Jul

15

The Future of Religion in Europe

July 15, 2007 | Leave a Comment

Measured Optimism in New Study
By Father John Flynn, L.C.
Many predict a bleak future for Christianity in Europe, but in his latest book Philip Jenkins argues that the situation is not all bad. “God’s Continent: Christianity, Islam and Europe’s Religious Crisis,” published by Oxford University Press, is the concluding volume in a trilogy on the future [...]

Jul

15

Father Lombardi: Liturgy Draws Toward Unity

July 15, 2007 | Leave a Comment

Says Papal Document Invites Reciprocal Openness
Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi says Benedict XVI’s “Summorum Pontificum” and the message accompanying it are a call to “enlarging the heart,” reciprocal openness and reconciliation.
The Vatican spokesman commented on the July 7 papal document written “motu proprio” (on one’s own initiative) during the most recent edition of the television program [...]

Jul

15

Saint Bonaventure

July 15, 2007 | Leave a Comment

Bonaventure’s name means “good luck.” He was born in 1221 in Tuscany, Italy, and was baptized John. Bonaventure joined the Franciscan order, which was still new. In fact, St. Francis of Assisi who started the Franciscans lived from 1181 until 1226. Francis was still alive when Bonaventure was born. As a young Franciscan, Bonaventure left [...]

Jul

15

Nine-Day Novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel – Day 8

July 15, 2007 | Leave a Comment

You give us hope, O Mother of Mercy, that through your Scapular promise we might quickly pass through the fires of purgatory to the Kingdom of your Son. Be our comfort and our hope. Grant that our hope may not be in vain but that, ever faithful to your Son and to you, we may [...]