Church and police authorities and non-government organizations (NGOs) came together recently in the Vatican under the Santa Martha Group headed by Cardinal Vincent Nicholas to discuss and share their experience and listen to each other. They discussed greater cooperation in combating the global scourge and horrific crimes of human trafficking of vulnerable people into modern slavery.
May 1, 2018
I have discovered
that a buttercup has five petals,
that several colors enliven a patch of moss
that grass comes in near-infinite variety
and that a swift-flowing stream sings
with an astonishing range of voices
I came to know these things
when I slowed my walking pace
chose a narrow path with many turnings
May 1, 2018
O Mary, you are praying for us,
you are always praying for us.
We know it, we feel it.
Oh what joy and truth,
what sublime glory,
in this heavenly and human interchange of sentiments,
words and actions,
which the rosary always brings us:
the tempering of our human afflictions,
the foretaste of the peace that is not of this world,
April 30, 2018
O God, Creator of the universe,
who extends your paternal concern over every creature
and guides the events of history to the goal of salvation,
we acknowledge Your fatherly love
when You break the resistance of mankind and,
in a world torn by strife and discord,
You make us ready for reconciliation.
Renew for us the wonders of Your mercy;
April 29, 2018
Risen Lord, You heal our
broken hearts and give us peace.
Help me to be a source of encouragement
to those troubled by pain and suffering.
Loving Jesus, Your abiding presence gives us hope.
Help me to be a loving presence to others.
April 28, 2018
Let me pause as I begin this new day to give it to You, Lord.
Before the tumult of activities breaks in;
before breakfast plates crash through my still sleepy mind;
for this last moment in my bed, thank you, Lord.
April 27, 2018
In my new parish assignment, I am blessed to have met wonderful ladies who were named after our Blessed Mother. I would like to share my experience with them.
Nana Maria
April 27, 2018
Risen Lord, Your grace and love are all I need.
Help me to do Your will today.
You are the bread of life that satisfies my life.
Help me to be more attentive
to the health of my spiritual life.
You have blessed me with the gift of life.
Help me to use this precious gift to share
your hope, joy, compassion and love in the world.
April 26, 2018
Loving God,
We believe You live among us
and the place where You are is Holy Ground,
We know You love all peoples and that their
ways and lands are also Holy.
Help us to discover all Your wonders in their
faith, their lives and their stories.
Send us Your spirit, and we will listen,
learn and meet You in Your
Holy Ground.
Amen.
April 25, 2018
Lord Jesus Christ,
who are called the Prince of Peace,
who are yourself our peace and reconciliation,
grant us peace.
Make all men and women witnesses of truth,
justice, and brotherly love.
Banish from their hearts whatever might endanger peace.
Enlighten our rulers that they may guarantee
and defend the great gift of peace.
The Columbans are a society of missionaries, including priests and lay people, who minister to people of various cultures as a way of witnessing to the universal love of God.