Commentaries

A small rural village in France — the priest Vincent de Paul preached a sermon in front of poor peasants in the countryside who did not have access to the church since many of its priests were in the cities.

The Synod of Bishops’ 2024 Final Document itself urges the local churches to promote “both a consciousness of service and a particular style of service towards all, especially the poorest" (no. 73).

The second session of the 1 6 t h S y n o d o f B i s h o p s concluded on October 26, 2024. A Final Document consisting of 155 sections was immediately published as per the Pope’s directive.

Jesus had already shared critical teachings with His disciples. He washed their feet, modelling servanthood and love, and gave them a "new commandment" to love one another (John 13:34).

In a synodal Church, we are encouraged to embrace new perspectives and approaches. During our last XXVI general chapter in Rome in 2021, I learned about an innovative process used in religious life.

As preparations intensify for Pope Francis’ apostolic visit to Indonesia, recent viral images have captured the attention of many across social media platforms. They have led many to ask: Why would a non-Catholic make a spiritual visit to the Pope?

There are two experiences which, though they seem mutually incompatible, are deeply rooted in love. The first is the experience of God’s reality and His work in one’s life – something so mysterious, yet at the same time, certain. The second is suffering, which comes from the loss of a good that we love.

The Mother Church celebrates the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel on July 16th every year.

Blessed are the poor (among the clergy). Their practice of voluntary poverty means a willing decision “to follow Jesus all the way and not by half measures.”

Rejoice! For in the fostering of justice lies our experience of Easter! Alleluia!!

There are moments in our lives as well when we have to suffer all alone, abandoned by both friends and foes. In such moments, our faith in God is also put to a severe test. In our suffering, we may also cry out like Jesus.

The Mater Dolorosa witnessed how Jesus was stripped of his clothing, tied to a pillar, and whipped several times until his flesh hung in shreds.

These words of Jesus have offered many a way of meeting death in peace. Once again, the first of the followers of Jesus on this path was the martyr Stephen.

Suffering and evil have no real power over Jesus or over us, those whom He has enabled to become God’s children.

It is by the blood of the Paschal Lamb hung on the Cross that man’s innate thirst for liberation – the exodus from death to life, sin to grace, slavery to freedom – is quenched.

The Beloved Disciple is the symbol of all the disciples loved by Jesus. They are you and me and all Christians.

let us recognize Jesus as the true King of our life, personal and social, human and cosmic – just as people eventually accepted David as the King of North/Israel and South/Judah (2 Samuel 5) – accept our human fragility with a repentant heart and always ask His forgiveness.

On the cross, we see different portraits of Jesus like praying Jesus. Now we see a forgiving Jesus.

Finally, before leaving the place in silence to allow the exercise just participated in to stir in our very being a greater love for our Crucified Lord, each picked up a Crossed Bun and a Bunch of Grapes to share with our families at home in remembrance of the humbling STATIONS experience.

Pass me not, oh, gentle Saviour, Hear my humble cry. While on others thou art calling Do not pass me by!