John Ata

Retired computer professional, Secular Franciscan, Roman Catholic

[John Ata @Tanager21]

“Any act of war aimed indiscriminately at the destruction of entire cities of extensive areas along with their population is a crime against God and man himself. It merits unequivocal and unhesitating condemnation.”
#CatholicTwitter
https://t.co/HnY6bPXeE2

[Pope Leo XIV @Pontifex]

Europe as we know it, with its spiritual and moral heritage, is rooted in the lives and work of men and women who lived, preached, and shared the teachings of the Gospel. From this heritage, the moral foundations of the world in which we live have been handed down to us: principles such as the primacy of the person and the sacred and inviolable nature of human life; the protection of freedom; the primary importance of the family; care for the poor and those most in need; welcoming the stranger; and respect for the elderly. #ApostolicJourney #France

[Bishop Michael F. Burbidge @BishopBurbidge]

The world tells us that “more” power, popularity, prestige, and possessions will make us “great.” But, Jesus says: “The one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest.” Live selflessly and sacrificially for God and others and you will have a “great”day!

[Pope Leo XIV @Pontifex]

We cannot speak of #Europe without mentioning Christianity. Robert Schuman was well aware of this when he stated: “Christianity has taught that all people are equal by nature, children of the same God, redeemed by the same Christ, without distinction of race, colour, class, or profession. The universal law of love and charity has made every person our neighbour, and it is on this law that social relations in the Christian world have been based ever since.” #ApostolicJourney #France https://t.co/IkDJ3VwNGB

[Pope Leo XIV @Pontifex]

Invoking the name of God to legitimize violence or oppression constitutes a profanation of His name. Nothing that violates human dignity can claim authentic divine inspiration. Religious discourse must constantly call for hearts and words to be disarmed. #ApostolicJourney #France https://t.co/f5Q6CnXQZS

[John Ata @Tanager21]

From today’s Gospel: "Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. For the one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest."<Luke 9:48>

[Pope Leo XIV @Pontifex]

Serenity and joy can be found even amidst suffering, because God grants us the grace to look beyond our earthly horizon towards a more distant future of immeasurable happiness in God, which we are assured of attaining if we remain steadfast in faith and charity. The sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed in us (Rm 8:18). #ApostolicJourney #France https://t.co/2IzYe8OTyE

[Pope Leo XIV @Pontifex]

Here in Lourdes, the city of the sick and of hope, I appeal to the entire healthcare community to remember the profound meaning of your vocation, which is to care for a suffering person, not to eliminate that person. Be passionate servants of life! No one ever has the right to decide the life of any person. Medicine must never become the servant of programmed death! #ApostolicJourney #France https://t.co/gMbrY7eA6G

[Vatican News @VaticanNews]

Addressing authorities, civil society, and the diplomatic corps in France, Pope Leo XIV upheld the Catholic Church’s contribution to French society and stressed that “a truly free society does not impose uniformity but protects the diversity of consciences.”

[World Central Kitchen @WCKitchen]

One simple question: what does food mean to you? We asked five members of WCK’s team in Lebanon to share their answers. Hear what food means to them, in their own words. #ChefsForMidEast

[Catholic News Service @CatholicNewsSvc]

Before meeting with French bishops, Pope Leo stopped at a plaque featuring a quotation from a survivor of abuse. The pope was scheduled to meet privately in Lourdes with a group of victims of abuse by members of the church later in the day. (CNS photo/Vatican Media)

[Vatican News @VaticanNews]

The faithful attending Pope Leo XIV’s Mass in Lourdes share what the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes means to them and reflect on the significance of the Pope’s visit.

https://t.co/4vNumsSVkV

[Bishop Michael F. Burbidge @BishopBurbidge]

Jesus tells us to let our ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes,’ and our ‘No’ mean ‘No.” Keep your promises to the Lord. Living in such a way leads to spiritual growth and keeps us on the right path. Be who you say you are. Pray for the grace to live today and always with such integrity.

[Pope Leo XIV @Pontifex]

Mary comes to remind us of the greatness and richness of our calling to life, to eternal life. In the face of current trends that seek to redefine the value of human life in illness, suffering, and old age, the grotto of Massabielle stands as a place of Christian hope. Here, no one is turned away due to their frailty. #Lourdes #ApostolicJourney #France https://t.co/1xK4DO9AlN

[Pope Leo XIV @Pontifex]

The #GospelOfTheDay is a call to conversion, both tender and urgent. God wants us to live, to open our eyes, and return to Him. To repent is to leave the paths on which we lost our way, and to follow the Way of Life, opening our hearts to the sole joy that never fades.

[Pope Leo XIV @Pontifex]

Deepening and strengthening the life of faith within families is key to resolving many of the crises facing the Church and society. It is within families that we learn how to live together, respect others, accept diversity, support one another, be generous, give of ourselves freely, and embrace the spirit of sacrifice. Perhaps this is our main challenge: that Jesus may live fully in the families of French Catholics and illumine them with His presence. #ApostolicJourney #France

[John Ata @Tanager21]

From today’s 2nd reading: “Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his own interests, but also for those of others.” <Philippians 2:3-4>

[Pope Leo XIV @Pontifex]

Our Lady of Lourdes, the Immaculate Conception, Mother full of love, we entrust to you our most urgent personal intentions, especially those of the sick and suffering. We entrust to you our living and deceased loved ones. We pray that you will remove all the obstacles that still separate us from your beloved Son. May He may reign in all hearts. Amen. #ApostolicJourney #France

[Sister Helen Prejean @helenprejean]

Christa Pike suffered repeated child sexual abuse. Her early life was marked by abuse, violence, and neglect. Her trial lawyer never explained the impact of this abuse to the jury that convicted her and imposed a death sentence. This is not justice. https://t.co/8XfKnnVkdv

[Pope Leo XIV @Pontifex]

Jesus Christ, through His Incarnation, comes to meet every person in the midst of their own story, and reveals Himself as the true source of living water capable of quenching our thirst. This thirst that dwells in every human heart is not so much a thirst for material things, but a thirst for meaning, truth, and fulfilment. Jesus responds to our profound desire for relationship and communion with God, in whom the fullness of life forever resides. #ApostolicJourney #France https://t.co/X2EYktU5qW

[Vatican News @VaticanNews]

Addressing France’s synodal assembly, catechumens, and newly baptized Catholics, Pope Leo highlighted the growing number of adults approaching the Catholic faith, which "may seem paradoxical" against "the backdrop of a society like that of France, which is marked by a deeply secularized culture."