The Week of Prayer for World Peace takes place from Sunday, 12th – 19th October this year.
Schools may wish to down load the attachment below as a resource fr assmblies this week
The International Prayer for Peace
Lead us from death to life, from falsehood to truth
Lead us from despair to hope, from fear to trust
Lead us from hate to love, from war to peace
Let peace fill our hearts, our world, our universe
Children from Poland take part in ACN’s One Million Children Praying the Rosary.
Source: Aid to the Church in Need
October is traditionally the month of the Rosary, and this year it takes on a special significance with the Holy Father’s call to pray daily for peace. On October 11, as part of the Jubilee of Marian Spirituality, the Pope will lead the Rosary in St Peter’s Square.
Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) joins this great appeal through the initiative ‘One Million Children Praying the Rosary;. On October 7, the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, ACN is inviting children from around the world to gather in prayer in their parishes, schools, and families. So far, almost 100,000 have already registered to take part.
ACN International president Cardinal Mauro Piacenza’s appeal for prayer as a necessity in a “world wounded by division, conflict, and suffering” struck a particular chord with many of those who committed to participating in the event.
“We fully share your concern about the alarming increase in violence, hatred, and division across the world. In these troubling times, we truly believe that prayer, especially the Rosary, remains our most powerful spiritual weapon for peace, unity, and the protection of innocent lives,” writes the Diocese of Faisalabad, Pakistan, to ACN.
“Rest assured, we will actively promote this campaign throughout our diocese. Our schools, parishes, and catechetical centres will be invited to unite with children from across the world to raise their voices in prayer for peace and reconciliation,” he adds.
In neighbouring India, Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas of Daltonganj also says that in these times “this invitation to unite the voices of children in prayer is both prophetic and profoundly necessary. I wish to assure you that as a diocese, we fully support this initiative and will do all we can to make it a meaningful and well-participated moment across our parishes, schools, and mission stations”.
Children in Myanmar will also be taking part, with one response from the country saying “please be assured of our spiritual closeness. We will gladly ask our priests and religious to animate the children to join you, uniting our intentions with yours and with all who participate in this campaign. Truly, Our Lady must be smiling upon all the prayers and graces that have flowed from these 20 years of devotion.”
Responses also came in from South America, with Bishop Adalberto Jiménez from the Apostolic Vicariate of Aguarico saying that “from our jungles and rivers, our schools and chapels, from the green heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon, we come together with filial love to the Virgin Mary, and with hope for the future of the world, which we place in her hands”. The bishop is expecting at least 2,500 children and 7,000 adults to participate.
Bishop Leopoldo Ndakalako of Menongue, Angola, describes the campaign as “a great, unique and opportune initiative, especially at this time in history”. He adds that “the diocese will do everything it can so that our children, and indeed the whole diocesan community, takes part”.
While pledging the support of his diocese as well, Bishop Bruno Ateba of Maroua-Mokolo, Cameroon, says that “you are right to say that terrorism, war, violence, hatred and division are gaining ground, and the number of people in distress is increasing all the time. Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”
Fr Yakobus Warata, provincial of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, Indonesia, says that “in a time marked by growing violence, division, and suffering, your words are a timely and powerful reminder that our response must be grounded not only in action, but also in deep and united prayer,” adding that “we are convinced that the innocent prayer of children has a unique power to touch the heart of God and to call down peace upon our troubled world”.
This was also echoed by Fr Shelton Dias of the Archdiocese of Colombo, Sri Lanka, who expresses his firm belief “that the power of prayer, mainly the power of the Rosary can change the world. Nothing can overcome the power of prayer.”
As of now, there will be over 8,000 children praying the rosary for peace in Ireland this Tuesday. ACN in Ireland says: “This is a truly remarkable statistic and has only become possible due to the widespread cooperation of schools, so thank you to all of the teachers who have expressed interest in the event and will be devoting a portion of their Tuesday to praying the rosary with their young pupils.”
