POPE PRAISES COURAGE OF WOMEN WHO HAVE MOVED AWAY FROM THE MAFIA
Pope Francis greeted a group of Italian women who have turned their lives away from organized crime, and encouraged them to persevere without fear, knowing that Jesus is always by their side.
Pope Francis on Monday welcomed to the Vatican a group of Italian women who have decided to move away from their families involved in organized crime, and to join the "Libera" network against the mafia. They were accompanied by Fr. Luigi Ciotti, an Italian priest who founded the association in 1995.
The organisation promotes the use of land and assets seized from criminal outfits to set up local cooperatives, anti-drug projects and community centres, as well as seeking to provide employment for those side-lined by organised crime.
It includes associations, cooperatives, social organizations, schools, unions and churches which have joined in an effort to challenge the power of corruption and organized crime, while promoting social justice and human rights. READ MORE:
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-10/pope-praises-courage-of-women-who-have-moved-away-from-the-mafia.html
CARDINAL PIZZABALLA CONSECRATES HOLY LAND TO IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY
In the midst of the war between Israel and Hamas, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, consecrates the Holy Land to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, performed an Act of Consecration of the Holy Land to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, on Sunday, 29 October, the Solemnity of the Virgin Mary, Queen of Palestine and the Holy Land.
Celebrating Mass in the Marian Shrine of Deir Rafat, the Patriarch consecrated the Church, all humanity, the peoples of the Middle East, and especially the people of the Holy Land to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
In the Act of Consecration, he invoked Mary's help amid the war gripping the Holy land.
He prayed that she might watch over those who suffer, flee from bombardments, or have lost family members in the war.
"We now knock on the door of your heart," he prayed. "We are your beloved children. We are confident that, in the most troubled moments of our history, you will not be deaf to our supplication and will come to our aid."
Fading fraternity
Patriarch Pizzaballa prayed that the Blessed Mother will guide world leaders and those who decide the destiny of nations, so that they might decide according to justice and truth, and work for the common good.
He recalled Mary's words to her Son Jesus at the Wedding at Cana: "They have no wine" (Jn 2:3).
"Now, O Mother, repeat those words, for in our own day we have run out of the wine of hope, joy has fled, fraternity has faded," he said. "We have forgotten our humanity and squandered the gift of peace. How greatly we need your maternal help!"
The Act of Consecration took place during Mass at the Marian Shrine of Deir Rafa, and included a procession with the icon of the Virgin Mary, Queen of Palestine.
Increasing death toll
According to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza, over 8,000 people have been killed, including 3,500 children, in Israeli strikes on Gaza since 7 October when Hamas attacked Israel, killing over 1,400 people. READ MORE: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2023-10/patriarch-pizzaballa-holy-land-consecration-immaculate-mary.html
CARDINAL PAROLIN REAFFIRMS VATICAN'S COMMITMENT TO PURSUE PEACE IN UKRAINE
The Holy See expresses support for the Ukrainian President's "Plan for Peace" especially in regards to humanitarian issues. It also a reaffirms its commitment to continue its efforts aimed at alleviating the sufferings of the Ukrainian people and the return of prisoners and children to Ukraine.
Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin reaffirmed the Holy See's commitment to contribute to the alleviation of the sufferings of the Ukrainian people who have been subjected to war with Russia for the past 18 months.
In particular, Cardinal Parolin said he upholds a Plan for Peace presented by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, especially in regard to humanitarian issues and he pledged to pursue efforts aiming to return prisoners and children to Ukraine.
Talks on Ukraine's plan for peace took place in Malta on 28 and 29 October with the participation of more than 65 countries. Russia was not invited. READ MORE: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2023-10/parolin-holy-see-peace-plan-ukraine.html
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