Ministry

(Vatican City) Pope Francis has written to priests recalling the 160th anniversary of the death of the Curé of Ars, Patron Saint of parish priests around the world.

Pope Francis on Tuesday released a video message accompanying his prayer intention for October, which this month is "For the Church".
In his prayer intention for the month of October, Pope Francis says: "I renew the invitation to everyone to pray the Rosary every day in October, ending with the antiphon 'We fly to thy patronage' and the prayer to St. Michael the Archangel, to repel the attacks of the Devil who wants to divide the Church."

It has become the custom of Pope Francis to release a video message detailing his prayer intention for each month.

Dear Beatitudes, Eminences, Excellencies,

Dear Brothers and Sisters, and beloved Young People!

The past few months have been a tumultuous time for the Catholic Church. The Church has been in the news for all the wrong reasons.

In tandem with the letter of Pope Francis dated 20th August 2018, to the People of God requesting their solidarity in action on the crimes of abuse of sex, power and conscience, the Superior General, Fr. Michael Brehl, wrote to the Redemptorists of the various (V) Provinces, Regions and Missions across the world,requesting them to discuss the Pope’s Letter in their various communities and parishes, so as to come up with concrete suggestions and actions with regard to these grave sins against minors and vulnerable adults.

Pope Francis on Tuesday released a video message accompanying his prayer intention for July, which this month is "For priests and their pastoral ministry".

Bishop Peter Machado was installed as the new Archbishop of Bangalore on Thursday (31st May'18) at St. Francis Xavier's Cathedral, Bangalore.

Fr. S. Jayanathan, Vicar General, read out the Papal letter. The letter was also read by Fr Xavier Fernandes, representative of Vatican Ambassador, in Latin.

Pope Francis inserts the Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, into the Roman Calendar on the Monday following Pentecost Sunday.

The liturgical celebration, B. Mariæ Virginis, Ecclesiæ Matris, will be celebrated annually as a Memorial on the day after Pentecost.

The Holy Father wishes to promote this devotion in order to “encourage the growth of the maternal sense of the Church in the pastors, religious and faithful, as well as a growth of genuine Marian piety”.