There is still time to download free resources at: www.acnireland.org/pray-the-rosary-campaign
This is the twentieth consecutive year of the prayer campaign, which began in 2005, as a small event in Venezuela. In 2023, for the first time, over one million children officially took part, and the same happened in 2024.
Parishes, movements, schools and families are asked to pray during October, but especially on 7 October, the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, which will send “a tidal wave of prayer around the world, sprung from the hearts of children and uttered in childlike trust”, according to Fr Anton Lässer, ecclesiastical assistant to ACN International.
Check out October in former posts for resources
World Mission Sunday is the Holy Father’s annual appeal for spiritual and financial support so that the life-giving work of overseas mission and missionaries can continue. It always falls on the second last Sunday in October, meaning this year it will be celebrated over the weekend of Sunday 19thOctober.
The theme for this year’s celebration of Mission Sunday is: “Missionaries of Hope Among All Peoples”.
I would be grateful if you could kindly help publicise the upcoming World Mission Sunday Mass, taking place this Sunday, 19 October (11.00–11.45am), and broadcast on RTÉ One, RTÉ Radio 1 Extra, and the RTÉ Player.
This special Mass will include a video message from Pope Leo XIV, in which the Holy Father draws on his experience as a former missionary priest and bishop to offer a heartfelt appeal to support the Church’s missionary work.
The Mass will be celebrated by Father Michael Kelly, Director of Missio Ireland, with the participation of representatives from Misean Cara, Missio Ireland, and AMRI. Music will be led by Ian Callanan.
Thanking you in advance,
Crysta Gunn
Catholic Communications Office Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference
All offerings and donations made for World Mission Sunday become part of the Holy Father’s Universal Solidarity Fund. This fund serves as a lifeline for struggling missionaries and the communities they serve across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, where over 1,100 mission dioceses are located. As these dioceses form and grow, so do their needs. On top of this, mission dioceses are often in remote areas devastated by war and natural disasters, or where suppressed communities are just opening up to the life-saving message of Jesus Christ.
This is why World Mission Sunday is so important. It offers young dioceses the financial and spiritual assistance they need to help their men, women, and children to survive and thrive.
Watch a film about Sr Regina and the community she serves here: World Mission Sunday 2025 – Missio
Every Catholic community around the world will be united on World Mission Sunday, sending a powerful message of faith, hope, and love. The funds raised support essential Church projects which are open to all: building chapels, schools, clinics, and safe places for children to learn.
Yesterday Folens updated their web page for those wanting to order copies of Fully Alive 3 Revised Book and also digital downloads.
They accept sterling payment. I also contacted St Paul’s Bookshop in Derry City and suggested they might act as a way for schools to order copies within NI. They agreed to see if this is possible, as they already do the Primary Veritas books. I spoke yesterday with Susan and later with Maura Hyland.
I am giving you a link to Folens’ upgraded webpage (yesterday)to follow through if you want to get access to the digital resources.
Veritas Programmes for Northern Ireland
| Veritas Programmes for Northern IrelandDiscover & evaluate Folens programmes, teaching resources and innovative digital products for Primary and Post-P… |
I hope this will help you
Declan
Fr Declan O’Loughlin Armagh Post Primary Adviser for Rel Ed.
Will add to this as suggestions come to me.
In this episode of ‘A Question of Faith’, theoretical physicist Dr Peter Taylor reflects on how knowledge of the order within the universe can lead to spiritual insight
The A Question of Faith podcast (available on YouTube and Spotify) features broadcaster Wendy Grace in conversation with a range of guests who grapple with our search for meaning and truth. These questions are echoed in the scriptures and each episode has biblical question that resonates with the title question.
In the forth episode theoretical physicist Dr Peter Taylor reflects on how knowledge of the order within the universe can lead to spiritual insight.
