(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis celebrated Mass at the Archbasilica of St John Lateran on Monday evening in a ceremony that included the ordination of a new auxiliary Bishop for the Diocese of Rome.
Listen to Christopher Wells’ report:
Pope Francis travelled across Rome to celebrate the Feast of the Dedication of St John Lateran – the Cathedral Church of the Diocese of Rome, known as the “mother and head of all the Churches of Rome and of the whole world.”
During the Liturgy, the Holy Father ordained Monsignor Angelo De Donatis to the episcopate. Bishop De Donatis had been serving as pastor of the parish of Saint Mark the Evangelist in Rome, and will now take up the duties of an auxiliary Bishop for the Diocese.
Pope Francis’ homily was based on the text prescribed in the Roman Pontifical for the ordination of a Bishop. The homily focuses on the role of a Bishop: “In the person of the bishop, with his priests around him, Jesus Christ, the Lord, who became High Priest for ever, is present among you. Through the ministry of the bishop, Christ himself continues to proclaim the Gospel and to confer the mysteries of faith on those who believe. Through the fatherly action of the bishop, Christ adds new members to his body. Through the bishop’s wisdom and prudence, Christ guides you in your earthly pilgrimage toward eternal happiness.”
The Pope reminded that new Bishop that he has been chosen by the Lord. “The title of Bishop is not one of honour but of function, and therefore a Bishop should strive to serve rather than to rule.” Bishops are called “[to] proclaim the message whether it is welcome or unwelcome; [to] correct error with unfailing patience and teaching [and to] pray and offer sacrifice for the people committed to your care and so draw every kind of grace for them from the overflowing holiness of Christ” … and especially, to “love all those whom God places in your care.”
(from Vatican Radio)…
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has granted the possibility of receiving a plenary indulgence for all the faithful taking part in the Jubilee marking the 800th anniversary of the Order of Preachers, better known as the Dominican Order. This includes those participating in celebrations both internationally and in each Dominican province.
The terms and conditions to receive the indulgence are described in the document sent by the Apostolic Penitentiary. Pope Francis has also encouraged all the priests of the Dominican Order to make themselves available to celebrate the Sacrament of Penance in all Jubilee places and frequently administer the Holy Communion to the infirm.
The Order began their year-long Jubilee celebration with a Mass in Rome’s Santa Sabina Church, located on the Aventine Hill. The church serves as the motherhouse of the Dominicans.
On Sunday, Pope Francis greeted the Dominicans who had gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the Angelus address.
“I greet the representatives of the Order of Preachers (Dominicans) who, yesterday, commenced the eight centenary of their foundation, that the Lord may bless them abundantly on this occasion. And many thanks for all you do in and for the Church.”
St. Dominic was born in 1170 in Caleruega, Spain. He and his companions adopted their rule of life in Toulouse in 1215. The Dominican family currently includes Friars, Contemplative Nuns, Religious Sisters, and associated laity.
(from Vatican Radio)…
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Monday received the President of Poland, Andrzej Duda, who subsequently met with the Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, accompanied by Msgr. Antoine Camilleri, under-secretary for Relations with States.
A statement from the Holy See Press Office called the discussions “cordial”, adding the Church’s positive contribution to Polish society was emphasised, also in view of the Holy Father’s planned visit to Kraków next year for World Youth Day.
The also spoke on various themes of mutual interest, such as the promotion of the family, support for social groups most in need, and the welcome of migrants.
Finally, some themes regarding the international community were discussed, such as peace and security, the conflict in Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East.
(from Vatican Radio)…
Today the Holy Father Francis received in audience His Excellency Andrzej Duda, president of the Republic of Poland, who subsequently met with His Eminence Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, accompanied by Msgr. Antoine Camilleri, under-secretary for Relations with States. During the cordial discussions, the Church’s positive contribution to Polish society was emphasised, also in view of the Holy Father’s planned visit to Kraków next year on the occasion of World Youth Day. Attention then turned to various themes of mutual interest, such as the promotion of the family, support for social groups most in need, and the welcome of migrants. Finally, some themes regarding the international community were discussed, such as peace and security, the conflict in Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East. [01929-EN.01] [Original text: Italian – working translation]…