Despite risks, Iraqis want Pope Francis to go ahead with visit
- Mar 4, 2021
For many religious families across the United States, the coronavirus has disrupted their most anticipated traditions – the rites of passage that mark their adolescent children’s full entry into their congregations.
With increasing numbers of people confined at home with no access to Mass or confession, pastors everywhere, Pope Francis included, have turned to some little-known, or at least little-used, concepts and practices, including “spiritual communion,” indulgences and general absolution.
Chris Stefanick is an author, speaker, and television host. His reality TV show, “Real Life Catholic,” videos and radio spots reach millions of people each month.
Pope Francis on Wednesday said that the sacrament of Confirmation is a gift meant to be shared with other people, both inside and outside of the Church, which he stressed is not only the hierarchy, but is made up of all baptized faithful.
The Holy Spirit helps Catholics to do good works by giving them the gifts they need to be effective ‘salt and light’ in the world, Pope Francis said at the general audience Wednesday.
A Latin-rite diocese in New Hampshire has begun the process of restoring the reception of the sacraments to the traditional order of baptism, confirmation and first Holy Communion. The goal is to make sure Catholics understand that formation in the Catholic faith is “lifelong.”
In the Sicilian archdiocese of Monreale, where the village of Corleone made famous in ‘The Godfather’ is located, Archbishop Michele Pennisi has decreed that mob bosses may no longer serve as godfathers in baptisms or sponsors for confirmations.
Even the pope has crises of faith. Pope Francis told a small group of recently confirmed youths that the difficulties of life may sometimes cause doubt and darkness but if you pray and are patient God will rekindle your faith.