Click here for full series – ‘A QUESTION OF FAITH’ PODCAST SERIES
WATCH / LISTEN on SPOTIFY
Image BlueSky
Source: Vatican Media
Pope Leo XIV has renewed his invitation for Christians to join together on September 1 to celebrate the World of Prayer for the Care of Creation, which draws inspiration from the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea and the theme: ‘Seeds of Peace and Hope.’
Speaking during the Sunday Angelus, Pope Leo XIV recalled that Pope Francis extended the celebration to Catholics 10 years ago by instituting the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, saying prayer for Creation is “now more urgent and important than ever.”
“Together with all Christians, we celebrate it and extend it into the Season of Creation until October 4, the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi,” he said. “In the spirit of the Canticle of Brother Sun, composed 800 years ago, let us praise God and renew our commitment not to spoil His gift, but to care for our common home.”
Creation Day, also known as the World Day of Prayer for Creation, is celebrated by most Christian Churches following an invitation by the Orthodox Church in 1989.
Grounded in an ancient Orthodox liturgical tradition from the 5th century, it is a day to praise God as Creator, commemorate the mystery of Creation in Christ, and inspire Christians to care for the created world.
The World Council of Churches, the ecumenical body bringing together Orthodox and Protestant Churches, released a new video about the day’s history and symbolism.
While many Catholic Bishops’ Conferences have been celebrating Creation Day since the 1990s, Pope Francis instituted it as the World Day of Prayer for the universal Catholic Church in 2015.
The Jesuit Pope then encouraged annual Creation Day celebrations by publishing official annual messages for the day of prayer.
Pope Leo XIV continued the tradition of his predecessor this year, publishing a special Message for Creation Day 2025.
“The theme of this World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, chosen by our beloved Pope Francis, is ‘Seeds of Peace and Hope,'” he said. “On the tenth anniversary of the establishment of this Day of Prayer, which coincided with the publication of the Encyclical Laudato si’, we find ourselves celebrating the present Jubilee as ‘Pilgrims of Hope’.”
Pope Leo added that “for believers, environmental justice is also a duty born of faith, since the universe reflects the face of Jesus Christ, in whom all things were created and redeemed.”
Pope Leo recently promulgated the new ‘Mass for the Care of Creation’ formulary, with the Dicastery for Divine Worship, explaining that it was offered “with a view to its possible use on the next World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation.”
The new Mass formulary enables Catholic communities to celebrate Creation Day in a liturgical format for the first time, beyond the traditional ecumenical prayer services.
The Creation Day initiative is coordinated globally by the World Council of Churches, chaired by its Moderator, Bishop Heinrich Bedford-Strohm, in collaboration with various Christian world communions and partners.
This month, Pope Leo XIV invites us to pray “for our relationship with all of creation.” Inspired by Saint Francis of Assisi, he invites us to experience our interdependence with all creatures loved by God and worthy of respect and love.
His prayer intention for September comes during the Season of Creation. This is a special time when Christians of various denominations join in prayer and action for the care of the earth. We are also celebrating two important anniversaries: the 800th anniversary of Saint Francis of Assisi’s Canticle of Creation, and the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’ Encyclical Laudato Si’.
Pope Leo XIV is encouraging us to discover God’s presence in creation and to feel responsible for our common home. Let us together pray through the video produced by the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, in collaboration with the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development.
Let us pray that, inspired by Saint Francis, we might experience our interdependence with all creatures who are loved by God and worthy of love and respect.
Lord, You love everything You have created,
and nothing exists outside the mystery of Your tenderness.
Every creature, no matter how small,
is the fruit of Your love and has a place in this world.
Even the simplest or shortest life is surrounded by Your care.
Like St. Francis of Assisi, today we too want to say:
“Praised be You, my Lord!”
Through the beauty of creation,
You reveal Yourself as a source of goodness. We ask You:
open our eyes to recognize You,
learning from the mystery of Your closeness to all creation
that the world is infinitely more than a problem to solve.
