Pope Francis has encouraged fathers to be a daily example of love and integrity for their children. Addressing the pilgrims gathered in the Paul VI Hall for the weekly General Audience, the Pope continued his catechesis on the family, reflecting in particular on the dignity and role of fathers. 

Referring to the Book of Proverbs which speaks of the joy and pride which fathers feel as they see their children mature in wisdom and rectitude , the Pope said these words sum up the demanding but indispensable role of fathers in the family and in society as a whole…

Nhar it-Tnejn 2 ta’ Frar 2015, l-Isqof Charles J. Scicluna, Amministratur Appostoliku, mexxa ċelebrazzjoni fil-Knisja ta’ Santa Tereża, Birkirkara, għar-reliġjużi rġiel u nisa, fl-okkażjoni ta’ Jum il-Ħajja Kkonsagrata.

Insellem liż-żewġ Isqfijiet reliġjużi, lill-Isqof għażiż Pawlu Cremona u lill-Isqof Adeodato Micallef. Tislima kordjali u mill-qalb lilkom ukoll, għeżież reliġjużi…

Pope Francis said Mass in St Peter’s Basilica on Monday afternoon, to mark the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord and the World Day for Consecrated Life – exactly one year ahead of the close of the Year for Consecrated Life, which opened on the First Sunday of Advent. 

The blessing of the candles preceded the Mass – the candles that are sign and symbol of that Light, which is Christ, Himself – and then the liturgy began with a candle-light procession into the basilica, as the choir intoned the antiphon: Christ, light unto the Nations, and glory God’s people,  Israel. 

The focus of the Holy Father’s homily was the virtue of obedience, keystone of the religious life…