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Herald Malaysia
2 days ago
- General
- Herald Malaysia
Pope Leo: Mary's song, the Magnificat, strengthens our hope
During Mass in Castel Gandolfo for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Pope Leo XIV marvels how Mary's 'yes' gives hope to us today, saying we celebrate the Paschal Mystery of Jesus, which changed the course of history. Aug 16, 2025 Mass for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary at the Pontifical Parish of Saint Thomas of Villanova in Castel Gandolfo (@Vatican Media) By Deborah Castellano Lubov "Mary's song, Magnificat , strengthens the hope of the humble, the hungry, the faithful servants of God." Pope Leo XIV gave this reminder during the Mass for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary at the Pontifical Parish of Saint Thomas of Villanova in Castel Gandolfo on 15 August 2025. The Holy Father began his homily by observing that although today is not Sunday, "we celebrate in another way the Paschal Mystery of Jesus, which changed the course of history." "In Mary of Nazareth," he continued, "we recognize our own history: the history of the Church, immersed in the common lot of humanity. By taking flesh in her, the God of life and of freedom has conquered death." The Pope recalled that on this Solemnity we contemplate how God overcomes death, yet never without us. "His is the Kingdom, but," he explained, "ours is the 'yes' to his love that can change everything." On the Cross, the Pope said, Jesus freely uttered that 'yes' which would strip death of its power—the death that still spreads wherever our hands crucify and our hearts remain imprisoned by fear and mistrust. On the Cross, trust prevailed; so did love, which sees what is yet to come; and forgiveness triumphed. That 'yes' still lives The Pope recalled to those present in the parish that Mary was there by the Cross united with her Son. "In our day, we are like Mary whenever we do not flee, whenever we make Jesus' 'yes' our own. "That 'yes,'" Pope Leo marveled, "still lives and resists death in the martyrs of our time, in witnesses of faith and justice, of gentleness and peace. Thus this day of joy becomes also a day that calls us to choose—how and for whom we shall live." The Pope went on to remember how we listened to the Gospel passage on the Visitation, in which Saint Luke recorded "a decisive moment" in Mary's vocation. Magnificat As "we celebrate the crowning moment of her life," Pope Leo said, "It is beautiful to recall that day." While he observed that "every human story, even that of the Mother of God, is brief on this earth and comes to an end," he went on to reflect, "Yet nothing is lost. When a life ends, its uniqueness shines even more clearly." The Pope explained that Mary's Magnificat radiated the light of all her days, and that the surprising fruitfulness of barren Elizabeth confirmed Mary in her trust, for "it anticipated the fruitfulness of her 'yes,' which extends to the fruitfulness of the Church and of all humanity whenever God's renewing Word is welcomed." God breaks through our despair Reflecting on Friday's Solemnity, the Holy Father highlighted that the Resurrection enters our world even today. "The words and choices of death may seem to prevail, but the life of God breaks through our despair through concrete experiences of fraternity and new gestures of solidarity," and "prior to being our final destiny, the Resurrection transforms—in soul and body—our dwelling on earth." Hence, the Pope reflected, "Mary's song, Magnificat , strengthens the hope of the humble, the hungry, the faithful servants of God." God's Word continues to be brought to light Pope Leo reassured that despite something seeming impossible, God's Word continues to be brought to light. "When bonds are born, with which we confront evil with good and death with life," he said, "we see that 'nothing will be impossible with God' ( Lk 1:37)." Pope Leo recalls poor and persecuted Christian communities The Pope warned against when self-reliance prevails and consciences are dulled. "Instead of letting the old world pass away, one clings to it still, seeking the help of the rich and powerful, which often comes with contempt for the poor and lowly." However, Pope Leo acknowledged, the Church lives in her fragile members, and she is renewed by their Magnificat . "Even in our own day, the poor and persecuted Christian communities, the witnesses of tenderness and forgiveness in places of conflict, and the peacemakers and bridge-builders in a broken world, are the joy of the Church," he reaffirmed, saying, "They are her enduring fruitfulness, the first fruits of the Kingdom to come." Let us be converted by their witness Recalling that many of them, like the elderly Elizabeth and the young Mary, are women, "Paschal women, apostles of the Resurrection," Pope Leo implored, "Let us be converted by their witness!" Addressing the faithful, Pope Leo stressed that "when in this life we 'choose life,' "we are right to see in Mary, assumed into heaven, our own destiny." "She," the Pope continued, "is given to us as the sign that the Resurrection of Jesus was no isolated event, no mere exception." Mary: wondrous union of grace and freedom Mary, the Pope said, is that wondrous union of grace and freedom, which urges each of us to have trust, courage, and participation in the life of God's people," especially as she says, 'He who is mighty has done great things for me' ( Lk 1:49). With this in mind, Pope Leo said, "may each of us know this joy and proclaim it with a new song. Let us not be afraid to choose life!" Even if "it may seem risky and imprudent. Many voices whisper: 'Why bother? Let it go. Think of your own interests,' he said; such suggestions are "voices of death," and we instead "are disciples of Christ." "It is His love that drives us—soul and body—in our time." Pope Leo concluded by stressing that only when we, as individuals and as the Church, no longer live for ourselves, life spreads and life can prevail.--Vatican News
Herald Malaysia
12-07-2025
- General
- Herald Malaysia
Kampar parish celebrates 117 years of faith
