen. And then the year 2000 occurred and everything was OK. And I think, in essence, that's what we're celebrating today — that everything is going to be OK.' Dolan went on to share how Pope Francis embodied the virtues Jesus preached and referred to the words he shared during the Jubilee year of mercy between Dec. 8, 2015 to Nov. 20, 2016. A Jubilee year is a holy year that occurs every 25 years centered around spiritual renewal and the forgiveness of sins, but they can also be declared by the Pope such as the one in 2015-2016. 'He said 'mercy is the bridge that connects God and man, opening our hearts to the hope of being loved forever despite our sinfulness,'' Dolan said. 'We should remember that when we reflect on our gospel today.' The Cathedral was mostly full of worshippers there to celebrate Sunday service and hear Dolan's words about the Pope. A portrait of the Pontiff stood to the side. Dolan's voice was calming and hopeful as he delivered a message that "death is a part of life and God's love remains eternal." The bishop spoke of Pope Francis's humble demeanor and recalled one of the first things Francis did after he had been made pope was pay his own hotel bill. He elaborated that Francis was unbothered by established norms and opted to interact with people directly. 'He'd call people up on the phone,' Dolan said. 'Well, a pope doesn't do that. You know, you have someone else — a secretary or papal nuncio to call people. But he would call people. There were no barriers. He would cross borders and people were challenged by that.' Dolan later spoke to reporters outside the Cathedral, where he shared how the Mass held in honor of Pope Francis coincidentally fell on 'Divine Mercy Sunday' — or the Sunday after Easter. 'I think in many ways it just really sent a message that he died within this Easter season — in this octave of Easter — these eight great days that we celebrate,' Dolan said. 'It sent a message that here was a man who really emphasized mercy and hope.' He added that Francis's love and compassion mirrored that of Christ. 'He just loved the poor,' Dolan said. 'He loved the people who were forgotten, who fell through the cracks. And isn't that what Jesus did? He came not to save the healthy, but the sick. That's everything about Jesus and I think Pope Francis was a reflection of that.' Asked if he had heard of any candidates for the papacy being discussed in particular, Dolan said a few names were floating around. Pietro Parolin, the cardinal secretary of state for Vatican City, was one such name, as was Cardinal Luis Tagle. No matter what names people whispered, Dolan said the one who would become the next pope was yet to be decided with the election process expected to begin May 6. 'When these cardinals, if they think that they're going in — they go in as a pope and they come out as a cardinal,' Dolan said. 'So you never know. And that's why the Holy Spirit is the absolute person in that room. When everything is closed and locked and everything and they're all in there hunkering down — the most important person in that room is the third person of the Holy Trinity — the Holy Spirit.' This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Pope Francis remembered as one who broke barriers during special Mass
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Local Catholic churches mourn the passing of Pope Francis
BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) – Pope Francis' passing has left many local Catholics in mourning. Pope Francis dies at 88 Father Leonard Smith of Beckley's St. Francis De Sales Catholic Church told 59News this news was shocking, but also not surprising at the same time. This is because Pope Francis spent quite some time battling chronic lung disease and more recently double pneumonia. He was recently hospitalized for 38 days. Pope Francis died at the age of 88, making his last appearance on Easter Sunday. 'I think one of the things that he did so well was to encourage us to go outside to the peripheries or the margins, to especially the people who are hurting and suffering in various ways,' said Father Smith. George McIntire is a parishioner at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in White Sulphur Springs. As soon as he heard the news, McIntire went to his church to meditate for the entire morning. 'We know our pope had been ill for a long time, but he made it to Easter. We should all be thankful for that. He is going to be with the Lord,' said McIntire. Easter celebrations will continue for the next fifty days following Easter Sunday, including events like Divine Mercy Sunday and Pentecost. Even though Pope Francis died the day following Easter Sunday, Father Smith said this will not put a damper on these celebrations. Pope Francis led the church with humility and simplicity 'I mean, certainly it is a time of mourning, but at the same time, it is the message of Easter is precisely the message that we need to hear. Christ has risen. He is the first fruit. We are called to follow him into eternal glory. The resurrection is the most important message for us to focus on in times of earthly loss,' said Father Smith. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Meet Blessed Carlo Acutis, God's Influencer
LAKE PLACID — The canonization of the Blessed Carlos Acutis on April 27 marks the first Millennial Saint to be recognized by the Roman Catholic Church. BIO INFO Blessed Carlo Acutis May 3, 1991 – Oct. 12, 2006 Beatification: Oct. 10, 2020 Canonization: April 27, 2025 Carlo was born in London, where his parents, Andrea Acutis and Antonia Salzano, were working. Fifteen days after his birth, he received the Sacrament of Baptism in the presence of his paternal and maternal grandparents, his aunt Adriana and his great-grandmother Adriana in the Church of Our Lady of Dolours, according to Called 'God's Influencer' and 'the Patron Saint of the Internet, Carlo's devotion to the Eucharist inspired him to create a website to track Eucharistic Miracles. 'Divine Mercy Sunday is the next day,' the Rev. Bryan Stitt of St. Mary's Church in Canton said. 'Those are some of the holiest days of the year, so why are we doing something else in the midst of it. 