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We are continuing these catecheses speaking about apostolic zeal, that is, what the Christian feels in order to carry out the proclamation of Jesus Christ.

Each time that a Catholic makes the sign of the cross, it is a reminder that God is a communion of love, Pope Francis said June 4.

Today we are speaking about evangelization, about apostolic zeal, of bearing the name of Jesus.

Dear brothers and sisters, Christ is risen!

In the path of catechesis on apostolic zeal, let us start to look at some figures who, in different ways and times, bore exemplary witness to what passion for the Gospel means. And the first witness is naturally the Apostle Paul.

In the last catechesis we saw how the first “council” in the history of the church – council, like that of Vatican II – the first council, was convened in Jerusalem over a matter linked to evangelization, namely the proclamation of the good news to non-Jews.

In a recent interview, Pope Francis has discussed the possibility of revising the Western discipline of priestly celibacy.

“Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation!” (2 Cor 6:2).

The Vatican on Dec. 31 published the Spiritual Testament of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, written on Aug. 29, 2006, one year and four months into his pontificate

ROME – Tens of thousands of people were present in St. Peter’s Square for the funeral Jan. 5 of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, a leading theologian of the 20th century and the first pope to resign from office in nearly 600 years.

Pope Francis on Nov. 10 said that “all priestly formation, particularly that of future pastors, is at the heart of evangelization.”

Pope Francis on Feb. 17 offered a long reflection on his more than 52 years of priesthood, giving advice to other clerics in what he said might be the “swan song” of his priestly life.  

The amazed joy of Simeon and Anna at encountering and embracing Christ at the Temple is a virtue that consecrated religious should remember and imitate, the pope said in a homily addressed to religious brothers and sisters. 

ROME (CNA) - At the beginning of the Catholic Church’s day of prayer for peace in Ukraine, Pope Francis made an earnest appeal to those in power: “Please, no more war.” “I invite you to pray for peace in Ukraine and to do so often throughout this day,” the pope said at the end of his general audience Jan. 26. “Let us ask the Lord insistently that this land may see fraternity flourish and overcome wounds, fears, and divisions.”

Pope Francis said on Jan. 5 that it is a civilizational loss when dogs and cats replace children in society, encouraging couples to “take the risk” to become parents. 

VATICAN CITY ‑ Pope Francis said on Jan. 5 that it is a civilizational loss when dogs and cats replace children in society, encouraging couples to “take the risk” to become parents.  “The other day, I was talking about the demographic winter that we have today … many couples do not have children because they do not want to, or they have just one — but they have two dogs, two cats,” Pope Francis said at his general audience on Jan. 5.

This year, the Vatican has decided once again to grant a plenary indulgence to Catholics who visit a cemetery to pray for the dead on any day in the month of November.

Blessed Carlo Acutis was beatified on Oct. 10, 2020, and became the first member of the millennial generation to become officially known as a “blessed.”

It is interesting that in her appearances at Lourdes, Fatima and other locations, the mother of God repeatedly recommends praying the rosary. She does not invite us to pray the Divine Office, or to do spiritual reading, or eucharistic adoration, or practice interior prayer or mental prayer.  Why does Mary “only” place the rosary in our hearts?