“Let us go to Jesus, knock on Jesus’ heart, and say to Him, ‘Lord, if You will it, You can heal me.’” – Pope Francis.
“We are at a Kairos, a turning point, a time of opportunity,” said Archbishop Eamon Martin on Divine Mercy Sunday.
"We encourage all Catholics to make time during the season of Advent to celebrate and receive the gift of God’s love in the Sacrament of Reconciliation” – Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference.
“We, at MECPATHS, remain fixed in our efforts to reach out to hotels, to reach out to offer supported learning to hoteliers and the hotel industry to make a difference” – JP O’Sullivan.
We are challenged to become Missionaries of Mercy and Ambassadors of Reconciliation
A special liturgical reception was hosted at St Mary’s Pro Cathedral in Dublin to formally welcome 60-year-old Nigerian, Archbishop Jude Thaddeus Okolo, the first African priest to hold the Church’s most senior diplomatic role in the State.
The characteristic of mercy is to witness to Jesus whose love has always been superabundant and gratuitous, says Archbishop of Dublin
“Having Cardinal Schönborn present [at Limerick conference] will be an opportunity to get the deepest insight yet in Ireland into the Pope’s new and more merciful direction on the family” – Jessie Rogers.
Help me, O Lord, that my ears may be merciful, so that I may give heed to my neighbours’ needs and not be indifferent to their pains and moanings.
At the annual Chrism Mass, Dr Nulty said he was “acutely aware of the ... strains that exist ... where the age profile of the priesthood continues to rise, and where sometimes even to organise relief cover is next to impossible”.
The breath of God’s life “saves us from this asphyxia that dampens our faith, cools our charity, and strangles every hope”.
Prefect of the Vatican’s new Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life has said he believes Pope Francis’ visit to Ireland will change some of the negativity here towards the Catholic Church.
Archbishop Diarmuid Martin warns representatives of the legal establishment: “A political or judicial system which betrays or undervalues the equality and the dignity of all, betrays its calling and betrays humanity.”
Archbishop Eamon Martin said he had been told about people of all ages who are reaching out in love and charity to the poor and needy, to the sick and elderly, to the anxious and the troubled.
Audience came at the end of formation course for new bishops organised by the Congregation for Bishops and the Congregation for the Oriental Churches.
Alan O’Mara, author of ‘The Best is Yet to Come: A Memoir about Football & Finding a Way through the Dark’, will speak about his own mental health experiences.
"In Lourdes we learn that happiness can well be found in those who have little to offer in worldly terms.”
Panama City to host next World Youth Day gathering in 2019 - Pope Francis tells over one million young pilgrims that he is not sure if he will be there but that Peter certainly will.
"A pilgrim and a tourist may follow the same itinerary, but the pilgrim is on a sacred journey in which God is encountered through people, places and situations.”
"For these young people this is an adventure but there is also obviously a real commitment – they could be going elsewhere but they have decided to give one week to this.”
In the current climate of mistrust, Focolare's message of dialogue and unity has a vital role to play in forging "bonds of understanding" between people says Focolare Co-director.
A Holy Door of Mercy will be opened in Mount St Alphonsus for the nine days of the Novena.
“Everywhere we go we want people to have a special moment with him. When I watch people praying in front of the Saint’s relics I can see that something is happening to them; some are crying, others look so relieved.”
“Looking back on it now, such an idea doesn’t take into account the mercy of God who created these children in his own image.”
Outpouring of devotion by thousands of devotees expected in Cahir, Killarney, Knock, Sligo, Dublin, Longford, Derry and Armagh.
"Let it not be said of us that we were stingy or miserly in showing mercy to others in this Year of Mercy."
"Mercy can help mitigate life’s troubles and offer warmth to those who have known only the coldness of judgement."
“Pope Francis doesn't set out to change the teaching of Jesus or say that in life’s choices anything goes; yet he constantly reaches out to those who find that teaching hard.”
“Don’t just prepare your rucksacks and your banners – but your hearts and minds as well”.
Bishop Denis Nulty of Kildare and Leighlin will open the Novena tonight and will preach a homily on ‘Lord, Have Mercy’.
