During the month of June 2024 Pope Francis’ intention is:for migrants fleeing their homes. We pray that migrants fleeing from war or hunger, forced to undertake journeys full of danger and violence, find welcome and new opportunities in the countries that receive them. During the month of July 2024 Pope Francis’ intention is:for the pastoral […]
Cemeteries used to be called churchyards, because that’s what they were – a place near the church for deceased parishioners. Like St Paul’s image of the body, the burial ground is an ‘earthenware vessel’ holding the treasured remains of people whose lives have been part of the life of the parish. It’s hallowed ground, a sacred space.
Jesus said to his disciples: 9 ‘As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love.
The tradition of dedicating the month of May to Mary came about in the 13th century. The reason is that this month in the Northern Hemisphere is the time when spring is at the height of its beauty. Spring is also connected with nature renewing itself.
During the month of May 2024 Pope Francis’ intention is:
for the formation of religious and seminarians.
We pray that religious women and men, and seminarians, grow in their own vocations through their human, pastoral, spiritual and community formation, leading them to be credible witnesses to the Gospel.
In the Old Testament reading for the Thursday after Ash Wednesday, Moses speaks to God’s people. He speaks about being good, of loving God and of keeping his commandments. If God’s people do this he says, ‘the Lord your God will bless you in the land which you are entering to make your own.’ In the Gospel Jesus speaks of the hardship of being his follower.
In the evening of that same day, the first day of the week, the doors were closed in the room where the disciples were… Jesus came and stood among them… Eight days later, the disciples were in the house again and Thomas was with them.’ [See John 20:19-31]
Easter Sunday, the Resurrection of the Lord – John 20:1-9
1 On the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark. She saw that the stone had been moved away from the tomb.
The Day of Prayer for Family Life is celebrated on the Feast of the Annunciation, which usually takes place on 25 March, nine months before Christmas. When it falls during Holy Week, it is usually moved, as in 2024, with an observance on 8 April.
During the month of April 2024 Pope Francis’ intention is: for the role of women. We pray that the dignity and immense value of women be recognised in every culture, and for the end of discrimination that they experience in different parts of the world.