It is a mystery to be contemplated with gratitude and hope.
Help us to discover Your presence in all creation,
so that, in fully recognizing it,
we may feel and know ourselves to be responsible for this common home
where You invite us to care for, respect, and protect
life in all its forms and possibilities.
Praised be You, Lord!
Amen.
Watch the video www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7eIwa8f64g
This video was made by the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network: www.popesprayer.va/. in collaboration with Vatican Media: www.vaticannews.va/en.html and Click To Pray: www.clicktopray.org/
Source Irish Bishops Conference website
“Future generations will never forgive us if we miss the opportunity to protect our common home. We have inherited a garden; we must not leave a desert for our children.” Joint statement from Pope Francis, the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Archbishop Justin Welby of Canterbury.
This year’s Season of Creation has as its theme “Peace with Creation”, inspired by the passage from Isaiah 32:14-18; “My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.” In a world of challenges and division, marked by war and climate change, how can we as people of faith create and work towards peace with creation?
The Season of Creation has a special significance for the Catholic Church, particularly since the late Pope Francis established 1 September as an annual World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. The Season of Creation is marked throughout the Christian world from 1 September to 4 October (Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi) and celebrates the joy of creation as well as encouraging awareness-raising initiatives to protect the natural environment.
We hope that the following resources will help you and your parish community to celebrate the Season of Creation 2025. These resources are compiled by the Laudato Si’ Working Group of the Irish Bishop’s Conference and Trócaire. You can find further resources on the international Season of Creation website: www.seasonofcreation.org
Resources:
Other Useful Resources:
TROCAIRE RESOURCES
School resources for the Season of Creation 2025 are now available. There are assemblies for Primary and Post-Primary Schools, as well as child and youth friendly versions of our ‘Ribbons for Peace’ activity. You can access the resources on the Irish Catholic Bishops’ website and the Trócaire Season of Creation page.
If you would like further information on youth activities for this year’s Season of Creation, or are interested in school/youth workshops or talks for the year ahead, please do get in touch.
Kind regards,
Deirbhile
| Deirbhile Craven Church Youth Officer Trócaire, Belfast deirbhile.craven@trocaire.org |
Catholic Schools Week 2026 will run from 18th to the 24th January 2026
Catholic Schools – Normal Lives, Called to Holiness
“Holiness does not mean performing extraordinary things, but doing ordinary things with love and faith.”
— Pope Francis on Blessed Carlo Acutis
Introduction
Catholic Schools Week 2026 celebrates the extraordinary call to holiness in the midst of ordinary life. Inspired by Pope Francis’s reflection on Blessed Carlo Acutis—soon to be canonised as the first millennial saint—this year’s theme invites pupils, teachers, families, and parishes to explore the call to holiness as something both universal and accessible. Holiness is not for a few, but for all; not reserved for religious professionals or mystics, but for every student, teacher, parent, (and grandparent!) living each day in friendship with Jesus Christ.
Catholic schools exist to form individuals who know that their lives have a purpose and a calling. This year’s theme, “Normal Lives, Called to Holiness,” resonates with the central conviction that education is a path not only to knowledge and maturity but to sainthood.
“Each of us is called to be holy by living our lives with love and by bearing witness in everything we do.”
— Gaudete et Exsultate, 14
Key Theme: Everyday Holiness
This theme offers a meaningful opportunity to speak to children and young people about how God calls each of us to holiness in the concrete circumstances of daily life. It allows us to:
As Pope Leo XIV recently affirmed:
“The saints show us that holiness is not about escape from the world, but deep engagement with it in the Spirit of Christ.”
Daily Themes
Each day of the week reflects a different dimension of our call to holiness:
Monday: Called to Holiness through Prayer
Holiness begins with a relationship with God. Children will learn that prayer is the lifeblood of that relationship—from silent moments to joyful praise, from formal prayers to personal words shared with Jesus.
