‘I am writing to all the churches to declare to them all that I am glad to die for God, provided you do not hinder me. Let me be the food of beasts that I may come to God. I am his wheat, ground by the teeth of beasts to become Christ’s pure bread.’ (St Ignatius of Antioch)
‘I thank God for the regular rhythm of our Sunday Eucharists, when ordained ministers take the baptised faithful by the hand to lead them into the repeated experience of the Paschal Mystery.’ (Pope Francis)
‘Artificial intelligences do not undergo experiences, do not possess a body, do not feel joy or pain, do not mature through relationships, do not know from within what love, work, friendship and responsibility mean.’ (Pope Leo, MH 99)
'How can we avoid receiving the Lord in a routine manner?' Fr Adrian Graffy reflects on the gospel reading for the Feast of The Body and Blood of Christ. @whatgoodnews https://t.co/4ouWGmhWtr
‘In its voyage across the ocean of this world the Church is like a great ship being pounded by the waves. Let us stand fast in what is right and prepare our souls for trial.’ (St Boniface)
‘The gospel is not a truth that fears diversity but instead welcomes and guides it. It does not eliminate conflicts but transforms them, uniting that which history tends to scatter.’ (Pope Leo, MH 25)
‘Africa has been washed by the blood of these new martyrs, Saint Charles Lwanga, Matthias Mulumba Kalemba and their companions. Africa is reborn free and independent.’ (St Paul VI)
‘What we are waiting for is what he promised: the new heavens and new earth, the place where righteousness will be at home. Live lives without sin so that he will find you at peace.’ (2 Peter 3)
‘Lord God, in a wonderful way, through the folly of the cross, you taught your martyr Justin the surpassing knowledge of Jesus Christ. Ground us firmly in the faith. (Opening Prayer)
‘God is above all things, through all things, and in all things. He is above all things as Father, through all things through the Word, and in all things in the Holy Spirit.’ (St Athanasius)
‘Mary is the handmaid of the Father who sings his praises. She is the friend ever concerned that wine is not lacking in our lives. She understands our pain. She is a sign of hope for those who seek justice.’ (Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium 286)
'Do I understand that faith is essentially trusting in God who loves and saves me?' Fr Adrian Graffy reflects on the readings for Trinity Sunday. @whatgoodnews https://t.co/GdMlRxy68A
‘The story of the Good Samaritan is the model for the Second Vatican Council. The attention of our Council has been on human needs. More than any others the Church displays a new humanism. We honour mankind.’ (St Paul VI)
‘You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a consecrated nation, a people set apart to sing the praises of God, who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.’ (1 Peter 2)
Pope saint Gregory wrote to Augustine: ‘Who could fully tell the joy that has sprung up that the race of the Angles (the English), through the grace of God, and your labours, has had the light of faith poured out on it, and darkness driven away?’
St Philip Neri founded the Congregation of the Oratory in Rome. He had a particular care for students of the English College, many of whom would be martyred when they returned as priests to England. He was a joyful preacher of the gospel.
‘We proclaim the most blessed Mary Mother of the Church. This is a title not new in Christian piety. It is by this title that the faithful and the whole Church address Mary.’ (Pope St Paul VI)
Seven weeks ago we celebrated the Resurrection of the Lord. At Pentecost, fifty days later, the Church received the Holy Spirit. We have lived through Easter. We take Easter with us. Alleluia.