Opus Dei

About 1700 years ago, an African named Athanasius was bishop of Alexandria in Egypt. Even though he eventually died in his own bed surrounded by friends and fellow members of the clergy, his life consisted mainly in suffering persecution for his faith in Christ.

In this month’s intention, the Holy Father thinks especially of priests “when loneliness weighs heavily, when doubt clouds their hearts, and when exhaustion seems stronger than hope.” He prays that they might rediscover that “they are not mere functionaries or lonely heroes, but beloved sons…and pastors sustained by the prayer of their people.” Likewise, he invites the entire community to care for them through being near, sincere listening, and constant prayer, recognizing that they too need to be supported

In his prayer intention for this month, Pope Leo invites us to pray that no one might lack the food they need and that we might learn to live more responsibly, recognizing that the earth’s resources are a gift for everyone. He also encourages us to awaken a new awareness—one capable of gratitude, sharing and caring for others, thus promoting a culture of solidarity.

The holy women went to the tomb on Sunday morning. Two angels appeared and said, “Why look among the dead for someone who is alive? He is not here. He has risen!”

I write this to thank God, for hearing and granting my request through the intercession of his servant Isidoro Zorzano.

In nine months we will celebrate Christmas. The early Christians remembered the day with special solemnity and called it the Feast of the Annunciation, recalling how God sent Saint Gabriel to a young woman in Nazareth. The angel announced: “Mary, do not be afraid! You have won God’s favour. Behold, you are to conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you must name him Jesus.”

Saint Josemaria is the first pilgrim to Fatima raised to the altars. The story of Fatima as it impacted his life, and also the life of Saint John Paul II.

She left Chiclayo to study abroad and never went back home. Life had other plans, taking her all the way to Cameroon, where she has spent 21 years doing what so many people do in their own countries: bringing a spirit of holiness to everyday work and sharing Saint Josemaría's message. Patricia tells us what it was like to experience Pope Leo XIV's recent apostolic journey to a young nation where the Church is very much present and alive.

On the feast day of Blessed Álvaro on 12 May, we share this account of grace that a married couple attributes to his intercession after years of struggle and suffering. Their story is a testimony of trust, faith, and gratitude.

In his 6 May general audience, Pope Leo XIV continued the catechetical cycle on the Second Vatican Council, speaking about the dogmatic constitution “Lumen gentium” and the eschatological dimension of the Church.

The path to ‘disarmed and disarming’ peace lies in listening, understanding, expressing oneself sincerely, seeking common ground, and avoiding oversimplifications. This is the last editorial in the ‘Combat, closeness, mission’ series.

You already know that your phone and social media accounts affect your life, but how are you affecting the digital world? Are you a force for good?