Tuesday: Called to Holiness through Love and Friendship
Holiness is lived in love of neighbour, in kindness, forgiveness, and friendship. Inspired by the words of Jesus, “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12).
Wednesday: Called to Holiness in Family Life – Grandparents’ Day
A cherished tradition, this day honours the vital role grandparents and elders play in passing on the faith and in showing how holiness can be lived over a lifetime. Pupils will be encouraged to show gratitude and celebrate their family roots.
Thursday: Called to Holiness through Service and Courage
Young people will explore how self-giving love and courage in the face of challenges form part of holiness. Stories of saints who served the poor, forgave their enemies, or stood up for what is right will be shared.
Friday: Called to Holiness through Joy and Mission
Holiness is not grim but joyful! The final day focuses on the joy of the Gospel and how young people are called to be missionary disciples who share Christ through action and word in the world.
Support Resources
Resources for Catholic Schools Week 2026 will include:
Pedagogical Integration
CSW 2026 aligns with the ethos of Catholic education and with current curriculum developments:
Conclusion
Holiness is not an achievement but a gift—a gift that God offers to each of us in the ordinary rhythm of our days. During Catholic Schools Week 2026, let us joyfully proclaim with Pope Francis: “Do not be afraid to be saints!”
Catholic schools are communities where every pupil can discover that their life matters, that they are loved by God, and that they are called to be saints—not in some distant way, but right now, today, in the classroom, the playground, and at home.
“The measure of holiness stems from the stature that Christ achieves in us, to the extent that, by the power of the Holy Spirit, we model our whole life on his.”
— Gaudete et Exsultate, 21
More information will be posted as available Declan
Source: Irish Catholic Media Office
Parishes across Ireland are invited to unite once more in a Day of Prayer and Reflection for for the suffering people of Gaza on Sunday 24 August 2025.
Archbishop Eamon Martin, said: “The Catholic Bishops of Ireland dedicated the month of June to prayer for, and solidarity with, the suffering people of Gaza.
“Heartbreakingly, since then, the situation has deteriorated further. Innocent lives continue to be lost, many of them children and families while hunger, violence and devastation tighten their grip on a people caught in the crossfire.
“Across the parishes of Armagh and Dromore I have published a pastoral letter that echoes the urgent appeals of Pope Leo XIV, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and the Heads of Churches in the Holy Land, for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages and respect for international humanitarian law. As Pope Leo reminds us, “Every human being has an intrinsic dignity bestowed by God Himself.”
“Ireland’s Bishops have condemned, in the strongest terms, the genocidal acts being carried out with the sanction of the Israeli government, actions that have led to the deaths of tens of thousands of civilians. Such disproportionate violence is described as “unconscionable… and immoral for world leaders to stand by inactively.” The ongoing suffering of hostages held by Hamas and the cruel withholding of their remains from their families is also acknowledged and unequivocally condemned. In the face of such darkness, this call to prayer is a call to hope,” Archbishop Martin said.
How Can We Respond?
On Sunday, all are invited to take part in 24 hours of prayer and reflection. Whether as a parish or in the quiet of your own home, please consider:
– Attending Mass and offering it for peace in Gaza
– Spending time in Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament
– Praying the Rosary for peace and justice
– Lighting a candle at home or in your parish church
– Making a small personal sacrifice or act of penance
– Reaching out to your political representatives to advocate for justice and humanitarian aid
– Supporting trusted aid organisations bringing relief to Gaza
Archbishop Martin concluded: “This is a moment for our nation to radiate the light of Christ into the darkness, a light of peace, of justice and of hope for our world. Let us stand together, as one body in Christ, for the people of Gaza and for all who long for a just and lasting peace in the Holy Land.”
Archbishop Eamon Martin is Archbishop of Armagh, Apostolic Administrator of Dromore and Primate of All Ireland.