The Church of the Sacred Heart marked a momentous and spiritually enriching celebration as parishioners gathered for the 117th parish feast of the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, held from June 27 to 29. Jul 11, 2025 Bringing Jesus into the streets of Kampar to bless the town and its people. By Bernard AnthonyThe Church of the Sacred Heart marked a momentous and spiritually enriching celebration as parishioners gathered for the 117th parish feast of the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, held from June 27 to 29. This year's triduum was especially significant, coinciding with the 350th anniversary of the revelations of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to St Margaret Mary Alacoque, a Visitation nun from Kampar parish has been actively promoting the devotion since the start of 2025. Under the guidance of parish priest Fr Simon Anand, parishioners have been encouraged to deepen their love for Jesus through the Sacred Heart devotion. In support of this, the parish also reprinted 'Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus' booklets for those seeking to grow in faith and triduum was led by Fr Joachim Robert from College General, Penang, who served as the main celebrant and preacher for all three days. Each Mass was preceded by special devotions to the Sacred Heart of Day 1, the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart, Fr Joachim reflected on the Sacred Heart as the ultimate symbol of God's love, mercy, and compassion. He urged the faithful to respond to Jesus' love through prayer, acts of service, and a deepened personal relationship with Him. The Mass was concelebrated by Fr Simon Anand and Fr Michael Dass from Batu Gajah, with around 500 faithful in attendance. Additional tents were set up outside the church to accommodate the large Day 2, the Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Fr Joachim spoke about Mary's heart as one fully united with the Heart of Jesus — a heart open to God's promptings and filled with contemplation and trust. He reminded the faithful of Mary's unwavering faith despite her suffering, and how she always points believers back to Jesus. 'Her Immaculate Heart is our refuge,' Fr Joachim said, referencing the message of evening concluded with a candlelight procession through parts of Kampar town. The Blessed Sacrament was carried solemnly in a monstrance by the priests, accompanied by parishioners and pilgrims reciting the Rosary. Fr Joachim encouraged all present to pray for the Church, families, and the wider community during the procession, reminding them that God's love is complete, not superficial. More than 500 people participated in the sacred walk of faith and the triduum, parishioners and visitors had the opportunity to venerate relics of four saints: St Margaret Mary Alacoque; St Frances Xavier Cabrini; St Maximilian Kolbe and St Jeanne JuganOn Day 3 , which coincided with the Solemnity of Sts Peter and Paul, Fr Simon gave a homily reflecting on the lives and mission of these great apostles. He also explained the significance of the venerated relics, emphasising that relics are to be respected and venerated, not worshipped, as a sign of reverence toward the saints' holy Simon explained the importance of the procession as a physical and spiritual act of reverence and evangelisation — bringing Jesus into the streets of Kampar to bless the town and its people. He noted that the procession paused at three locations, where the Blessed Sacrament was raised in adoration and blessing over the Simon also encouraged the faithful to take advantage of the opportunity for confession to receive the Jubilee indulgence. 'As we celebrate the Sacred Heart of Jesus, let us allow our hearts to be touched and transformed by His divine love. Let our faith be visible not only in word, but in action — through reverent prayer, devotion, and love for others.'
Filipino Times
15-06-2025
- Filipino Times
Saudi Arabia sends off over 2,400 pilgrims from various countries after completing Hajj
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance in Saudi Arabia has confirmed that over 2,400 pilgrims have left the country after completing their Hajj. The number consists of 2,443 male and female pilgrims who performed their rituals under the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Program for Hajj, Umrah, and Visitation, according to the Saudi Press Agency. Hajj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah and one of the Five Pillars of Islam, was fulfilled by these pilgrims with the support of the royal program. They came from over 100 countries and departed through Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah. While in the Kingdom, they joined cultural and educational activities and visited important Islamic and historical sites in Makkah and Madinah. These efforts were part of a plan by the ministry, following the instructions of Saudi Arabia's leadership. Many pilgrims thanked King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud for helping them perform Hajj with ease and safety.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Yahoo
Priest to leave Green Township parish after admitting to viewing pornography
A priest at the center of controversy at a Green Township Catholic church is admitting to viewing pornography and has announced his departure from the parish. Martin Bachman, a priest at Our Lady of the Visitation, on June 6 told members of the parish he would begin a previously planned sabbatical immediately and not return. "I have viewed adult pornography and engaged with some video games of an inappropriate nature," Bachman said in a letter on the parish website that the Archdiocese of Cincinnati provided. Bachman said he did not view the pornography or video games in the parish office or on a parish-owned device. Bachman also said he'd been "scammed out of a significant amount of my personal money" but not parish funds, and reported the scam to law enforcement. Both matters – related to pornography and the alleged scam – had bubbled up in recent weeks at Our Lady of the Visitation. They came to a boil at the end of May when a member of the Archdiocese staff read a letter during Mass from Archbishop Robert Casey defending Bachman and Visitation's pastor. In that statement, Casey said no wrongdoing had been substantiated. On June 6, the Archdiocese changed course. "We confirmed information this week about the nature of the sinful and disturbing online activity in which Father Bachman has participated that requires immediate attention," a statement from the Archdiocese said. The priest will address the issues "during his time away from ministry," the statement said. Bachman, in his letter, said the past couple of years had been "particularly difficult ones" with the deaths of his parents within 30 days of each other and "not taking sufficient time to grieve." But he added that he would "take ownership" of his behavior and asked for parishioners' prayers to move from "sin to grace, out of darkness into light." This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Father Martin Bachman to leave Visitation, admits viewing pornography
