New Saint a ‘Wellspring of Hope’

Jeanne Jugan, foundress of the Little Sisters of the Poor, which is devoted to the care of the elderly poor, was declared a saint by Pope Benedict XVI on Oct. 11. The order’s blog chronicles their pilgrimage to attend her canonization in Rome. An array of pictures from the Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica and other celebrations, as well as reflections from the sisters and others traveling with them, are included.

But perhaps the Holy Father’s words in his homily sum it up best: “May St. Jeanne Jugan be for older persons a wellspring of hope and for those who generously put themselves at their service a powerful inspiration in pursuing and developing her work!”

To read our recent article on St. Jeanne, go here.

 

Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki of Cologne attends a German Synodal Way assembly on March 9, 2023.

Four German Bishops Resist Push to Install Permanent ‘Synodal Council’

Given the Vatican’s repeated interventions against the German process, the bishops said they would instead look to the Synod of Bishops in Rome. Meanwhile, on Monday, German diocesan bishops approved the statutes for a synodal committee; and there are reports that the synodal committee will meet again in June.

Palestinian Christians celebrate Easter Sunday Mass at Holy Family Church in Gaza City on March 31, amid the ongoing battles Israel and the Hamas militant group.

People Explain ‘Why I Go to Mass’

‘Why go to Mass on Sundays? It is not enough to answer that it is a precept of the Church. … We Christians need to participate in Sunday Mass because only with the grace of Jesus, with his living presence in us and among us, can we put into practice his commandment, and thus be his credible witnesses.’ —Pope Francis