LINKS
Pastoral Letter: www.armagharchdiocese.org/day-of-prayer-and-reflection-for-gaza-sunday-24-august-2025/
Youtube Message from Archbishop Martin: www.armagharchdiocese.org/day-of-prayer-and-reflection-for-gaza-sunday-24-august-2025/
Wednesday
Thanks to so many of you for your prayers for the success of our RE teachers Community Day starting at 9 .30 this morning. I hope there will be about two dozen present and I pray that our speakers Martina Purdy and Elaine Kelly will inspire them with their own faith journeys and insights into Celtic Spirituality for folk today. Tina has done the working lunch sandwiches etc so her early mornings work will feed the five thousand !! Charlotte and her team have the room all set up and will have the handout resource folders in each place for participants arriving. Noelle and her staff are so generous and hospitable they actually set a great example about the true nature of Catholic Education and its key values. Hold us in your hearts today that Gods work will help replenish faith and hope and that all leave blessed with renewed energy to share our faith with young people. Bless you and your family. Declan 👍👣
Thursday.
Thank you all so much for your kind prayers yesterday. Attendance was good for our day and the atmosphere was peaceful and reflective. St John the Baptist College received us with open hearts and amazing hospitality. Thanks to Noella and her wonderful staff. Charlotte had everything set up for us. Speakers and prayer together was really touching and inspiring. There was a real sense of God present to us in His Word , In His presence in each of us and as community there was Jesus amongst us as He promised. During our prayer we venerated a penal cross dating from 1760. And later a relic of St Oliver as it is his 400 th anniversary this year. I was so aware you were praying hard for us and I know your prayers helped us enormously. So may you too be blessed for your generous support and care for us. Food made up by Tina at an early hour was fab as always and appreciated for the break and later for lunch. These days are so important for realising your colleagues face the same issues and struggle with the same or similar choices. Often sadly lack of servant leadership can lead to the erosion of ethos and spirit. Many of us arrived with empty jugs, hopefully leaving our jugs were refilled and spiritually recharged. We were blessed too by four students from St Ciaran’s College who shared how they are involved in a charity that supports people with various life challenging conditions. I marvelled at their creativity and awareness that the Christian Message has to be lived. Full marks to them. You played an important part in all of this day by your prayers and wishes. I pray for all this you are greatly blessed. Declan. 🙏👣
Good morning Fr Declan
We wanted to thank you again for inviting us to address your programme of teachers and to say it was a great blessing for us. What an experience – to have the penal cross and the relic of Oliver Plunkett added to the amazing graces that flowed from you and the teachers and the much-needed prayerful Taize and scripture session. We felt truly welcome and lifted up and the hospitality was superb.
Thank God for you and for your generosity and the wonderful prayers.
Please be assured of our prayers for you and may God continue to fill you with his beautiful Spirit!
Much love
Martina and Elaine Rom 5:3-5
Feedback
Hello Declan
Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed today’s RE meeting. Our 2 speakers were wonderful and the whole ambience was great. A very uplifting day. Thank you for all that you do for us and have a lovely summer Deirdre. St Paul’s.
A class day!! Raving about it 💓 you are the best x. St Catherine’s College
Thank you for yesterday Declan. What a wonderful day. I hope that you had a great nights rest. God bless, 😘Susan
Was a wonderful day – I really felt a bit revived last night and ready to finish off the year. 👏🏻. St J the B.
Declan these are lovely. I have been inspired to have the blessed Sacrament adoration in our school chapel, after yesterday. Fr Barry Matyhew, our school chaplain was in with us this morning and he will help us with it. It will bring peace. Thanks again for yesterday. Maria St Pats Armagh
Well Declan- glad to hear all went well yesterday & the school girls got on well too 💪
No doubt all staff there have benefited- it is such a different type of day now – to be able spend a bit of quality time with other RE teachers. Hope you are keeping well & looking forward to the summer break as well. Take care Pascal. St Ciarans.