'We're about to have the canonization of the first Millennial Saint. It's kind of a big deal. He was born in 1991. That's really young. He was only 15 years old when he died. He was a real Italian kid that had a great love for the Lord and changed a lot of people's lives doing things that kids do. He liked working with computers, and he figured out how to create a website. He loved the Eucharist very much. He loved that the bread and wine becomes the body and blood of Jesus. That's at every Mass. Sometimes, there is an outward manifestation of the miracle that happened, so he started tracking those. 'There are these old, dusty tomes that have all these things in them, but he made a website because he's like this is amazing and everybody should know about this. So he created a website so that people could keep track of Eucharistic Miracles where there is this physical manifestation of the reality of what's going on in the Holy Eucharist.' Carlo's website is: 'It's a way to hear more about the stories, where it happened, when it happened, who was involved, what was the outward manifestation, what was the obvious miracle,' Stitt said. 'Some of them happened a decade ago down in Baltimore, and some happened a millennial ago. It's hard to keep track of all of those things. It's more of an archive, but in a very accessible way. A tracker of miracles, some called him 'Miracle Hunter.' 'He loved playing video games, which sounds normal but he realized that he shouldn't play them too much,' Stitt said. 'He limited himself to an hour a week because he wanted to have time to do other good things such as prayer and generosity. His family was not pious. They weren't really church goers. So often people are just like of course he was this way because his mom and dad were like this. That wasn't the case entirely. So often is the case with Italian kids, they brought him to make his first Holy Communion because that's what everybody does. After he made his first Holy Communion, he tried to get to Mass every day. That's amazing.' There are many great pictures of Carlo on his website from a babe in his christening gown to a teen wearing black sunglasses. 'As one lady said to me, a tough business lady, she looked at the picture and she teared up, 'This looks like my kid,'' Stitt said. 'He's so approachable. He is buried in Assisi, the town of St. Francis. You can go to his tomb. He's dressed like any Italian kid – a polo shirt and athletic jacket.' SAINTHOOD To become a saint means to be canonized by the Roman Catholic Church, which declares officially and infallibly that someone is in heaven. 'To be a saint is what we all want to be we all want to go to heaven,' Stitt said. 'This is someone we know who is in heaven because of his heroic charity, sanctity, and wisdom. You have to have those three to be a saint. His writings for a 15 year old, he was a smart kid. To be canonized as a saint you got to have a couple of miracles. They are intense. The doctors have to say this person is really seriously dying and there has to be documentation of that, and then there has to be some intervention where there's not medical intervention. There's some sort of connection to Carlo or whoever the possible saint is, and then there is a clear and dramatic change in his (patient's) medical status. What the official miracles are, the church takes that really seriously. Is it really a miracle or is it just a nice story? We can take it seriously that somebody without a shadow of doubt this is something medicine cannot explain.' Carlo was diagnosed on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2006 with M3 acute leukemia at the De Marchi Clinic in Milan. The next day, he was transferred to San Gerardo Hospital in Monza. On Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2006, Carlo requested to receive the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick and Holy Communion, certain that he would shortly die. The next day, he fell into a coma from a brain hemorrhage brought on by the M3 acute leukemia. Doctors declared him dead at 5 p.m. when all his brain activity ceases. On Thursday, Oct. 12 at 6:45 a.m. Carlo's heart stopped. This is the time of his legal death. His funeral was Saturday, Oct. 14, 2006 at Santa Maria Segreta Church. In January 2007, his body was transferred from Ternengo Cemetery in Piedmont to a cemetery in Assisi. 'He asked to be buried in Assisi because he had such a devotion to St. Francis,' Stitt said. 'At some point everyone that is canonized as a saint, there is someone who promotes his cause. They knew he was a holy boy. They start doing interviews and start reading anything that he wrote and then they start, with the Bishop's permission, start promoting a devotion to him asking for his intercession. That's when things really get into gear if there's a miracle that happens with a connection to him that's when everybody sits up and takes notice.' On Oct. 12, 2012, the cause for Carlo's Beautification and Canonization was officially opened and he became a Servant of God. 'His cause was opened,' Stitt said. 'You don't get voted into heaven. You remember when Pope John Paul died at his funeral all the people were chanting, 'Santo Subito, Santo Subito,' which means a saint immediately. But, they didn't do it. We have to take the process seriously. The church needs to make sure there's no skeletons in the closet. It's an intense process for someone to be canonized. That this young kid is being canonized, it's got a lot of the kids in the school and in my parish to pay attention to Carlo Acutis. They just connect with him. He's so approachable. He's not wearing long black robes or long gray robes. He's wearing a red polo shirt and blue jeans. Oh, that looks like somebody I would hang out with.' Carlo's lifespan was short, and so was his canonization process. 'It doesn't even seem fair sometimes,' Stitt said. 'How come this is happening for him so fast? We don't know. In the end, it's the miracle that drives things more than anything else. The deal breaker was is there a miracle that can be measurable and documented. 'Sometimes, these miracles happen really fast. God only knows. From the church's side, the miracle is the also the fact that the church will give special attention sometimes when this is the saint that we need. I think the Holy Spirit works like that. This young kid has already been called the Patron Saint of the Internet. How many saints had ever used the computer before? There aren't too many. Maybe the good Lord decided we needed a Patron Saint of the Internet.' Though the miracles and prayers are really important, Carlo is the hook. 'Someone that is that approachable and that relevant today,' Stitt said.
