Vatican roundup

Pope’s
 teachings
 on
 devil
 focus
 of
 new 
book A new book of Pope Francis’ teachings on the history of the devil, “his empty promises and works” and “how we can actively combat him” has been published by the US hierarchy. Titled Rebuking the Devil, the book is meant for a wide audience and “shows us…

Pope Francis remembers bishops martyred under Communism

Pope Francis today reflected upon his recent apostolic visit to Romania, where he beatified seven Greek-Catholic bishops martyred under Soviet occupation. The Pope said on June 5 that the beatified bishops were “witnesses to the freedom and mercy that comes from the Gospel”. “One of these new blesseds, Msgr. Iuliu Hossu, during his imprisonment wrote:…

Appeal for prayers after Missouri tornado

Bishop Shawn McKnight of Jefferson City has expressed gratitude that lives were spared and that all residents of the Missouri capital are accounted for following a devastating tornado. He said in a May 23 statement that the staff of Catholic Charities of Central and Northern Missouri were assessing the needs of residents. Some people were…

Post divorce referendum: support families through ‘sustainable communities’

Susan
 Gately and Chai
 Brady   In the aftermath of the divorce referendum, the Bishop of Elphin, Kevin Doran, has called for ongoing backing for marriage, including civil marriage and ‘sustainable communities’. “We have to give serious consideration to preparation for marriage,” said Bishop Kevin Doran emphasising that he was not only referring to sacramental…

Meditation from the mind of a child

Mindful living Dr Noel Keating In this article I present an account of what it can be like for a child to experience meditation, based on what children have told me. I want to stress that this is not the experience of any one child. Although written in the first person, the description is a…

Kilmore bishop to celebrate retirement and golden jubilee

Staff 
reporter The Bishop of Kilmore’s recent retirement as well as the golden jubilee of his ordination will be celebrated on Sunday, June 9, with an open invitation extended for the Mass and reception. A diocesan spokesperson said: “Bishop Leo was highly respected and greatly admired by everyone. Many people can testify to his pastoral…

Vatican News Roundup

Nations
 obliged
 to
 ‘care
 for 
poor’,
 Pope
 says
 Nations, like individuals, have a “solemn duty” to care for the poor and to work together to promote development, Pope Francis told a group of ambassadors beginning their service at the Vatican. International cooperation for development and for peace-making tap into a common, universal desire to experience…