Well done Declan. I’m sure you were exhausted last night. Such a privilege to be back with colleagues Hope you have a chance to chill today xx. Roisin K.
Sent from my iPhone
Source: Vatican Media/ICN
“Peace be with all of you!” – the first words of Pope Leo XIV. The Conclave has elected Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost as the 267th Bishop of Rome.
The new pope was announced to the waiting crowds by Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti from the central loggia of Saint Peter’s Basilica:
‘Annuntio vobis gaudium: HABEMUS PAPAM Eminentissimum ac reverendissimum Dominum Robertum Franciscum Sanctae Romane Ecclesiae Cardinalem Prevost qui sibi nomen imposuit Leo XIV.’
Pope Leo XIV greeted the city of Rome and the world with these words at his first appearance as the Successor of Peter from the Central Loggia of St Peter’s Basilica:
Peace be with you! Dearest brothers and sisters, this was the first greeting of the risen Christ, the good shepherd who gave His life for the flock of God. I, too, would like this greeting of peace to enter your hearts, to reach your families and all people, wherever they are; and all the peoples, and all the earth: Peace be with you.
This is the peace of the Risen Christ, a disarming and humble and preserving peace. It comes from God. God, who loves all of us, without any limits or conditions. Let us keep in our ears the weak but always brave voice of Pope Francis, who blessed Rome – the Pope who blessed Rome and the world that day on the morning of Easter.
Allow me to continue that same blessing. God loves us, all of us, evil will not prevail. We are all in the hands of God. Without fear, united, hand in hand with God and among ourselves, we will go forward. We are disciples of Christ, Christ goes before us, and the world needs His light. Humanity needs Him like a bridge to reach God and His love. You help us to build bridges with dialogue and encounter so we can all be one people always in peace.
Thank you Pope Francis!
Thank you to my Cardinal brothers who chose me to be the Successor of Peter and to walk together with you as a united Church searching all together for peace and justice, working together as women and men, faithful to Jesus Christ without fear, proclaiming Christ, to be missionaries, faithful to the gospel.
I am a son of Saint Augustine, an Augustinian. He said, “With you I am a Christian, for you a bishop.” So may we all walk together towards that homeland that God has prepared for us.
To the Church of Rome, a special greeting:
We have to look together how to be a missionary Church, building bridges, dialogue, always open to receiving with open arms for everyone, like this square, open to all, to all who need our charity, our presence, dialogue, love.
Hello to all and especially to those of my diocese of Chiclayo in Peru, a loyal, faithful people accompanying the bishop and helping the bishop.
To all you brothers and sisters of Rome, Italy, of all the world, we want to be a synodal church, walking and always seeking peace, charity, closeness, especially to those who are suffering.
Today is the day of the Supplicatio [Plea] to Our Lady of Pompei.
Our blessed mother Mary always wants to walk with us, be close to us, she always wants to help us with her intercession and her love. So let us pray together for this mission, and for all of the Church, and for peace in the world.
We ask for this special grace from Mary, our Mother.
Hail Mary… [accompanied by the crowds in St Peter’s Square and around the world.]
Biography
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, OSA, Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, Archbishop-Bishop emeritus of Chiclayo, was born on 14 September 1955 in Chicago (Illinois, United States). IN 1977 he entered the novitiate of the Order of Saint Augustine (OSA) in the province of Our Lady of Good Counsel, in Saint Louis. On 29 August 1981 he gave his solemn vows. He studied at the Catholic Theological Union of Chicago, receiving a diploma in theology.
At the age of 27 he was sent by the Order to Rome to study canon law at the Pontifical Saint Thomas Aquinas University (Angelicum). He received priestly ordination on 19 June 1982. He received his licentiate in 1984, and was then sent to work in the mission of Chulucanas, in Piura, Peru (1985-1986).
In 1987 he was awarded a doctorate with the thesis: “The role of the local prior in the Order of Saint Augustine”. In the same year he was elected director of vocations and director of the missions of the Augustinian province of “Mother of Good Counsel” of Olympia Fields, Illinois, United States of America. In 1988 he was sent to the mission of Trujillo as director of the joint formation project for Augustinian aspirants in the Vicariates of Chulucanas, Iquitos and Apurímac. There he served as community prior (1988-1992), director of formation (1988-1998) and teacher of the professed (1992-1998). In the archdiocese of Trujillo he was judicial vicar (1989-1998), and professor of canon, patristic and moral law in the “San Carlos e San Marcelo” Major Seminary.
In 1999 he was elected provincial prior of the “Mother of Good Counsel” province, Chicago. After two and a half years, the ordinary general Chapter elected him prior general, a ministry again entrusted to him in the 2007 ordinary general Chapter. In October 2013 he returned to his province (Chicago) to serve as teacher of the professed and provincial vicar, roles he held 3 November 2014, when Pope Francis appointed him apostolic administrator of the diocese of Chiclayo, Peru, elevating him to the dignity of bishop and assigning him the titular diocese of Sufar. On 7 November he took canonical possession of the diocese in the presence of the apostolic nuncio James Patrick Green; he was ordained a bishop on 12 December, Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, in the cathedral of his diocese. He served as bishop of Chiclayo from 26 November 2015. In March 2018 he became second vice president of the Peruvian Episcopal Conference. Pope Francis appointed him a member of the Congregation for the Clergy in 2019, and member of the Congregation for Bishops in 2020.
On 15 April 2020, the Pope appointed him apostolic administrator of the diocese of Callao.
On 30 January 2023 Pope Francis appointed Cardinal Prevost as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and presidet of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.
Created and proclaimed Cardinal by Pope Francis in the Consistory of 30 September 2023, of the Deaconry of Santa Monica.
He was a member of: The Dicasteries for: Evangelization, Section for first evangelization and the new particular Churches; the Doctrine of the Faith; the Eastern Churches; the Clergy; the Institutes of Consecrated Life and the Societies of Apostolic Life; Culture and Education; Legislative Texts; The Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State.
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Archbishop Eamon Martin welcomes Pope Leo ( ICN)
With great joy, I welcome our new Pope Leo XIV. At the end of February I and the other Irish archbishops – Dermot Farrell, Kieran O’Reilly, Francis Duffy – met with him, and he came across as a humble and respectful listener, wanting to learn as much as possible about the Church in Ireland. He is a calm, affable and approachable person. He is a friend of Ireland and no doubt the Augustinian communities at home will be delighted with the news.
Pope Leo is a missionary at heart with a breadth of international experience and background – having ministered in three continents. His opening words about peace and ‘building bridges’ indicate that he wishes to work for reconciliation and unity in the Church and in the world.
Pope Leo’s choice of name suggests that a commitment to Catholic social teaching will be a hallmark of his papacy. Please pray for him. Saint Peter intercede for him. Our Lady of Grace watch over him.
I pray: God bless Pope Leo XIV. Pour out your Holy Spirit upon him with all the graces he needs to be a courageous and gentle shepherd. Fill him with faith, hope and love. May he govern with wisdom and fidelity to Christ and the Gospel. May he be an inspiring missionary of peace, healing and reconciliation in the world. Give him health and strength to do all that you ask of him. Amen.
Tomorrow morning, (Friday, 9 May), at the grotto in Lourdes, France I will use the name of Pope Leo XIV for the first time at Mass and pray for our new pope. I’m here on the Archdiocese pilgrimage and Mass is at 7.30am Irish time available on the Lourdes website: www.lourdes-france.org live at the grotto.
For students to look about Pope Leo’s family and life follow this link
https://abcnews.go.com/International/destined-pope-brother-leo-xiv-wanted-priest/story?id=121617183
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